Birchington Parish Council Magazine Spring 2014 by CommunityAd

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Spring Edition 2014

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Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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This is the second year of publication of the new Parish Council Community Magazine, this year marks the centenary of the commencement of hostilities in Europe and the beginning of the First World War, Quex Park here in Birchington played its part and like the Parish Council is marking the event by holding exhibitions and services during the year. This magazine will also be printing photographs and historical features in further editions. We must never forget those that gave their lives during this and subsequent wars. Cllr. Bill Furness Editor Off Licence Frozen Food Newspapers Magazines

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Contents

Letter from the Chairman

Report from KCC Roger Latchford

Ann Barnes Police Crime Commissioner 8 Cllr Linda Wright

Quex Park Revisited

Council Contacts

What’s On

Birchington Residents’ Association

Cover photo: Quex Park, Birchington

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PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES A big thank you goes out to all the local businesses that have advertised and supported the Birchington Parish Magazine.

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To advertise please call Maria on 01843 834160

Published by Community Ad Web Ltd 01843 834160 email info@communityad.co.uk web www.communityad.co.uk The views expressed in any published content are solely those of the contributors. The Publishers and Birchington Parish Council accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in the publication. The contents of this magazine including images may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, downloaded or displayed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Birchington Parish Council and/or Community Ad Web Ltd. Unless otherwise specified, the authors of the literary and artistic works in the pages in this magazine have asserted their moral right pursuant to Section 77 of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of those works. The Publishers reserve the right not to publish a submission or part of a submission that they consider defamatory or otherwise inappropriate for publication.

Birchington Parish Council

COUNCIL

NEWS

Letter from the Chairman

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Birchington Parish Council

Due to lack of use, the monthly bus transport to the crematorium will cease to operate. The last funded journey will be on 30 March 2014. After careful consideration and based on data submitted to us by TCTA, the Parish Financial Committee felt it was not cost effective to continue to run this service at the current levels and have therefore removed it from this year’s precept.

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Plans are already in place for the following: • A Model Railway Exhibition on Saturday 11th October 2014 that promises to be even better than the last, if that is possible. • A commemoration day of World War 1 on Sunday 3rd August marking 100 years since that sad and dreadful war was declared. Also, plans to ensure a strong Birchington presence at La Chapelle d’Armentieres on 11th November. Finally, your Councillors have set your precept, that will allow Birchington Parish Council to continue its undiminished support of our youth, local clubs, events, improve our CCTV and Christmas Lights and also maintain the quality of life in our Village during these stringent times. Nevertheless, we have still been able to reduce our precept. Cllr. Dr Jack Cohen Chairman Birchington Parish Council.

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Christmas was a delight in Birchington and the additional Christmas Lighting installed by your Parish Council looked lovely as dusk arrived. The originality of the silhouetted Nativity Scene produced by Pipeline and our youth was eye catching and carried sincerity in its message. A very fine effort for which we were grateful and impressed. Station Road had a wonderful benign and generous atmosphere reflecting the spirit of the moment. A highlight was the candle-lit service at All Saints and I have never seen the packed Church more breathtakingly beautiful. Although the New Year is yet young, Birchington Parish Council has already established a comprehensive programme of events.

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BIARA is a club for people who are 50 years old and active in mind and body. The club holds Sport Mornings on Wednesday & Friday from 9.30-12pm, price £2, at the Centre in Birchington for Table Tennis, Short Mat Bowls, Snooker & Pool Tables, Board Games and Darts only on Friday morning. There are Keep Fit classes held on Monday & Tuesday afternoons at the Scouts Hall for 1 hour each starts at 2.15pm price £2.50 and there is a Craft class at the Centre on Monday afternoon at 2pm price £2.50 at which you do your own thing. On an every second Tuesday afternoon in the month the Club hold a Table Tennis afternoon at 2pm Price £2.50. During year we have lunches, holidays and anything else we can think of. At the moment Membership Subscriptions are £7 per year. 5

COUNCIL

Report from your

Royal British Legion Birchington Branch

Kent County Councillor First of all I would like to wish all residents of Birchington a very Happy New Year, and also to thank you for your confidence in electing me to represent you in Kent County Council. The first six months have been an extremely busy period as KCC must make significant savings in its Budget due to an extremely large cut in its Government grant. A draft Budget has been produced and was debated in the Council on the 13th Feb. As the leader of the largest opposition Group in KCC , we are addressing those areas of most concern which we will raise in debate along with proposed amendments identifying where savings can be made to ensure that key frontline services are not affected.

Closer to home I am delighted that a promise I made at the Election, that a Pedestrian crossing from Dog Acre to the Library would be installed. It has been achieved, funded from my Highways Grant, I hope that this crossing will make life safer and better for all our residents. I have also been able to fund eighteen replacement trees following the recent storms which caused so many to be removed. Following the recent very bad weather inevitably potholes will appear on our roads, KCC are ready to repair any areas as soon as they are reported, if you have any concerns please contact me. Roger Latchford OBE KCC Member for Birchington and the Villages

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Birchington is proud to have an active and thriving Branch working hard for the Royal British Legion (RBL). An essential part of our work is raising money for the Poppy Appeal. in 2012 nationwide the RBL raised £82million through donations, legacies and the Poppy Appeal, I am proud to report that our Branch raised over £10,000. A huge success and a tribute to all involved in its organisation and collections, for which we thank you. At our Annual General Meeting held recently, the election of Officers for the coming year are once again the same Chairman Roger Latchford OBE, Vice Chairman Brian White, Treasurer Clinton Sear and Secretary Mrs Jan White. At this time our Armed Forces are going through a very difficult time, probably, more so than ever before, with resources stretched to the limit, overseas commitments and the uncertainty of the future. The defence cuts are savage, Regimental loyalties and traditions being destroyed by politicians that do not understand what a Regiment or Corps means to those who serve their Country in that family, the sad return of those killed in Afghanistan and then we read that the repatriation ceremonies should have a lower profile in order to make war more palatable to the Birchington Parish Council

British public. Tell that to the families. Many have returned with horrific injuries they need your help, please support our annual poppy Appeal so that we can help them. On Monday 11th November our Branch paraded in la Chapelle de Armentiere along with our French veterans and civic dignitaries where wreaths were laid at memorials and by the graves of those who have fallen We organise a boot fair at regular intervals and if you have something you no longer need we will collect otherwise come along and buy at our next sale, we have many treasures just waiting for you. Lastly, the Branch, meets in the Seaview the fourth Thursday of every month at 7.30pm, we welcome all ex-military and their wives, and families of ex-servicemen, come along and join us we look forward to your company . Roger Latchford OBE (Lt Col Retd) Chairman

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COMMUNITY

Police and Crime Commissioner Hello all! I am now into my second year as your Police and Crime Commissioner so in the absence of a visit to Birchington yet, I hope these words will do for now. As your Commissioner, I am charged with reflecting your views on policing while holding the police to account, making sure they deliver an effective and efficient service. Kent Police has had to deliver significant savings over the last three years but people still want visible community policing so how do we do this with reduced funding? Police are often seen as the solution for all matters but things like parking on double yellows are the responsibility of partner agencies. In December I held a conference where I discussed this with councils from across Kent and we are now working hard to make sure the right agency deals with the right issue, and to explore innovative ways of increasing police presence with less money. My priorities for 2014 include: • Focus on victim services: I aim to open a Kent’s first Victims’ Centre and support organisations that help victims; • Youth Commissioner: This is an important role to help our work in 8

crime prevention in secondary and primary schools; • Improving partnerships: Community Safety Units - and Birchington’s Community Warden Liam Doogan – do fantastic work and I shall continue to support them; • Mobile Police Stations: these tie in with my plans to increase visible community policing. To find out when they are in Birchington, visit www.kent.police.uk/Your_ Neighbourhood Finally, Kent’s new Chief Constable Alan Pughsley is determined as I am to ensure Kent Police is an open and transparent force and I am sure you will see us both in the next few months. I will be in Margate on May 7th, doing one of my Surgeries, so if you have a burning issue you’d like to discuss, please get in touch in the ways below. Email: contactyourpcc@pcc. kent.pnn.police.uk Post: Office of the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner, Kent Police Headquarters, Sutton Road, Maidstone ME15 9BZ Phone: 01622 677055 Birchington Parish Council

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COUNCIL

NEWS

Things you didn’t know about… Councillor Linda Wright Linda is currently employed at ASDA, she was born in the East End of London and previously worked most of her life as a dental nurse/ practice manager in the NHS as well as the private sector, some of these were celebrity practices. Among their clients were Stewart Granger and family, Princess Margaret, King Faisal, The Beatles and she has had dinner with George Harrison, Franco Zefferelli, Allon Delon and many more, not forgetting Billy Butlin. She has a son Timothy and a partner named Gary. She had to give up this occupation to become a carer for her mother which lasted over 20 years. She was also a volunteer at St Joseph’s Hospice and was involved in various fund raising there, twice for Thames Telefon when they hijacked Regent Street one year and raised over £10,000 that weekend. She ran the London Marathon raising money for Thanet’s Carers Voice charity. She has

also been fortunate enough to meet the Queen and Queen Mother. Besides politics her hobby is her dog and she has collected autographs since she was 12 years old and her collection includes Johnny Ray, Cary Grant, Mickey Rooney, Liberace and also saw the original Miss Bluebell do some film work. She kayaks, body boards and is involved with the marine conservation project and organizes the yearly beach clean at St Mildred’s Bay, sometimes even gets time to see her long term partner Gary. Linda is also one the Thanet District Councillors for The Villages Ward which covers Acol, Manston, St Nicholas at Wade, Monkton and Minster.

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We are only half way through winter and already we have had an enormous load put on Kent Highway Services. I believe this will only get bigger as we haven’t had the cold weather yet. When it comes to reporting faults, I would like to recommend that you use the online fault reporting tool. You can use this for anything highways related – lights; potholes; blocked gullies; fallen trees; road signs etc etc. It costs you nothing; you don’t have to wait on the phone; you can get a confirmation that your problem has been logged; you can see if the problem has already been reported and you can track what’s happening with problems that you reported previously. This is how I and my fellow wardens report road issues. It’s very seldom now that we report by phone. It is accessible 24/7 just like the telephone. Those without computer access may still telephone. Call 03000 418181 or look for “fault reporting” or “report a pothole” at www.kent.gov.uk

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Thanet Wildlife Rescue Emergencies for injured or ill hedgehogs.

If you find an ill or injured hedgehog it will probably be suffering from hypothermia, even in summer.

Never try and force feed a hedgehog and do not put down food or water for any hog until it is has warmed up and is active again as it will be unable to swallow or digest. Place it on a hot (but not boiling hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel and put in a cardboard box or recycle box lined with newspaper. Cover the box in a blanket, place in a quiet place to warm up and phone us immediately on 01843 844532 If you are unable to contact us please call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801 Please note: We are only able to deal with emergency calls in Thanet but the above link should help you find a carer in your area. We are also able to help any injured bird or animal that you may find, do not hesitate to contact us immediately on 01843 844532

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COUNCIL

Council Contacts

Birchington Parish Council Council offices: Albion Rd, Birchington

The Parish office is normally open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 1pm

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Your Parish Councillors

Councillor Jack Cohen | Chair w 01843 847421 q jackbernard.cohen@gmail.com Cllr Bill Furness | Vice Chair w 01843 845228 q bill.furness@waitrose.com Councillor Josh Coombs w 07546 212154 q jcoombs35@gmail.com Councillor Julie Francis w 01843 841796 Councillor Michael Jarvis w 07798 681574 Councillor Bernard La Roche w 01843 844553 Councillor Marian Evans w 01843 841198 Councillor Amelia West w 01843 845244 Councillor Linda Wright w 07825 338999 q lindaw1310@hotmail.com Councillor John Worrow w 07847 303256 Parish Clerk Jamie Thomson w 01843 841107 q birchingtonparishcouncil@ yahoo.co.uk Your Birchington Kent County Councillor Roger Latchford OBE w 01843 846458 q roger.latchford@btinternet.com

NEWS

Your Thanet District Councillors Birchington South Ward Dr Alasdair Bruce, 39 Foreland Ave, Cliftonville, CT9 3NH w 01843 295852 q alasdair@rockdoc.co.uk Dr Jack Cohen, 2 Leslie Road, Birchington CT7 9HG w 01843 847421 q jackbernard.cohen@virgin.net John Worrow, 16 Ingoldsby Rd, Minnis Bay, Birchington w 07847 303256 q cllr-john.worrow@thanet.gov.uk Birchington North Ward Keith Coleman-Cooke, 23 Grenville Gardens, Birchington CT7 9LA w 07980 599560 Simon Day, 35 Berkeley Road, Birchington CT7 9JR w 01843 845230 q simonday@clara.co.uk Birchington Community Warden Liam Doogan w 07969 583919 q liam.doogan@kent.gov.uk Your Member of Parliament Sir Roger Gale MP c/o The Old Forge, 215 Canterbury Road, Birchington w 01843 848588 Other Contacts Kent Highway Services w 08458 247800 Thanet District Council w 01843 577000 Birchington Medical Centre w 01843 848818 Victim Support Kent w 01304 2111161 Police non-emergency w 101 for all your members of the European Parliament please refer to our website

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Birchington Parish Council

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Whilst Kent County Council will raise its Council Tax by nearly 2%, residents of Birchington will see an overall reduction of 19% from last year’s precept which is good news in these tough economic conditions. The Finance and Establishment Committee has set a precept of £38,430 with a Band D Council Tax of £10.17. Estimated income for 2014/2015 is £44,814 made up with grants from TDC, Allotment fees and precept of £38,430. Estimated expenditure for 2014/2015 is £49,560 the deficit of £4,746 (expenditure less income) will be taken from our reserves to balance the budget. We have carefully reviewed each individual item that makes up our total budget to ensure residents are getting value for money and that we maintain our support for local projects and community groups seeking funding assistance. Cllr. Michael Jarvis Chairman Finance & Establishment Committee

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COMMUNITY

Speed Watch Results

Diet Pills Warning

Day of Action in November 2013 This exercise was carried out throughout Kent. In total 283 vehicles were recorded ~ this generated 12 “second detection” letters, 1 third detection letter and 4 fourth detection letters. The latter will receive a door knock from the police personally delivering the letter. In addition to this there were 9 vehicles found to be exceeding the limit by 50%. There were 9 Special constables out providing support to the teams and around 15 sites were visited across the county. About 20 tickets for excess speed were issued. In total approximately 90 hours of Speed Watch support was provided. It is hoped to repeat the exercise in the near future. Locally in Birchington Warden DOOGAN & PCSO RICHES regularly mount speed checks on our local roads. This is usually in response to residents claims about cars allegedly racing through estates. They also regularly monitor the “school run” roads. If you have a particular issue you

want looked into, please contact them using the details in this newsletter. Double yellow lines have been provided to some parts of Park Lane in the vicinity of the school. Residents should be aware that they will now be policed and penalty tickets can now be issued. It should also be noted that with the appearance of the new pedestrian crossing on Alpha Road and the associated zig zag lines, parking restrictions on the zig zags will be rigorously enforced. Blue Badge holders cannot park on zig zag lines. It should also be pointed out that Blue Badge holders cannot now park outside Brills as Loading Prohibited dashes have been painted on the kerbs. Liam Doogan Kent Community Warden 07969 583919 Shaun Riches PCSO 101 Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard Emergency - 999 Police Non-Emergency, ASB car - 101

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Many of us are thinking about starting a diet to lose the additional Christmas weight and to get ready for our summer holidays.

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FACT To lose weight you must increase your exercise and eat a well-balanced healthy diet. There are no quick fixes! To find out how to eat healthily visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/LiveWell One easy and free way to increase your exercise is by taking a walk or to go for a bike ride in the beautiful Kent countryside. Visit Explore Kent to find a route near you www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent

For Advice on your civil rights and to make a complaint about a business, contact Citizens Advice consumer service 08454 040506. All complaints will be referred to Trading Standards to be used as intelligence

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COMMUNITY

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Hidden Treasure in Minnis Bay

Why not a take a trip down memory lane and visit Hidden Treasures, the latest shop to open up in Minnis Bay, Birchington.

A visit to this shop is a must as it will bring back nostalgia to the times before mobile phones, Wi-Fi , the internet, tablets, digital cameras and those household gadgets that we now take for granted. A shop full of endearing collectable items.

Birchington Twinning Association

A party of Schoolchildren from La Chapelle d’Armentieres will be visiting Birchington the 18th of March it is hoped to lay a coach trip to La Chapelle in France on the 19th of May when they hold their Carnival, a trip not to be missed. further details available from Carla Latchford on 01843 846458

Model Railway Exhibition Returns to Birchington

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Following the success of last year’s event, there will be another model railway exhibition this October. The Centre, in Alpha Road, will host this year’s exciting show on Saturday 11 October. Plans are in hand to make the event even better than last time when nearly 800 people attended. Organised on behalf of Birchington Parish Council by East Kent Model Railway Society, the exhibition will It is hoped that Birchington Heritage feature about a dozen layouts of Trust will also have a display on stage different scales and sizes. These have showing photos from its extensive been made by enthusiasts from clubs collection of early railway days. around the area as well Come to Parish Council Chairman members of the East Kent B IR Jack Cohen said: “The Model Railway Society. CHINGTO N M exhibition last year was Several trade stands will odel Railw ay E a great success and be offering secondhand xhibition Saturday 11 th people were keen to models, scenery pieces October at The Centr e, Alpha Ro see it happen again this and vital spare parts. ad, Birchington CT7 9EG 10am to 4p m year. I’m delighted we are Admission For youngsters, a larger : Adults £2, able to hold the occasion Children £1 , scale outdoor track is Families £ 5 once more which promises expected to be offering something for everyone.” rides throughout the A5 Birch poster

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Thanet Earth

After weeks of seemingly non-stop rain, I can confirm that the rainwater storage reservoirs at Thanet Earth are well and truly full up! We are hoping for a brighter spring and a long summer filled with sunshine. Whilst we may have a controlled setting and artificial lighting at our disposal in the greenhouses, we remain very much affected by natural light. Our tomato, pepper and cucumber plants rely on the usually plentiful light from the big, open skies above Thanet. So, with a new year stretching ahead of us, we have some firm priorities for 2014. Now that our young business is betterestablished, we have been able to focus on some exciting new projects to enhance what we do within our community. Firstly, we know that teachers all over the country are using Thanet Earth and our sustainable production methods to help bring learning in Science and Geography to life. We have much to offer as a case study, and we have received many enquiries from teachers looking for support materials in class. Since 2008 we have been responsive where possible, and our staff have visited eleven different schools, often paying multiple visits, reaching over 2000 school pupils in Thanet. To help use our limited resources as far as we can, we have also begun to invite teachers to visit our site, and we’ve just launched a new education website at www.discoverthanetearth.com. There’s also a ‘Discovery Zone’ in the new tomato greenhouse which is designed as a space for us to host educational visits for smaller 18

Birchington Parish Council

groups. We’re still unable to offer open tours to schools and groups because of the risk of virus to our plants, but we’re finding new ways to help us connect with our community and to help provide the educational resources teachers are telling us they need. Please take a moment to visit www. discoverthanetearth.com, try out the new ‘interactive tour’ feature and see the start of this new side of our work. There’s lots more to add to the site

over the coming months, but if you have any feedback to offer, or if your school wants to get in touch with us then our Education Officer, Sarah Harrison, would be very pleased to hear from you. She can be contacted by email to education@thanetearth. com or by telephone to 01843 844700. My warmest thanks to Sarah and to her colleague, Steve Hatt, for all the hard work they’ve been putting in to get this new website live and to engage more closely with schools. Steve has a varied role with us, and has also been working on ways in which we can further answer the Birchington Parish Council

demand from local farm shops and independent grocers to sell our delicious products. As a result, you can now find our products on sale in Quex Barn and in a number of other Thanet outlets, as well as in the supermarkets. Look out for our colourful, unusual trial varieties in the Chef ’s Selection range alongside our ever popular Piccolo and Sunstream tomatoes, our Sweet Bite peppers and our crunchy cucumbers. Increasing our local distribution is our second priority this year, so look out for our electric van making its deliveries around the area. As ever, thank you to local residents for your support for Thanet Earth. We’re proud to be a part of the community here in Birchington. Ian Craig Managing Director Thanet Earth Marketing Ltd Please contact Steve Hatt if your restaurant, shop or catering company wants to begin regular procurement of our products. Steve can be contacted at steve.hatt@thanetearth.com or on 01843 844700 19

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Birchington Parish Council

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Quex Park Revisited . . .The First World War

In the late summer of 1914 many Belgian civilians began to flee from the fighting, soon to be followed by wounded men of the Belgian Army. The first group were brought over to England from Ostend on 10th October by the Wounded Allies Relief Committee, a British aid organisation formed in August 1914, and taken to the a hospital set up by a Voluntary Aid Detachment in Ramsgate. The VAD hospital at Quex Park was one of 80 in Kent. The local newspaper reported that the Belgians were greeted in the town by 20,000 people lining the pavements. Reporters were allowed to interview some of the men and to tell their readers first hand news of the war. At 7.45 pm on the evening of 14th October a telegram was received 22

warning that 100 wounded men would arrive by train at the local Birchington station at midnight and asking that they be found hospital accommodation locally. It was assumed they would be British wounded as no mention was made of Belgians. Preparations began, promises of the use of buildings, beds and equipment were called in. Volunteers gathered to make everything ready. After several delays the train eventually arrived early the next day and only then did the waiting volunteers know their patients would be Belgians. Belgian soldiers continued to be admitted to the hospital at Quex until April 1915, by which time Belgian hospitals in England had been established. Although only at Quex for a few short months, several Birchington Parish Council

of the Belgian patients are still remembered today. The Powell-Cotton Museum is proud to launch our 2014 commemoration programme on 1st April through a series of exhibitions. ‘Welkom Vriend!’: A panel display using the Museum’s photographic and archival material to recount the arrival of Belgian patients at the VAD hospital and the individual stories of several patients. This narrative display will give an insight into a little talked about aspect of the First World War and its impact on communities from both sides of the channel. ‘From Rowland Ward to hospital ward’: We will use the Museum’s rich photographic archive to trace how the Powell-Cotton Museum became a hospital at the start of the War. The Birchington Parish Council

Museum, known for Rowland Ward’s taxidermy displays, transformed into hospital wards, yet retained its unique and fascinating character. Visitors will discover the importance of the taxidermy displays and the significance of Quex Park during the War. ‘Far from Home: Life on the Belgian Frontline’: Forming part of an on-going partnership with the In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres, who will lend the exhibits for this display. It will explore life on the frontline in Belgium highlighting the contrast between wartime Kent, seen in the other two exhibits, and life on the frontline for the soldiers prior to entering the VAD hospital. This will widen visitors’ understandings of wartime experiences. 23

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Powell-Cotton Museum, House and Gardens 2014 The Powell-Cotton Museum is considered one of the most unique and fascinating collections in the UK. Join us on a journey through the lives of Major Percy Powell-Cotton, his wife Hannah and their children in a time when world tours and dangerous expeditions into the unknown were embarked upon by only the brave and privileged. Our natural history collections from their adventures are bought to life in truly amazing scale, the atmosphere and ambience of the galleries are unlike any other museum. Learn about the pioneering conservation projects that are linked to our collections today and the African and Asian people whose lives they are so intrinsically connected with. You will be inspired how the Museum’s past is helping to conserve wildlife into the future. Enjoy the personal stories and anecdotes surrounding our galleries displaying inspiring rare Chinese

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porcelain and oriental fine arts. The depth and scale of our smaller collections will truly amaze you netsuke, snuff bottles, weaponry and local archaeology abound. The relaxed atmosphere and charming layout of Quex House invites you to step into the lives of a family whose adventurous spirit and character are evident through the personal objects displayed in every room such as our Napoleonic memorabilia and unique clocks. Our friendly stewards will regale many a tale about the objects, the décor and the family. There has been a house at Quex since the early 1400’s. It has been called “Quex” since its ownership in the 1500’s by the Quekes family. For over 200 years and to this day Quex remains a family home. Group and coach tours are welcome with optional introductory talks and guided tours tailor-made to the interests of your party. Educational

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Birchington Parish Council

OFFER and school visits can be arranged through our Education Officer. A selection of children’s quizzes and activities are available every day. Our Gift Shop offers an exciting array of souvenirs, books, jewellery, toys and Fair Trade gifts sourced directly from local communities in Africa. For generations Quex Gardens have been enjoyed by the Powell-Cotton family and their friends. Their love of outdoor spaces is clear today in our 7 acres of historic gardens and natural woodland, with their stunning Victorian layout and landscaping. Enjoy the seasonal delights of Quex Gardens your way – wander through the Victorian Walled Garden and spot unusual plants not often found elsewhere such as lochroma, Ttigridia and Sophora. Explore the greenhouses and rare cucumber pit, play croquet on the lawn, glimpse birds of prey hovering in the wide open skies or stroll along the woodland walks and discover a wealth of wildlife. Or simply relax with a picnic and saviour the peace and tranquillity watching the sunlight glisten on the fountain pond with its listed statues and monument. Birchington Parish Council

valid until 31 March 2014

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taking llowing events We have the fo useum and well-Cotton M place at the Po ring 2014. ods Café for Sp Mama Feelgo Heroes Series Conservation Museum Powell-Cotton 14 Fri 21 March 20 kend Kent’s Big Wee useum M Powell-Cotton March 2014 30 n Sat 29 and Su Celebrations Mother’s Day s Café Mama Feelgood 2014 Sun 30 March d! Exhibition Welkom Vrien Hospital Quex Park VAD t 2015 –Sun 23 Augus 14 Tues 1 April 20 Ward From Rowland d Exhibition ar W to Hospital Museum Powell-Cotton ly 2015 14 – Sun 20 Ju 20 il Tues 1 Apr den alk in the Gar Springtime w Museum Powell-Cotton Fri 4 April 2014 Wedding Fair s Cafe Mama Feelgood 14 Sun 6 April 20 hool Hols Easter Trail Sc Museum Powell-Cotton 21 April 2014 Mon 7 – Mon I LOVE Vintage Museum Powell-Cotton April 2014 Good Friday 18 visit For further info eum.org us www.quexm

300 years of Education in Birchington

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Advocacy For Older People VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Help us to make a difference CROP (Citizens’ Rights for Older People) are looking for more volunteers to increase the vital help and support our Charity gives to older people who are struggling to secure services and rights to which they are entitled. There are no wages but there’s an abundance of satisfaction. You gain conﬁdence not just with CROP clients but with life in general. We provide full training, pay mileage at 40p per mile and meet all other out-of pocket expenses. To learn more please call us on 01622 851200 or email lenham@cropkent.org.uk

The earliest record of education in Birchington is the Crispe Charity School started in 1708 for 12 boys and girls. It was begun through the generosity of Anna Gertruy Crispe of Quex Park. She left a farm to Trustees, with instructions in her will to use the farm rent to pay the Master or Mistress, and to help 5 widows and pay for the cleaning of the Quex Chapel. Since the school was closed in 1863, the children’s money has been used to help school leavers and local youth groups. In 1849 the National Church School in Park Lane was opened for children aged 7 to 12. As the population has risen over the years, extra buildings have been added. In 1938 it was decided to educate the 11-14 year olds separately and so King Ethelbert School was built half way between

Westgate and Birchington, to serve both communities. During this time, private education had been added to the agenda. The first large one was Woodford House Boys’ School in 1892, when two brothers moved to Birchington from Woodford in Essex. This was the only school that remained open in the village throughout WW2. In 1910 Grenham House Boys’ School was built in Grenham Road and lasted until 1984. David Suchet, of Poirot fame, came here. The last private large school to open was Queen Bertha’s Girls’ School in 1929. This one only lasted for 30 years, but its past students still meet each year and celebrated their 80th anniversary with a service in All Saints Church in 2009. There were also many small private schools in Birchington. Jennie Burgess Parish Archivist

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Birchington Parish Council

WHAT’S ON

We hold regular Practice Nights at the United Reformed Church, Birchington and Social Dances at Herne Bay for Club members. These are always very popular and are a great way of socialising with your new friends that you have made from class. (Sometimes

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Contact Karen at Spiral Turn Dance Club 07733 015616

Classes: Monday 7-8pm, Briary School, Herne Bay (Intermediate) Friday 8-9.00, The Centre, Birchington (Beginners and Improvers)

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Pre-booked door to door airport transfer service at a time to suit you, with a unique welcome home grocery service info@kent-connections.com

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Birchington Parish Council

Monday afternoons at Birchington Village Centre Beginners 3.15 - 4.15 - £3.50

Monday evenings at Birchington Methodist Hall Beginners 7 - 7.55 - £3.50 Improvers 8.05 - 9 - £3.50 Both classes £4.50 Tuesday evenings at Westgate Community Centre Beginners 7 - 7.55 - £3.50 Improvers 8.05 - 9.00 - £3.50 Both classes £4.50 Wednesday evenings at Monkton Village Hall Beginners7 - 7.55 - £3.50 Improvers 8.05 - 9 - £3.50 Both classes £4.50 Under sixteens half price Soft drinks available No classes on bank holidays

Have fun, stay fit, come line dancing! Dancing to Country, Irish, Latin and Pop. We still dance some of the old favourites plus the best of the new ones. Members of the Country and Western Dance Council UK

More info from Theo or Janet on 01843 833643 theoloyla@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/thelinerangers Birchington Parish Council

Westgate & Birchington Golf Club

Founded 1893

176 Canterbury Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent CT8 8LT

Full membership at competitive rates Green fee visitors welcome Society packages available Golf coaching • Bar & restaurant Club house facilities available for hire Westgate and Birchington is a clifftop course of 4825 yards with stunning views over the sea. It is suitable for players of all ages. Green fees visitors & societies are welcome at very competitive rates for golf on the Kent coast.

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So if you are looking to try something new, get fit or would like to meet new people, why not come and join us. We are a friendly club, of all ages and are looking forward to meeting you! The first class is free, so come and give it a go! There is no need to book, feel free to just turn up on the night. Walk in and dance out!

The Line Rangers

Thursday evenings: 6.30pm-7pm Junior Blend (5+) 7pm-8pm Teen Blend (11+) 8pm-9pm Blend (18+) 9pm-9.30pm Blended For You Why not join one of our friendly singing groups based at Birchington CE Primary School, Park Lane, Birchington, Kent CT7 0AS Contact Katharine on 07714 529968 email: blendkpjj@btinternet.com www.facebook.com/Blendkpjj twitter: @Blendkpjj

fee limited

Established 6 years ago, we teach classes in Ballroom and Latin Social Dancing where the emphasis is on fun whilst you learn. We break each dance down making it easier to learn and you will certainly have one dance under your belt after your first lesson. So whether you would like to learn to dance but think you have 2 left feet or if you are wishing to brush up on old skills we can definitely “waltz” you on your way to success.

For everyone who loves to sing!

On Friday night at 8 pm you will find Spiral Turn Dance Club at The Centre in Birchington.

more tea and chatting goes on than dancing!) Popular Social events of 2013 were the Tramp Supper, Tropical Night and not forgetting the Masquerade Christmas Ball. These are fun and relaxed and are open to any member of the Club, regardless of their skill level, to help gain confidence in their new hobby.

r join in ffe

Spiral Turn Dance Club

What’s on and what to do

If you decide you would like to be a member of our prestigious club, you can benefit from our exclusive limited offer of 2 for 1 on the joining fee

WHAT’S ON

Local Events, Groups & Clubs The Centre, Birchington-On-Sea, Friday 21 March

Elvis Presley and Dean Martin

6.30pm-7pm 7pm-8pm 8pm-9pm 9pm-9.30pm

Junior Blend 5+ Teen Blend 11+ Blend 18+ Blended For You

Why not join one of our friendly singing groups based at Birchington CE Primary School, Park Lane, Birchington, CT7 0AS www.facebook.com/Blendkpjj

Katharine 07714 529968 email blendkpjj@btinternet.com

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Act One Theatre Group Rehearsals Sunday 10am Tel: 07725 804391

Birchington chess club Friday evenings - 7.30pm

7pm for 8pm start Tickets £11 each (includes Ploughman’s) available from Framing Plus, Station Approach In support of Birchington Bowls Club

THURSDAY EVENINGS

Regular Meetings at The Centre, Birchington

Birchington Active Retirement Association (B.I.A.R.A.) Over 55s indoor sports, every Fri and Weds mornings 9.30am except the second Weds morning in the month and a month’s break in August

Tribute Night

FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES TO SING!

Local Events, Groups & Clubs

Birchington Heritage Trust Museum Mondays, Thurs and Sats 9.30am 12.30pm. Closed bank holidays, new members always welcome

Rhythm Express School of Dance

Classes at Birchington CE Primary School and Birchington Village Centre Miss Clare, Principal 07931 104371 info@rhythmexpress.co.uk www.rhythmexpress.co.uk facebook/rhythmexpress twitter: @RhythmExpressSD

D& C

Electrical condition reports New consumer units Fire alarms & emergency lighting Rewires & all other electrical work

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL

CONTRACTORS

T 01843 833206 M 07824 667675 Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Horticultural Society Second Wednesday evening in Oct, Nov, Dec at 7.30pm

Birchington Residents Association Coffee morning on the second Wednesday of each month at 10.30am

Birchington Silver Band Concerts last Sunday afternoon of the month Sept, Oct, Nov, at 2.30pm Birchington Twinning Association Third Tues evening each month at 7pm Birchington Village Centre Association Over 60s club for tea & bingo on Friday afternoons at 1.45pm

Birchington and Thanet Guild of Winemakers Third Thursday afternoon of each month at 2.30pm

Kent Family History Society Third Wednesday evening of each month except august at 7.30pm

Spiral Turn Dance Club Latin & Ballroom tuition for children and adults for times call 07733 015616 or 01227 363084

Birchington Silver Band

We are a well established and friendly brass band with a membership of more than 20. The band gives regular concerts at Birchington Village Centre, on the last Sunday of the month from September to May. We also play at bandstands such as Broadstairs, Folkestone and Hythe, as well as requests for quite a few local venues. If you play or have played a brass instrument, or want to learn, you will be most welcome to join us on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at King Ethelbert School Birchington. Please contact Mrs Pat Miles (Band Secretary) on 01843 848660. Birchington Parish Council

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Seagulls are a familiar sight in Britain’s coastal towns But as splendid as they look, they can carry a host of nasty organisms, making them a potential threat to our health: bird flu, salmonella, botulism and even the deadly e-coli bacteria. But they are not only a threat to health, they can become aggresive when nesting and have been known to bombard people in their gardens and even in the street.

John said “All wildlife is protected by law, but as herring gulls and lesser black back gulls pose such a health and safety risk, the nest and eggs can be removed from a property by an authorised person. We don’t hurt, trap or kill them, we just make it impossible for them to nest. All the products we use are completely harmless to birds.”

As you may know, Scouting was founded by Robert Baden-Powell in 1907. The first Scouts emerged in Birchington a few years later. Nowadays, we are but a small part of a global movement with over 30 million members. For our part, every week over 60 young people and leaders enjoy Scouting in Birchington. The group is organised into three sections: the Beavers (ages 6-8), Cubs (8-10½) and Scouts (10½-14). We’re one of a few ‘Air Scout’ groups recognised by the RAF: the Scout section loves the microlighting and paragliding air activities! Some of these modern activities may be far from what Baden-Powell envisaged, though rest assured we continue all the classic Scout activities include camps, hikes and washing up! Indeed, this summer our Cub Pack will be staying at the site of the first ever Scout camp, Brownsea Island. We have recently begun a series of improvements to our premises in Prospect Road – new toilets have been

fitted and the external area will soon be renovated to allow for more outdoor activities. For a small donation, our hall is available for use by community groups, meetings or parties. All our activities are organised by volunteers. We enjoy a number of social occasions, including an annual camp at the UK Scout HQ Gilwell Park. Offers of help - either on a regular or just occasional basis - are always welcome, especially with fundraising.

You can find more information online at www.1stbirchington.org.uk or you can call Mary Forster, Assistant Group Scout Leader, on 01843 842 433

John Couzens of Gullbusters knows a lot about seagulls. In the 22 years he has been removing nests and eggs from residential and industrial buildings he has seen the enormous amount of damage they cause. Worst of all, if the gas flue is obstructed, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Prices start from as little as £25, so if you are troubled by seagulls on your property, call the experts at Gullbusters for a free quotation

07973 712152 | 01843 867486 | www.seagullproofers.co.uk 32

Birchington Parish Council

Worship

On the

All Saints, Birchington

lighter

side…

Inspectors for Kent County Council Highways Department in England found over 200 dead crows on the Thanet Dual Carriageway near St Nicholas in the Wade recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu. A Bird Pathologist from Oxford University examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts. However, during detailed analysis it was noted that varying colours of paints appeared on the bird’s beaks and claws. By analysing these paint residues it was

determined that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by impact with a car. Kent County Council then hired an Ornithological Behaviourist from Canterbury to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus car kills. Dr Crohen very quickly concluded the cause: When crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn of impending danger. They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout “Cah”, not a single one could shout “Truck.”

A special feature on MONKTON NATURE RESERVE will be printed in our Summer edition

NEXT ISSUE

Monkton nature reserve, Canterbury Road, Monkton is open from 10am every day

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Sundays Parish Holy Communion 8.00am Sung Eucharist 10.00am Family Service first Sunday of the month 10.00am Junior Church in Church House 10.00am Evensong first Sunday of the month 18.00pm Weekdays Holy Communion Wednesday 10.00am St Mildred, Acol

Sunday Sung Eucharist first Sunday of the month 09.30am Morning Worship third Sunday 09.30am St Thomas, Minnis Bay

Sundays Sung Eucharist 11.00am Morning Prayer second Sunday 11.00am

Weekdays Holy Communion Thursday 10.00am Contacts

The Parish Office 01843 84077 Church House, Kent Gardens, Birchington CT7 9RS Open Monday-Friday 9:30 to 12:30 Parish Administrator: Sue Murphy Vicar: Rev. Don Witts 01843 841117 | 07749 201947 The Vicarage, 15 Minnis Road, Birchington CT7 9SE

To arrange a home visit from one of the clergy or pastoral team, call Margaret 840878 or Sue 840777. Birchington Parish Council

COMMUNITY

Services in December Birchington Baptist Church 15th 5.30pm Café Christmas 22rd 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight 24th 11.30pm Midnight Communion at our Crescent Road Church 25th 10.30am Christmas Celebration! The Bay United Reformed Church Minnis Bay Services every Sunday at 10.30am 14th 10.30 Coffee and mince pies 11.00 Christmas concert 15th 10.30 Nativity Service led by Junior Church 22nd 10.30 Service of Lessons and Carols followed by Christmas Lunch 24th 4.30 Christingle Service 25th 10.30 Christmas Day service

The Methodist Church (opposite the Smugglers Restaurant) Services every Sunday at 11am 15th 11am Christmas Carol Service 25th 10.30am Christmas Day Service Parish Catholic Churches

The Parish of the Holy Family Thanet has two Churches, Situated in Thanet, Kent, a few miles from each other. Our Lady and St Benedict, Birchington

St Peter’s Westgate-on-Sea, Kent Contacts

Our Parish Priest Fr Paul Connelly 01843 841549

Masses are held on a regular weekly schedule between the Churches in Birchington and Westgate. 35

Hang 10

Birchington Youth Programme Hang10 has been providing youth provision in Birchington for almost a year. It has been incredible meeting and spending time with a range of young people from different backgrounds, and towns. We have worked with Birchington Parish Council to provide provision across the village. You may have seen our blue Double Decker bus parked in Station Road. The bus is full of consoles, DVD players, music, a projector and activities to engage young people that tend to hang around in Station Road. However, it does not provide information about your water meters as a few residents have enquired. Our team are trained in a range of topics including first aid, drugs, alcohol, healthy relationships, STIs, aspirations, and can offer advice and support to people any age. We work closely with other agencies, including Birchington Parish Council, Scripture Union, Local Community Warden, Police, Orbit Housing, Engage, Thanet District Council, and Local churches in Birchington to provide support for the young people that live and spend time here in Birchington. Over the last year we have trialled the use of our mobile Skate Park in All Saints Church car park, however due to the lack of interest we have provided other resources for young people to engage with. In addition to the Hang10 Bus and Mobile Skate Park we have a Pana Birchington Parish Council

Football Cage, which we sometimes setup in Birchington. The young people really enjoy using the Cage plus it encourages them to be active, and draws them in from doing other things. We also run a Club Night at Kearns Hall, Minnis Bay, every Monday night, doors are open between 6.30 and 8.30, a warm, dry place for young people to come, play table tennis, pool, listen to music, eat pizza, jump on inflatables, play football, games consoles and more. Open for 11- 18 year olds it is a place to meet new people but feel valued by the team. We have built relationships with about 120 young people in the last year, seen lots in the last year the thing that sticks out for me most is the fact we have seen lads become motivated to get themselves apprenticeships and give up the illegal drugs. They have taken advice on board, and spend time at the gym rather than on the street. When we speak to them about their goals, they are open and friendly, and inspired to make the most of the fact they can do so much with their lives. I love my job, I love helping the young people, and I am blessed to do what I do. There are young people in Birchington that are struggling. Working closely with other agencies, we are giving them options, to get involved with events, and things to encourage and motivate them. If you are interested in joining our team, we are always looking for volunteers to inspire and encourage a generation. Scott Butler, Hang10 Manager, Pipeline Youth Initiative 37

Birchington Horticultural 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the Society and having been a member since joining in the early 1970s, casting a glance over my shoulder to the times gone by, seems appropriate. Being the youngest member at the time and classified as “fresh young blood” I was invited to join the committee during that first year. I spent many years as Show Secretary and later took the role of Chairman in 1994, following the retirement of David Baker. I apologise at this point for any minor errors that may occur in my recollections. The “pioneers” whose shared interests prompted the establishment of the present Society consisted of three individuals: John Harris, David Baker and Les Rousell. John Harris, lived in the village, but ran a horticultural business based in St Peters, Broadstairs. Our Treasurer, Lesley, is married to David Harris, one of his sons. David Baker, the original Chairman and Birchington resident, was a keen gardener, but worked as a baker in the local bread shop in the early days. Later his gardening skills became his full time profession, and it was this occupation that gave him flexibility and the time to promote and build 38

the reputation of the Society. Les Rousell, who lived in Garlinge, was a like-minded gardener, but earned his living as an agent for the Co-operative Insurance Society. Initially, the Society’s business was conducted from a shed located in Neame Road and it was from here that members were able to purchase their gardening requirements, supplied through John Harris’ business. Meetings and Shows were held in the hall adjoining the Bungalow Hotel, now occupied by Bierce Court. With the closure of the Hotel, the Shows were held in a marquee on Dog Acre, until the Village Centre opened in 1974 and became the permanent home for the Society’s activities.

L/R - Les Rousell, Edith Pritchard & John Harris

The Society’s first President was Edith Pritchard, a local business woman, who owned Absopure, located in the premises adjacent to the dentist Birchington Parish Council

Society - A Reflection in Surrey Gardens. This supplied the ice-cream to the original Ice Cream Parlour on the corner. She was a keen horticulturist who had an extensive garden at her home in the Northdown area of Margate. Her speciality was roses and often John Harris and Les Rousell accompanied her to London, when she exhibited at national shows. During the 70s and 80s the membership steadily increased to over a 1000 people; mainly from Thanet’s population, but with some from as far afield as Maidstone and Dover. This was a period when many dedicated gardeners could be found in this area, who specialised in growing specific plants well, such as dahlias, chrysanthemums, daffodils, house plants, and vegetables. Our Shows were well supported with tables running the length of the Centre, often straining under the weight of these splendid examples of horticultural skill. Floral art and domestic classes also featured well at these Shows. Often, non-competitive exhibits would be arranged for the benefit of the visitors and I recall magnificent displays of orchids, house plants, alpines, as well as demonstrations of lace-making and handicrafts. Regrettably those specialist gardeners have gone and exhibitor numbers have tailed off over the years. The format of the two Shows was changed 2 years ago Birchington Parish Council

by cutting the number of classes and running them as evening events. This has proved a positive move in reducing the cost of staging them, but still maintaining a good quality, albeit smaller Show, more in proportion to the number of available exhibitors. The monthly newsletter has always

Autumn Show 1979

been a feature of the membership in line with our aim of providing information and education on the subject of gardening. One of my early committee memories was discovering that each month every newsletters’ address was hand-written by the treasurer! This provided my first contribution to the committee by using technology to computerise the membership list and producing a batch of sticky labels in minutes. Much gratitude ensued from the treasurer as it had saved him from any further tedious hours of pen pushing.

COMMUNITY

Birchington Residents’ Association

4Birchington Horticultural Society (continued) Over the years there have been many people whose hard work and enthusiasm have kept this Society a part of Birchington’s community. Ted Osborne followed Edith Pritchard as President in 1980. He joined the committee after leaving Ramsgate’s Hereson School in the 70s, where he taught English and Gardening. I recall him telling me that on retirement, a number of the pupils had marked his departure by setting fire to the school greenhouse! It just went to prove that you cannot win them all. Sid Clay succeeded Ted in 2000. He and his wife Jeanne had been on the committee since 1986 where they had organised many of the Society’s trips. Retiring through ill-health Sid, was followed by Les Lush in 2006, who has been our figurehead ever since.

Off to Buckingham Palace

Over the last 20 years or so, society’s lifestyles and activities have changed, as they will always do. As a result 40

organisations and societies are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and maintain new memberships, sometimes with no option, but to close down altogether. I believe it unlikely that this Society will be able to boast a membership exceeding 1000 again. Remember that most groups are run on a voluntary basis by enthusiastic folk with like-minded interests and to attract a membership of that magnitude at a local level would prove impossible in to-day’s sociological climate. Sadly our “pioneers” are no longer with us, but I hope that the legacy that they left in Birchington Horticultural Society can continue to be part of village life. It is difficult to encourage new committee members (our Secretary post is still vacant) but I will do my best, with the help of my committee and officers (Les, Ken, Lesley Pauline, Margaret, and Audrey) to continue the promotion of our Society in the same way as those that I had the privilege of knowing throughout the years. Our membership is currently around 100 members of which about 30 - 40 attend the monthly meetings. New members are always welcome and joining details, together with a copy of our latest newsletter may be found in the Library lobby. By David Barton Chairman Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Residents’ Association has made a few changes since Christmas. We are delighted that Neville Hudson has agreed to be our new Chairman succeeding Pat Orpwood who took over when a replacement for Roger Walford was not forthcoming and carried on for two years. Pat remains Editor of the magazine and Events Organiser with a new Secretary taking over at the AGM. We are also introducing some new ideas to help make the group more appealing to many of our members who cannot make the Coffee Mornings on the second Wednesday of each month. We shall be having some of our outings on a day other than Wednesday and are introducing a quarterly evening meeting. Our first one is at the end of April when Neville Hudson will give an illustrated talk called Crisis in Birchington -The Story of CRISAB. It

will be on a Thursday evening and the exact date will be announced later. So look out for the posters. We are hoping to run four outings this year in April, May, June and July, but need more people to take advantage of the trips to break even. As usual our first one will be a mystery tour with cream tea. We enjoyed an excellent Christmas lunch at St Augustine’s as the accompanying pictures show. We have had to increase our subscriptions this year, having kept them the same for the last sixteen years. However, they are still very reasonable at £2 per person and £3 per household per annum. We are happy to say that many members have already renewed.

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Hold a Fish and Chip Supper

Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 16th May 2014 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s vital services. You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre. SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 8 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £40.00 from 42

your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA. In 2014 SIA is celebrating its 40th anniversary and so we want to make the batter matter and raise £25,000 from everyone holding suppers. Last year’s raised £12,500. The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to rebuild lives after spinal cord injury. Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone. Birchington Parish Council

Great British Fish and Chip Supper Friday 16th May 2014

Community Fundraising Manager, Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to

hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group.

For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350 or email fundraising@siafishandchips.co.uk or visit www.siafishandchips.co.uk

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Birchington Bowls and Tennis in Beach Avenue We are a very friendly club who welcome new members Men and Women at any time throughout the year. The purpose is to have fun, keep fit and make new friends. Currently the Men outnumber the Ladies by about 3 to 1 so why not come along and try to even up the odds.

Social membership will allow you to attend our Quiz nights, Race nights and Bingo throughout the winter season from November to March and also join our Sunday Lunchtime club from 12 noon till 2 pm in our licensed bar. During the season for a small fee you can try the game of bowls on our Monday Roll Ups, we have spare woods and shoes, so don’t be shy! For outdoor Bowls our opening of the green is 12th April 2014 and our fixture list includes both home and away matches. Many of these matches are against local teams but we also have a number of teams who regularly visit us from Croydon and South East London. The majority of the friendly games are mixed matches that take place in the afternoon. 44

For the more competitive minded we take part in the Men’s and the Ladies Isle of Thanet Leagues and the Catherine Wheeler League. These are triples matches, the Men’s taking place in the evening and the Ladies matches are usually in the afternoons May to August. We also participate in the East Kent League a mixed triples league playing as far away as Ashford. Every Monday afternoon in the season we have Club Roll Ups which are friendly gatherings for members to meet fellow bowlers, have a relaxing game and perhaps try out new woods or bowling actions. A Friday Night Club Mixed League takes place June to August, this is a fun night with plenty of banter and usually includes nibbles afterwards for those who want to enjoy our licensed bar after the game. There are also Club Competitions during the season with the Finals taking place on the weekend of 13-14 September. We also have two Tennis Courts which are open all the year round. Why not take advantage of our annual tennis subscription scheme - £10 for Junior’s, £25 for Adults and £50 for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children. Alternatively you can turn up and play, pay by the hour £3 for Adults, £2 for Junior’s when the club house is manned. For information on bowling fees and membership forms for bowls or tennis please call Carol Fisher on 01843 842507 or email carol.fisher9@btinternet.com Birchington Parish Council

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Wantsum Morris Men During a sunny respite in the stormy winter weather, on Boxing Day a large crowd enjoyed a performance from this group of dancers. Wantsum Morris Men formed as a club in 1967, with the members living both sides of the Wantsum Channel, which in former times separated Thanet from the rest of Kent. The repertoire is drawn from the vast selection of both traditional and more recent dances collected from the villages of the Cotswolds, as well as a few from the Welsh borders a and a rapper dance from the North East of England. The costume is knee breeches, tabard and a tricorn hat. The tabard is decorated with a St Augustines cross with a depiction of Reculver towers in the top left corner. St Augustine arrived in England at the Southern end of the Wantsum, and built an Abbey at Reculver at the Northern end. Morris dancing has experienced a great revival during this century, due mainly to the enthusiasm of collectors such as Cecil Sharp, who between them saved this rich heritage from virtual extinction. The original Morris was possibly a circle dance, often danced around a “female” figure. By 1480 there were complaints that the dance had already degenerated. These dances have disappeared into the mists of time, killed off by the Puritan attitudes of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is a shame that 46

we shall never know the local dances performed by a group of men around Canterbury in 1589, shortly before the mayor of Canterbury had the maypole pulled down from the Dane John. The 1589 side were led by a musician called Henry Parkes, who played fiddle The average age was early twenties, although the “Mayd Marryon” character was played by a twelve year old boy. There seem to have been six dancers who had costumes including bells and “furnytur”. They did not seen to be cadging as they were retained for the fortnight around Mayday by a “Jencke of Herne”. Within this 14 days the side danced Canterbury and at least four villages covering some 12 miles. At one village, Chislet, they attended church on Ascension day, and therefore presumably did not consider themselves Pagans. Our knowledge of this side come from the records of a case against them for dancing without a licence held at the Quarter Sessions. Details above were taken from extracts of the trial in Philip Edmonds article in “Hoath and Herne”published by K H McIntosh. Wantsum Morris Men perform annual tours on Boxing day and May 1st. In addition they dance local villages and towns during the summer season, and occasionally venture onto foreign soils. Recent trips have included the Tarn valley in France, The Eastern seaboard of the U.S.A. and Poland. Birchington Parish Council

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