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50 environmentally-conscious volunteers, armed with litter pickers and hi-visibility vests, rolled up their sleeves and tackled the litter on the verges in Shorne, near Gravesend, collecting over 80 bags of litter. The blitz kicked off on Sunday 10th March, when Shorne Councillor Lisa McCluskey led a team of 8 volunteers through the streets and play area in Shorne West. On Saturday 16th March, a huge team of 30 volunteers, including Gravesham MP Adam Holloway, gathered at Shorne Village Hall, before fanning out to all points of the village in search of litter.  The main effort was supplemented by a small team of volunteers led by Russell Cooper who tackled fly tipping and litter in Shorne Ifield, another 7 volunteers who were unable to make it on the Saturday so did their bit earlier in the week, and a team of 3 volunteers who cleaned up through Thong the next day. At the same time, a team of 20 volunteers from Chalk, led by local resident Julie Merritt, attacked the streets and verges of Chalk, while Cobham Parish Council organised a team of 22 volunteers who picked the streets and lanes in Cobham and Sole Street.  To close the loop, Shorne volunteers joined hands with their Chalk counterparts at the entrance to Thames View Crematorium on Gravesend Road, and handed over to the Cobham team at Halfpence Lane. Bob Lane, Chairman of Shorne Parish Council and organiser of the Shorne litter patrol, praised the efforts and enthusiasm of all the volunteers who took part.  “This is the 9th major litter pick we have carried out in the last 4 years, and it just goes from strength to strength,” said Bob.  “To have this number of volunteers, as well as a considerable number of others who were disappointed not to be able … Read more

END OF AN ERA, AS THERESA DECIDES TO CALL IT A DAY. It is with sadness that we have to have to report that Theresa Martin, Shorne Parish Council’s Clerk, has announced her decision to retire after 33 years of faithful service with the Parish Council. In that time, Theresa has seen many councillors come and go, and has brought a sense of continuity to the Parish Council. Loyal to the end, Theresa has agreed to continue until we have found a suitable replacement, and to help her successor settle into the role. Theresa’s last ‘official’ engagement will be her attendance at the Civic Service and reception on Sunday 30th June, but no doubt we will see her from time to time afterwards. We are sure that all councillors, past and present, wish Theresa a long and happy retirement.