Daffodils by the gateLamb with room to run.Headcorn High streetHyacinths at back doorKentish farm house in winter
THE WEALD OF KENT PROTECTION SOCIETY
ISSUES & EVENTS
The Society runs a number of events during the year some of which are open to non-members. If you would like to attend, please apply for tickets to Administrative Committee
Eira McIntosh, Society Secretary Tel No 01233 756238.

Apple Orchard in Spring

STOP PRESS

World Premiere of a film about the Weald of Kent
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


WATCH THIS SPACE

WKPS TO HOLD NOVEMBER 2010 GALA FILM PREMIERE IN CRANBROOK

Members! Don't miss this special event, unique in a year of celebrations marking the 50 th anniversary of the founding of the WKPS


The first Thursday in November will see the World Premiere of a film about the Weald of Kent , commissioned by the WKPS. It will be the final event in a programme of celebrations that have taken place over the spring and summer this year to mark the 50 th anniversary of the Society.
 
Biddenden
Apple blossom in the garden of England
Windmill at Cranbrook
Hops for kentish beer

The first public meeting held by the Society was in the autumn of 1960, at which the film “A Journey into the Weald of Kent” was screened. This was a lyrical 23 minute colour documentary narrated by John Betjeman and made for National Benzole Petroleum Ltd.
To mark the 50 th anniversary of WKPS, the Society's Council agreed last year to commission a new 30 minute documentary as a part of its 50 th anniversary celebrations, to be made by students in the area. It would show life in the Weald of Kent in the early years of the 21 st century and look at the changes that have taken place there during the 50 year life of the Society, as seen through the eyes of young people who live there. In some respects it would also highlight those things that the Society fights to protect and preserve, and the two documentaries could be seen together as two snapshots taken at different times in time of the life of the Weald.
Students at Cranbrook School were invited by the Society to make the documentary and, during the spring and summer this year, a team of young filmmakers has been touring the Weald filming material and interviewing local residents. Society Vice-President Adam Nicolson kindly agreed to narrate the new film, which will also feature music specially composed, arranged and conducted by Cranbrook School 's Head of Music, Malcolm Riley.
Following a group of young people cycling through the Weald, the new film illustrates the changing nature of farming and the pattern of settlements and community life in our area. They discover what has happened in our villages, with the closure of local shops and the gradual demise of traditional local businesses (such as blacksmiths and bakeries), the ever increasing mobility of the population, housing problems, the growing dominance of the motor car (including the construction of the M20), the High Speed Rail Link and the conversion of barns and other old commercial and agricultural buildings into dwellings. The documentary also recognises the positive influence of the WKPS in helping to keep alive and protect the unique character of this very special place.

This new documentary will be given its premiere in the Queens Hall at Cranbrook School on Thursday 4 th November at 7.30pm. As well as the first public performance of the new film, the original 1960 documentary “A Journey into the Weald of Kent” will also be screened, and it will be interesting to compare the young filmmakers' view of the Weald today with that of the filmmakers of 50 years ago.

Tickets to the Gala Premiere are now available from the Society Secretary for £5 each, which includes admission to a drinks reception prior to the screening, and the chance to meet the filmmakers. The new documentary will also be available on a limited edition DVD, together with the original John Betjeman film from 1960, plus other bonus material. Members ordering it with their tickets to the premiere will be able to purchase this at a special reduced price of £8 (the usual price being £10 + postage) for collection on the evening.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to see on a cinema screen a new documentary about the Weald of Kent, commissioned by the Society, filmed by young local filmmakers and narrated by Adam Nicolson. An order form for tickets is enclosed with the next issue of “Watch on the Weald”.

 

Please click this link to download the order form to purchase tickets for the Premiere

Please click this link to download the order form to purchase the DVD

 
Forthcoming Events
We will shortly be posting the dates and details of all 2011 Events
 

Cole Wood
Cole Wood in Charing is a 12 acres mixed semi-ancient broadleaved wood dominated by sycamore with ash, oak and beech supporting a mixed vegetative community that was left to the Society a few years ago in order to manage it primarily in the interest of wildife. 

We are always looking for volunteers to help manage the woods, e.g. making log piles, cleaning out bird boxes etc and if you feel you can offer some of your time then please contact the Society Secretary, contact details can be found on the Officers page.
 
 
Kentish Hall House  
The Society's aim is now, and always has been, to protect and enhance the rural character of our Wealden villages and countryside.
 
   
   
 
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