Daytime Drinkers Leave Vine in a Mess

Yesterday's sunshine was a welcome relief to most after weeks of rain and an apparent absence of summer.

However, some of those who took the opportunity to enjoy the pleasant weather were not so concerned about how their actions would effect others.

In warm weather the Vine Cricket ground attracts many who come to sun bathe, play games or just sit and enjoy the pleasant surroundings. While most of those who visited yesterday left the ground as they found it there were a number who chose to leave their mark.

Alcohol bottles and cans were left strewn around in places while others even brought (and abandoned) barbecues. Neither of which are permitted on the Vine.

By the end of the day all of the many bins around the ground were filled to overflowing. It is not clear if these were empty and the beginning of the day or whether they had yet to be emptied from the Olympic Torch Parade festivities on Friday.

Fines for littering are hard and expensive to enforce, especially at a location like the Vine, so it falls to the general public to treat the ground with respect and the council to clean up after those who don't.

Council Denies Terror Planning

Daniel Whitmarsh, Communication and Consultation Manager for Sevenoaks District Council, has denied claims that council staff have been preparing to respond in the event of a terrorist attack on the Olympic Torch Relay on Friday.

He says:
"There is absolutely no truth in the story..." and "Tomorrow we will be stewarding the event and as a matter of course our staff and 200 volunteers will wearing high vis clothing."

While the council have sent two messages asking for the original article to be removed we do not believe in censorship but in open discussion of the facts.

We are not aware of any threat to Sevenoaks or the Olympic Torch Relay and have no reason to believe there is anything for people to worry about.


However, we received information from a reliable source so either planning for a potential terror threat was an element of preparations for Friday or staff were inadvertently lead to believe that it was.

Due to the secretive nature of any discussions about such threats the public are always the last to know and potential public panic is always used as an excuse to keep things secret. The problem with this is that it then becomes impossible for the public to trust the word of those in authority and even means their statements will be questioned even when they are telling the truth.

Regardsless, Sevenoaks Newswire will be attending the Olympic Torch Relay in Sevenoaks tomorrow.

District Council Prepared for Terrorist Attack

UPDATE: Council responds to this article

Workers at the Sevenoaks District Council offices in Argyle Road have been told not to book meetings or appointments for Friday 20th July when the Olympic Torch comes to Sevenoaks so that they can all be available in the event of a terrorist attack.

Staff have been issued with high visibility jackets to wear if an attack happens, presumably because they will be asked to direct members of the public away from the event or to medical help etc.

No information is available at this time as to whether an actual threat exists as no warnings have been passed on to either the public or organisations preparing to be present on the day. Whether the council has received any intelligence from counter terrorism forces or is just making prudent preparations also remains to be seen.

While Sevenoaks seems an unlikely target for terrorist action local MP Michael Fallon is in a very high ranking position within the Conservative Party and could, potentially, attract interest from terrorists. We have yet to receive confirmation of whether Michael Fallon will be attending the event.

Note: Sevenoaks Newswire has no information to indicate an attack is either likely or expected. If you have any concerns about this event please contact the relevant authorities for up to date information.

Cricket Everyday at the Vine

Sevenoaks Vine Cricket Club is holding its annual Cricket Week this week on the Vine.

Weather permitting there will be cricket matches every day starting between 11.30am and 1pm. There are evening matches starting at 6pm on most days too.

The general public are fully welcome to come and watch all matches. Barbecue food will be available in the afternoons and the Vine Pavilion bar will be open all day.

A selection of real ales still remain from the Sevenoaks Lions Club Beer Festival at the weekend and will be available until they run out.

Beer on the Vine 2012 - Beer Festival

Edit: These are the details for the 2012 Beer on the Vine Event
See Here for this year's event

On Friday 6th July (5pm - 10pm) and Saturday 7th July (11am - 10pm) the Lions Club of Sevenoaks will be holding their annual beer festival at the Vine cricket pavilion.

There will be over 25 beers and ciders. Food will also be available.

Entry is £4 (CAMRA members £2) includes Festival Tankard

Further info from Roger Hope 01732 810197