News | Current News

Thank you to editor James Hunt for the March Iwade Observer currently winging its way to the printers. Also to the contributors without whom there would be no Observer. Click here to be one of the first to read your March Observer online...

Zumba's Sarah Johnson is having to reassess Iwade's Friday evening 6pm-7pm Iwade Village Hall Zumba class due to numbers. This Friday 17th February is make or break so why not head down and boost numbers so we can keep our Zumba class!

Resident Heidi Girdler has problems with slabs coming off the lower roof of her Wards Romney house and is interested to see if any other residents have the same issue? If you do you can email Heidi at heidi.girdler@talktalk.net.

Thank you to resident Andrew Rose who informs me that Sky have announced their move to provide superfast broadband from the Sittingbourne exchange out to Iwade. You can read the press release or register your interest here to get an early installation as Andrew did!

According to a source, The Street is now open again after Southern Gas Networks dug a hole and realised that they don’t own the pipes so can’t do the work! Much ado about nothing!

Thanks to Editor Tara Kent, Distribution Manager Val Pugh, to the Delivery Team (brrrrr) and all the contributors this month for getting the February Observer to the printers and to residents' doormats. Email James Hunt at jc_hunt@btinternet.com with your input to the March 2012 edition.

The Parish Council has received a donation of 100 bags of salt from County Councillor Mike Whiting. Volunteers were sought from residents to spread this salt in the event of extreme weather, to try avoid the problems the village encountered last year during the heavy snow falls. This salt is for use on pavements and the highway, not for private driveways.

Site Plans and details of Hillreed Planning Application SW/11/1537 relating to Outline permission SW/08/1127 for 187 properties adjacent to School Lane and round to and behind Coleshall Cottages will be on display at Iwade Village Hall from 7-7.30pm on Wednesday 8th February 2012.

Click on the image to read the new Woolpack menu starting 1st February 2012. Menu will be published on woolpackiwade.co.uk shortly...

Earn Extra Cash showing an Avon brochure to family and friends and covering your own allocated roads in Iwade Village. No Outlay!....Free Brochures to get you started!.....Earn up to 25% commission on your sales! .....work the hours that suit you, so fits in around your current lifestyle. Lots of roads in Iwade that need to be covered urgently!

There was a house burglary in Grovehurst Road Iwade when the owners were out for only 20 minutes. Lock up carefully and if you know of anything regarding this burglary call the local Police number 101.

From 30th January 2012 it will be necessary to close The Street Iwade for up to 8 weeks for gas mains replacement between the junctions with School Lane and Sanderling Way. During the closure, traffic will be unable to drive all the way through Iwade using The Street. The signposted alternative route will be via Ferry Road, Sheppey Way, Grovehurst Road, the A249 Iwade By-pass and Sheppey Way.

All Saints church, Iwade, part of The Six, a team of six local churches, would like to hear from everyone with a short online survey. The survey allows you to tell them what you think about the church, what they do well, what they could do better and what other things they could be doing. With just 9 questions why not help All Saint's Iwade plan for the future.

Nicholls Transport are intending to submit a planning application to relocate to the land north of Swale Way between the A249 and the Sheerness trainline. The Parish Council are concerned about the huge impact on the A249 and noise levels in Iwade. Have your say at Iwade Village Hall to Nicholls on Wednesday 18th January between 3.30pm and 8pm.

After being rocked by their first defeat of the season, Iwade needed to get back to their winning ways to stay on course for promotion and Ditton certainly made them work hard for it. Click on the picture to read the full match report courtesy of Kevin Friend...

If you are walking around Sheerstone watch out for open drains as drain covers have been stolen. Call the non-emergency local police number 101 if you have any information...

Iwade Parish Council have asked me to inform you of a Recycling Consultation deadline for response Thursday 9th February 2012. Go to www.kent.gov.uk to find out more or read the letter to the Parish Council by clicking on the KCC image. You can email hwrcconsultation@kent.gov.uk with any comments.

Iwade Parish Council have kindly passed on information regarding the tv switchover from analogue to digital taking place in 2012. Click on the image to go to the digitaluk website where you can find out more and when your postcode will be switching. The Mansfield Drive Iwade results said "Using the Bluebell Hill transmitter, switching over in two stages on 13 Jun 2012 and 27 Jun 2012." but if you still use an analogue tv signal or know someone who does check the postcode to find out more.

Did you mean to claim for your superfast broadband subsidy and it didn't make it to the top of your To Do list? I can relate to that! Well Iwade Parish Council are asking that you make your claim sooner rather than later. Click on the image to find out how...

Various crimes have been committed over the Christmas period in Sheerstone according to Kent Community Messaging so do be vigilant still in Iwade. Click on 'more' to read the full details and call the local police on 101 to report any information you may have.

The previously reported closure of The Street Iwade due to have been from 3 January 2012 has now been postponed. A new date has yet to be finalised, but it is likely to be from 30th January 2012.

Sylvia Francis at All Saint's Church has asked me to let you know that tea towels depicting our lovely village of Iwade and All Saint's Church are still available. You can buy yours for £3.99 by calling 07802 419 498 or pop in to 38 The Street.

Medway Model Flying Club who fly near Iwade gathered at the Walnut Tree Club in Gillingham on 14th December to present a cheque for £1059 to the Kent Air Ambulance. The money was raised throughout the year with raffles, boot-sales, swapmeets, bbqs and a lot of hard work by club members.

The new Sittingbourne News Extra hit the streets on Wednesday 14th December. The paper was launched by The KM Group to fill a gap in the market following the closure of the East Kent Gazette and is on sale for only 65p.

Iwade Allotments are in the January issue of Grow your Own and have received an extremely useful donation of compost from local company Countrystyle so thank you very much on behalf of Iwade Allotment Association.

Complete with free presents from Santa, plate-decorating, cookie-decorating, a great raffle, sand bottles, tuck shop, refreshments, letter to Santa, photos with Santa, and that's just from memory, the Iwade School Christmas Fayre was a great event where parents, teachers, children and the community entered into the festive spirit to raise money for the school.

It's been another successful year in karting for Iwade's Jack Evans. The aged 11 pupil from Westlands School in Sittingbourne has just competed in the Henry Surtees Commemorative Meeting at Buckmore Park and won by over 5 seconds.

The Iwade Parish Council inform me that Swale have some essential repair loans available in accordance with their Housing Assistance Policy. Click on more to find out just that about the policy and whether you or someone you know qualifies.

The KM Group have announced that they will be printing a new newspaper for Sittingbourne to replace the East Kent Gazette whose last edition will be today.

Click on the image to read the draft Environmental Permit for the Ridham Biomass Power Plant which if granted will receive and treat waste wood (expected 205,000 tonnes per annum). This will generate 200,000 MWh of electricity, with around 90% being exported to the National Grid. Feedback to the Environment Agency required by 16th December to Environment Agency, Permitting Support Centre, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Parkway Business Park, Sheffield, S9 4WF or by email to alan.dengate@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Thank you to everyone who has kept an eye out for the Nolans' lost African Grey Parrot. It is now safely back with its owners thanks to a chap in Saxon Walk who found it in his garden. Phew. Not sure it would have coped well with this English weather we're having!

Fantastic fund-raising from Iwade Calendar Girls whose Calendar Girls' event packed out the Woolpack on Saturday 19th November. Linda Wren and co have raised £3,897 once all the money's in and are hoping to raise £4000 for Mesothelioma.

Our Iwade representative on Kent County Council, Mike Whiting would like to pass on a message about salt, grit, Icelandic banks, the bus shelter and finger posts! Click on more to read Mike's message to Iwade residents...

Ickle Pickles hoped to raise over £200 on Friday for Children in Need with 'Shave our Chef' (Adrian Williams pictured), a Design your own t-shirt competition, a spotty day complete with teddy bear's picnic and spoty Pudsey cookies

Is it a) iguana b) Iwade c) igloo ... ?! Find out in your December Iwade Observer now online before it's even hit the printing press! Thanks go to Gemma Coleman this month our new Editor, to Sarah Smith Photography for the front cover image and to all the contributors.

Iwade Rainbows are a unit full of keen girls but they need a leader. Can you help? Have you been a guider and would like to return to the movement or do you have spare time on a Monday and are willing to train as a leader.

From Monday 14th November 2011 you will be able to call 101 for non-emergency calls to the Kent Police. Callers will not be put through to a national call centre but will be connected to their local neighbourhood officer, team or relevant department.

Representatives from 10 local Parish Councils attended two meetings in the summer to share concerns about the public consultation held earlier this year to determine future development in Swale over the next 20 years.

Overnight on 2nd/3rd November 6 dogs were stolen from a property in Iwade. If you have seen a black male labrador (about 8 years old), a female liver and white English Springer Spaniel (2 years old), a black and white male ESS (2 years old), a female golden cocker spaniel (2 years old), a female tri-colour cocker spaniel (2 years old) who recently weaned her pups or a 2 year old female blue roan cocker spaniel or believe you know where they are call the police on 01622 690690. Note that some of these dogs are chipped.

Congratulations to Gavin Marsh and Window-Tech on the relaunch of their new website wthi.co.uk. Think Window-Tech Home Improvements and you'll remember the initials wthi.co.uk. Window-Tech are based in Iwade and advertise in the IwadeVillage.co.uk Directory so once this article has dropped off the page you can still find them here. Check out their new website to find out more about the services they offer.

Congratulations are in order for Jack Bailey and Nathan Jarrett who at just 14 years old have achieved their Referee badges. Brilliant achievement boys and two more referees into the pot for Iwade Herons FC!

Iwade Allotment Association's success in Kent Village of the Year Environment category was reported on thisiskent.co.uk with a brilliant picture of allotment holders down at the site. Click on the image to read all about it.

Iwade Herons Uner 14's are seeking one or two more experienced players for Division 1 Maidstone Boys Primary League games on Sunday mornings. Training is on Saturday mornings in Iwade.

As always you read it here first. November's Iwade Observer is now online thanks to all the contributors and to this month's editor James Hunt. Now printed it should be making its way to Iwade residents' doorsteps in the next week or so. Click here to read it online or click on the image...

According to Mid Kent Swale Police and Swale Neighbourhood Watch, there have been bogus Children in Need collections in Swale. Two males aged 45 and 20 have been door knocking collecting for Children in Need and Scope. If you want to donate to a charity it is advisable to donate at your bank or building society or donate online where you can be sure the donations are correctly distributed.

Winner of the new Ward Homes development naming competition Sophie Coleman and four friends were invited to open Kingsferry Place on Tuesday 18th October 2011.

Congratulations to the Iwade Allotment Association whose allotments won Iwade a runner-up prize in the Environment category of the 2011 Kent Village of the Year competition.

So IwadeVillage.co.uk is on twitter at @IwadeVillage. Click on more to find out who else to follow in Iwade...

The Iwade Herons Under 9's (that's School Year 4) are looking for a Goalkeeper. If you are interested or know someone who is then contact Simon Beard at simon.iwadeherons@btinternet.com or on 07411 847 065

According to Neighbourhood Watch and the Police, last week's power failure was caused by an electricity cable being cut from a pylon, in the process electrocuting a 4-year old horse valued at £6000.

A Springvale family with 2 sad children lost their cat about a week ago (around 20th September). Cat Mia is black, brown,and ginger with a red collar and pink love heart tag. If anyone has seen Mia please could you telephone Nikki on 01795 476739.

After some heated discussions about when to have Halloween in Iwade this year the general consensus seems to be for Monday 31st October. If you're on fb the Discussion Board makes for interesting reading! Obviously you can do what you like but do try to respect those houses that don't do Halloween and only trick or treat at those with a lit pumpkin. Have fun!

Thank you to Dave Wastall for reporting on the Church Cycle 2011 (take it with a pinch of salt, particularly 'churches close by'! - really Dave?!). Click on more to read the full report, makes for an interesting read...

The October Iwade Observer is now available to read online thanks to editor Tara Kent and this month's contributors. Read all about it!

If you have followed IwadeVillage.co.uk since way back when you may remember a story about Freya Quested who was born on 20th December 2004 and was promised a role in the 2012 Olympics as part of a London Children's Promise scheme.

Two garages in School Lane Iwade were broken into overnight on 14th, 15th September although it is not clear if anything was stolen. If you have any information please contact your local police on 01622 690 690.

Saturday 10th September saw the Iwade Herons Under 9's play their first game of the season against Barming Youth and win with a convincing 4-0 1-0 victory. Well done team and thank you to manager Simon Beard for providing a match report. You can also read how the Under 18 Colt's got on thanks to Coach Ian Lucas

Swale Borough Council will be announcing their 20 year Local Plan in a few months, and as a result Iwade and other rural areas may spread out over surrounding fields. Swale R.A.H.M. (Residents Against Housing Madness) have formed, made up of Parish Councils, residents and Campaign for Protection of Rural England to endeavour to get the best outcome for rural areas in Swale.

So Iwade this is not personal sponsorship we're asking for, we're asking you to sponsor your church, you know that beautiful old building opposite the pub! Click here to sponsor the Iwade Cycle team who will be cycling around Kent churches this Saturday 10th September to raise money for All Saint's Church Iwade and Friends of Kent Churches.

Everyone loves the Woolpack but we love it even more now it's had a makeover! New vintage red décor, food available every day from an exciting new menu including 2 for £10 meals and bottles of wine starting at £7.49. Find out more at their new website woolpackiwade.co.uk.

Repetitive car break-ins in Iwade this week and items stolen from buildings in School Lane Iwade. Contact Kent Police on 01622 690 690 if you have any information. Since this article was published there was also a break-in in Monins Road where a mountain bike and power tools were taken and someone was seen on a motorbike taking pictures of cars.

Thank you to Hillreed Homes Project Manager Chris Cooper who has kindly updated us on the work they are undertaking in the fields next to School Lane recreation ground.

The September edition of the Iwade Observer is now online thanks to its contributors and volunteer editorial team. It was Tara and Nicola's turn this month. Lots of features and some details on who to call if there's an odour (apt if you had your windows open yesterday!). Click here or click on the image to enjoy. And when this article has gone you can find back issues of the Iwade Observer on the News page.

The Sheerness Scottish Heather Club who meet at Iwade Village Hall on a Friday evening (not in August) are looking for new members and welcome complete beginners. You don't even need a partner and it's only £2.50! Click on more to find out what they have to say...

Both the Under 16's and the Under 18's need players for the 2011-12 season starting in September. Click on more if you are interested or know of anyone who may be...

Mark and Liz Burgess at the Woolpack are making lots of great changes to your friendly local that will make the Woolpack even better than it is is already!

Sittingbourne Speedway have two events in their September calendar to which they would like to invite Iwade residents just asking that you make a donation to their chosen charity on the day.

Welcome to Puddle Ducks run by Angela from Evergreen Close Iwade who is offering Iwade residents 10% off their first term of baby swimming classes with Puddle Ducks. Click on more to find out just that... more!

Resident Janet Gregory is asking for you to play your part in fighting the move to develop more houses in Iwade over the next 15 years. Click more to read what she has to say.

If you love receiving your Iwade Observer would you like to be part of the volunteer delivery team? The Iwade Observer cannot survive without volunteers and we are currently looking for someone to deliver to Ferry Road, The Street, Plantation Court, Grovehurst Road, Church Mews, Saxon Place and All Saint's Close. Contact Janet Gregory on 01795 435955 or at janetgregory117@btinternet.com if you can help.

A group of residents from Sanderling Way are questioning the fees the Sanderling Way area residents in Ward homes pay to OM Property Management, the majority of which would appear to be spent on administration. Click on more to read what the residents have to say.

It's that time again when the Kent Village of the Year competition opens, each year in a different format. This year villages are being asked to submit up to 5 exemplary community activities.

Thank you to all those that attended Iwade Rock 2011 on Saturday 23rd July. The event was a huge success with over 400 people attending and some coming from as far as Swanley and Tonbridge to join in the fun.

If you've had trouble finding us in google trouble no more. Just google Iwade and we're right at the top. Happy surfing!

Did you know we have water voles in the Iwade stream and that they are fully protected by law in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (amended 2008). So says Debbie McNamara our friendly Environment Agency contact. Click more to read what she has to say on the subject...

On Saturday 15th July Mayor Ben Stokes judged Iwade's first Prettiest Garden Competition, selecting a winner, runner up and third place from twelve nominations.

The IwadeVillage.co.uk relaunch party at the Woolpack on Tuesday 12th July celebrated the new IwadeVillage.co.uk website with a visit from the Mayor, a birthday cake and a glass of wine.

A big thank you from Friends of Iwade School to all of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters! With your help we brought in more than £2000!

Thank you to the Environment Agency for sending us the latest Odour fact sheet, aware that odour problems still exist for residents. Click on the image to view the Information Sheet.

According to the Sittingbourne Messenger seven illegal immigrants were found in a truck carrying flower supplies on Thursday 7th July. Six of the men were captured but one escaped. Click on the image for the full story.

Contact Nicola at advertising@iwadevillage.co.uk or on 01795 439892 or 07738 828 308 to talk about options to advertise your business with us. Prices from £5 upwards if you pay by standing order so why not give us a call.

Iwade has two walks in the Explore Kent Walking Festival now open for bookings through Explore Kent. There's more information in the What's On Calendar list view about when and where. Receive a free bag with a bottle of water and pedometer! Or check out the Explore Kent website.

Digital inclusion is the new thing so if you know anyone over 50 who could benefit from some basic Information Technology training click on more.

Our news correspondent Amanda Hurrell who publishes Iwade news in the local press community pages took a trip out to the annual summer band concert. Click on more for her story...

Public consultation has begun on the Environment Agency’s draft decision to issue an environmental permit for an energy from waste plant at Kemsley.

Following last week's article about planning on the Iwade Village Hall site, Iwade Village Hall have now published the results of the village-wide survey included with your Iwade Observer earlier this year. Your survey said...

The weekend of Saturday 25th June saw All Saint's Church Iwade adorned with flowers for our biannual Flower Festival. Click more to see the pictures and read the thank yous...

Those of you in Iwade who get your milk delivered by the New Road Dairies Sheerness milkman may now understand why you have not been receiving your milk.

Read it here before it's even hit the printing press. Click on the image to read your July 2011 Iwade Observer. Are those your village clean-up feet?!

Chantelle Williams, previously of Body and Sole Dance Academy with classes at Iwade School, is pleased to announce that she will be running a Glee Musical Theatre Summer School.

In its sixth year this year's Iwade Village Clean-up saw the best turnout yet with community spirit and cake to-boot.

Congratulations to the Iwade Herons Football Club who have been awarded the Charter Standard and is your child starting in Reception in September?

If you are interested in Iwade School Holiday Club this summer then contact the School office to get a leaflet. Pupils and non-pupils welcome.

Iwade Village Hall Committee have submitted a planning application for 10 properties on the current hall site to raise money for a new hall.

Former Chair of Iwade Parish Council and resident of Coleshall Farm for many years Peter Wilks was given the title of "Honorary Freeman" of the Parish of Iwade at the Annual Parish Meeting 2011 chaired by new Chair Stephen Plumb.

Currently Kent Community Health NHS Trust provides services from Iwade Surgery. Notice has been served on this contract and over the next 9 months will be handed over to a new provider. To help with any questions you may have please click on 'read more' to read the FAQ courtesy of Iwade Health Centre.

Michelle's School of Dancing runs dancing classes at Iwade Primary School on a Thursday after school. Currently the classes are 4 to 5.30pm for ages 2 and a half to 6 and 5.30pm to 7.15pm for ages 7 +. Places available this term and incorporate ballet, tap and jazz so why not contact Michelle on 07957 350205 for more information.

You can contact Kent Fire and Rescue to book a free home safety visit on 0800 923 7000. The visit takes approximately 30 minutes and may save your life. Any equipment fitted is free and may include a smoke alarm or even a fire safety device for the visually and hearing impaired, as well as other special gadgets for example if someone is getting forgetful about turning off the cooker.

In particular Under 16s all positions, an Under 9 goalie and Under 10s and 11s for the 2011-2012 season but all interest welcome, contact Jo Simms on 01795 477821 or 07597 947 226 or by email at ifcsecretary@hotmail.co.uk and she will put you in touch with the right person.

Swale Community Safety Partnership would like to know your community priorities so why not click on the image to complete a short online questionnaire and tell them. If they don't know they can't help! Click on the image to complete the online questionnaire