The Pembury Society

The first was by Sean Furey, a director of the Kent branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England. Kent, he informed us, has the largest membership of any county group (60,000) apart from Cumbria/Lake District. There are, however, a lot of issues in Kent that need monitoring by a group such as this and the larger the membership the more influence the group has. Current issues included the proposed rail depot at Barming, the lorry park for 'Operation Stack', and the controversy of Lydd Airport versus the proposed Dungeness C reactor at Dungeness power station.

Nearer to home they are keeping an eye on 'back garden development' that is worrying many people in West Kent and the improvements to the A21. He acknowledged that CPRE sometimes comes across as against all development in rural areas, but he assured us this is not so and they do appreciate that things must change, but not without careful consideration.

After coffee, Roy Brazier from 'Pepenbury', the home for adults with learning difficulties in Cornford Lane, gave a very informative talk about the work they do there. He explained about changing attitudes since the home was originally founded in Larkfield 80 years ago. The move to Pembury came when they were compulsorily purchased to make way for the M20. He explained how the clients now make their own choices and if they want to live in the community and if this can be achieved with support, then that is what happens. Some people prefer the sheltered environment offered by the home, and that is OK too. The home runs several work related schemes, including catering for local functions and a scheme for helping people get suitable employment. There are also the coffee shop and plant stall both open to the public every weekday. He also mentioned the social side and how Pepenbury has close links with a similar home in France.

Pepenbury considers itself part of Pembury but, because it is tucked away down a country lane, it sometimes feels a bit isolated. We all know that 'Pepenbury' exists but this talk gave us an opportunity to learn more about what actually goes on there.'

Kathryn Franklin