Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Summer Edition 2014

A5 Birch poster&handbill 2014 25/01/2014 14:56 Page 1

Come to

BIRCHINGTON Model Railway Exhibition

Saturday 11th October at The Centre, Alpha Road, Birchington CT7 9EG 10am to 4pm

Medical Centre back on track

Admission: Adults £2, Children £1, Families £5 (2+3 u-16)

see pages 16 & 17

Presented by East Kent Model Railway Society on behalf of Birchington Parish Council Follow EKMRS on Facebook and Twitter!

THE CRAMPTON CONNECTION see page 20

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Tel: 01843 842727 | Web: www.snh.co.uk SNH, The Store, Albion Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9DN Open Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm • Sat 9.00 - 12.00 noon

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Twinned with La Chapelle d’Armentieres

Welcome

This issue has a few more articles on the First World War, and details on what the Parish Council and other organisations are doing to commemorate the commencement of hostilities throughout Europe and other parts of the world.

Also included are places of interest to visit within Thanet, once again many thanks to all those of you that have contributed articles for inclusion in your magazine.

Cllr. Bill Furness Editor All contributions for the next issue to be in to us by 24 June Off Licence Frozen Food Newspapers Magazines

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Contents Letter from the Chairman

4

Report from KCC Roger Latchford

6

Cllr John Worrow

11

Why Build A Crampton?

20

Council Contacts

12

Monkton Nature Reserve

30

What’s On

32

Kent Family History Society

36

Cover photo: the Crampton Tower Museum is a fascinating small museum in Broadstairs, depicting the work of the locally born Victorian engineer Thomas Crampton. Featuring the railways, transport and local history.

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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.

Please support local businesses and mention the Birchington Parish Magazine when responding to advertisers

To advertise please call 01843 834160 and speak to one of our team

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

3

COUNCIL

Letter from the Chairman

Our record breaking wet winter is well behind us and Spring is in the air, as we come close to the end of our Birchington Parish Council’s (BPC) fiscal year and the start of the next we have time to look forward with much anticipation.

Our Precept is set and despite stringent times, the Chairman of our Finance Committee, Cllr Michael Jarvis has been able to make prudent savings resulting in a £4,000 reduction on the Precept of last year but retaining adequate reserves.

Our dedication to providing opportunities for our youth is undiminished with the services of “Pipeline” being retained.

Our Air Scouts have been given assistance this fiscal year and we hope to be able to help them further in the future.

Other organizations will not be left out.

A number of events are anticipated and the commemoration of 100 years ago, on 4 August 1914, the outbreak of World War 1 ,is a solemn moment in World history, that BPC will honour with a dedicated programme based on the writings of our soldiers poets . One that survived was Geoffrey Deamer, who lived in our Village and who died at the ripe old age of 103. This dedication will be held in the afternoon at the Village Centre on Sunday 3 August 2014. Cllr Marian

Geoffrey Deamer, pictured young and old 4

Evans is Chairing an ad hoc committee and is responsible for this event. The Birchington Branch of the British Legion will also be arranging a Church service on the morning of that Sunday.

On Tuesday 11 November 2014, Armistice Day, BPC has booked a coach to take a strong representation from Birchington over to La Chapelle d’Armentières and intend to visit all the war cemeteries.

On a lighter note, after the success of last year’s, another Model Railway Exhibition, will be held at the Village Centre on Saturday 11 October 2014 from 10am to 4.30pm. Nick Evans (a Birchington lad), of The East Kent Model Railway Society will again be in charge.

BPC is arranging a “Christmas Event” on Saturday 29 November 2014 to cater for every age, based at the Village Centre with other satellite attractions. There will be more details to follow but it should, with the approach of dusk, be enhanced by some impressive additional Christmas lights throughout the Village.

To close it should be mentioned that our eagerly sought after Community Magazine continues to prosper from the efforts of our Editor, Cllr Bill Furness, whilst being so professionally produced

by Kelly Stacey (a Birchington girl), Community Ad, the publishers, will shortly be moving its business into larger and more modern premises in Margate.

This Community Magazine is now an established Village asset, which is much admired and appreciated and being copied by other Parish Councils.

Cllr Jack Cohen Chairman, Birchington Parish Council Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Sainsbury’s is coming to Birchington

Construct R e n o v a t e M a i n t a i n • • • • • • • • • •

Sainsbury’s will shortly be opening a Convenience Store here in Birchington, this will be located in the recently vacated Ferris Healthcare shop which will be extensively refurbished.

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Sainsbury’s is the second largest chain of supermarkets in the Country with a share in the UK supermarket sector of 17.7%. Founded in 1869 by John James Sainsbury with a shop in Drury Lane London, the company pioneered self-service.

When opened this will give the shoppers of Birchington a greater competitive choice, variety and diversity of goods and perhaps save them from travelling further afield for their weekly or monthly shopping.

RSPCA Open Day

Come and celebrate the charity shop’s refurbishment on Friday 30 May at 11am.

There will be a guest appearance by a TV star; lovely donated goods for the day (all at competitive prices); tombola; complimentary food and drink; face painting; plus a free toy and balloon for each child.

Come and join in at 5-7 Station Road, Birchington-on-Sea. 5

COUNCIL

Report from your

Kent County Councillor You will all be aware of the austere times we are going through and it is no exception for the County Council who have had a massive reduction in Central Government Grant , yet at the same time an increase in frontline responsibilities.

At the Budget Council it was agreed that the Council Tax increase would be limited to 1.99% which is the maximum increase before a costly referendum.

KCC now has to undergo a major reorganisation, in order to get the best value from the reduced Grant, the Transformation process will be in Phases and Phase one will be complete this month which will reduce all functions into four Directorates, as Opposition Leader, I have been involved with other leaders in this process, which is at this moment going well.

The good news for Birchington is that the Minnis Day Centre will continue with investment in improving the facilities, in fact as a Village we seem at this time to be spared any cuts, however The Highways and Community Grant to

each Elected KCC Councillor has been reduced to £25,000 and as I have seven parish councils in my Elected Division it will mean that I am unable to support any major community venture. What I will try to do is to ensure that the best use is made of every penny I have been re-elected within my Political Group and am still the leader of the Opposition which means that we have a voice on all key issues.

I would like to remind you about the European Election which will be held on Thursday 22nd of May and ask you please to vote on this issue as it is essential that you elect someone who represents your viewpoint, whatever that may be.

I thank you all for your support and if I can help at any time, then please just contact me, my contact details are in the Parish magazine.

Roger Latchford OBE KCC Cllr Birchington and the Villages

W

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6

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Birchington Parish Council

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NEWS

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Please be aware of the following scam email claiming be from the Ministry of Justice about an unpaid parking ticket “Reminder notice do not ignore. Your vehicle was recorded parked on our Clients Private Property at Katherine Road driveways from 12.13.23PM to 14.40.36PM on the 11.02.2014 and remained on site for 2 hour 27 min. A notice was sent to you on 6.03.2014 which gives 28 days to pay full PARKING CHARGE or challenge the issue. The amount of £70.00 is now due If payment not received within 28 days, an additional 40.00 administration charge will be incurred.

Failure to pay the full outstanding balance within 14 days of the date of this notice could result in the outstanding balance being registered as a debt against you. You will also become liable for additional costs and interest invoiced. Your ability to obtain credit in the future could be affected.”

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Birchington Parish Council

Clean Up Kent!

Many Rotary Clubs already have in place clean-up programmes for beaches and other open space green areas. The Rotary Club of Westgate and Birchington and the other Rotary Clubs in Thanet are very enthusiastic about a new Rotary District 1120 initiative, which plans to organise county-wide litter clean-ups over the holiday weekend of 23 to 27 May. Club members will be asked to spare a few hours or half a day to improve the character of our county. Each club will choose where and when the clean-up would take place and organise Rotarians to reach out into the community to get rid of the litter despoiling many areas of Kent. Our own community has many problems with litter and could be included in this initiative, following liaison with the Parish and District Council.

David Hearnshaw President Elect

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Birchington Parish Council

9

COMMUNITY

Dog Fouling, the Law, and Your Health

W Thanet District Council has a zero-tolerance to littering and dog fouling in all public spaces.

If an enforcement officer witnesses someone not picking up after their dog, they have no leeway other than to issue a ticket.

Under the Justice and Police Act 2001, £80 Fixed Penalty Notices can be issued by enforcement officers, Dog Wardens or PCSOs, (£60 payment if paid within 14 days).

If the penalty notice is not paid, Thanet District Council will take you to court, a fine of up to £1000 may be payable.

W W

Always look at the signage before you enter a beach or promenade in the summer months to check there is no restriction. When walking your dog always take a poop scoop or bags with you.

It is your duty as a dog owner to clean up after your dog

You can train your dog to foul in your own garden, making it easier for you to clean up after them To prevent the spread of toxocariasis, make sure children wash their hands after playing with a dog or somewhere that dogs have been. Make sure that your dog is given worming tablets regularly, following your vet’s instructions, as the disease is caused by a type of roundworm

Toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by roundworm parasites, spread to humans from infected faeces of animals.

Roundworm parasites are most commonly found in cats, dogs and foxes. They usually affect young children who are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil playing and put their hands in their mouths; although cases have been reported in people of all ages.

If you see someone failing to clean up after their dog and you know the owner’s details, please report it to the Dog Warden, by calling Thanet Council on 01843 577000 or emailing enforcement@thanet.gov.uk 10

Birchington Parish Council

COUNCIL

Things you didn’t know about…

Councillor John Worrow John is a local entrepreneur running his own business and has been an elected representative for Birchington since 2007, and sits as an Independent Thanet District Councillor for Birchington South Ward and a Parish Councillor for the North ward, He is well recognised as a passionate campaigner, and is a strong voice for the democratic rights of all the people of Birchington Village and of Thanet and is able to represent their views and aspirations.

John has served as chairman on a number of committees, including TAPC, an influential committee that represents local and Town councils throughout the district.

He was Chairman of the Birchington Village Partnership, a multi-sector group that included local business owners, public sector workers, councillors and clergy.

He has also been a member of the Joint Transportation Board, and is currently serving on many TDC committees.

John is known for being a hard working election campaigner; he hit the top of the Family run business established for over 20 years

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Birchington Parish Council

polls in the parish election of 2007, and in the District Council elections of 2011. In November 2007 he organised a protest to save one of Birchington’s local Post Offices; in April 2009 he played a key role in the successful campaign to stop an unwanted amusement arcade from opening up in Station Road in the middle of the Village.

He helped to organise a number of events, including Minnis Bay Live, a family event that helped to buy a special car for a little boy called Ralph, who depends on life saving equipment, thus needing the vehicle as a safe form of transportation John vehemently opposed the exportation of live animals from the Thanet port of Ramsgate and joined the cross party discussions trying to stop the way that these animals are shipped across to Europe. He is disappointed that TDC hands are tied in stopping this trade.

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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

w 01843 841107

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

12

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

www.birchington.org

Birchington Parish Council

COMMUNITY

Minnis Day Centre

Following a period of quiet whilst we worked with our Property Group to finalise the funding and plans for the refurbishment of the Minnis Day Centre we are now back on track.

We aim to start work on refurbishing the building over the summer period.

We are now planning to phase the work so we shouldn’t need to relocate the service for more than a few weeks.

This means there will be minimum disruption to those who attend the centre.

We plan to have a Launch Event when the work is completed.

Update on the Intergenerational Project @ Minnis The project run by The Children’s Society is blossoming and each week has been running the following sessions: Monday Evenings 6-8.15pm Rehearsals for Christingle & African Event Wednesday Evenings 5.30-7.30pm Chat & Chew Saturdays 10.30am -12.30 Saturday group Variety of Activities Contact details are: Minnis Day Centre Gill 01843 844561

Intergen Project Activities Rachel 01843 596659 Project Queries Sue on 07740 184591

Birchington Parish Council

Neighbourhood Engagement Meeting Birchington, Garlinge, Westbrook and Westgate Wednesday 28 May

Birchington Parish Council Offices 2 Albion Road, Birchington (Future meetings: 4th September, Victoria Villa, 150 Canterbury Rd, Westbrook and 25th November, Birchington Parish Council Offices.)

An opportunity for residents to meet with representatives of the Police, their PCSOs and Community Wardens, Councillors and the TDC Community Safety Officer for the area

Your neighbourhood needs you!

Raise issues that concern you with the assurance that they will be taken seriously!

For further information contact your local PCSO on 101 or email nhp.thanet@kent.pnn.police.uk For any Thanet District Council issues call 01843 577000 or email community.safety@thanet.gov.uk

Drummond Hayes ProPertyCare

Painting, Decorating and General House Repairs

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info@drummondhayespropertycare.co.uk

13

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Block Paving | Tarmacadam Patios | Walls | Fencing Gravel Driveways 01227 265320 | 07788 440196 mc.paving@btinternet.com

Birchington Parish Council

MOVING HOUSE? OR JUST EXTENDING?

AB Arthur Bryant

Surveying Services Ltd can provide

u Home condition surveys u Building surveys u Party wall surveys Were you aware your mortgage valuation is not a building survey?

Our reports are written in an easy to understand format

Brighter Futures Falls Prevention Service

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You can join a friendly, specialist exercise programme which is proven to reduce the risk of falling Our postural stability exercises classes are starting in your community -Transport provided for those in need-

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Numatic Industrial Vacuum Cleaner includes full accessory kit

Compostable bin liners for new grey caddy bins roll of 50 only £5.95 Heavy duty black sacks case of 200 only £15

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Birchington Parish Council

Est. 1897

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Robinson Allfree Solicitors offer legal services to individuals and businesses – employment, personal injury, disputes, divorce, family and children law, conveyancing, wills & probate and business matters.

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Broadstairs Office 142 High Street Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1JD Tel: (01843) 865261 Email: broadstairs@robinson-allfree.co.uk

15

NEWS

BIRCHINGTON MEDICAL CENTRE (Don’t ?) Opt out of your data being shared

The government passed legislation to enable the sharing of personal information within the NHS. Your GP obviously holds your personal information and we take care that it is not shared with anyone unless there is a legislative protocol and/or safety need. There are different types of sharing, and each you can opt out of if you do not agree. However, the first consideration is that the reason behind this sharing of information is to improve the NHS and your health.

The first sharing issue is often called summary care record, which means that we can share your details with other providers, such as the hospital or Ultrasound, etc. Whenever we make a referral for you to another NHS provider, we have to send up to date information about your medication, etc and if you allow for the summary care record to be shared this makes this process easier.

The second issue for sharing your information is that of strategic

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management of the Health Service.

This means that information is gathered from GP surgeries across the country and data from that is analysed in order to create more effective ways of preventing, treating and managing diseases, helps inform the NHS decision making and planning and allows better use of NHS resources.

The reasons behind this information sharing are for the benefit of the patient, but if you do not want your information to be shared, you can opt out. If you wish to do so, you must tell us, in writing, and specify which sharing process you wish to opt out of – the summary care or the wider NHS disclosure, or both. We must have this in writing with a legible signature (parents/Guardians for minors).

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please let us know.

What’s new at the centre?

We promised we would hope to provide improvements for you as soon as we could, so far we are pleased to announce…

Just a very nice place to be…

Function Suite, Ballroom & Bar

The Swan Fully air-conditioned

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Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Clinical Staff

We have reviewed the success of our Nurse Practitioner, Barbara Rennells and it appears that she now has her own list within a list – quite a few patients have specifically asked to see her rather than a doctor! She is very competent and will always double check with other doctors if she has any doubts, but it is clear that it has been a great success having her with us. As a result, we have recruited another, Sue Gassor, who not only does the same role as Barbara but also takes on the mantle of supporting those with Diabetes. She is part time – her other role is supporting the development of all nurses across Thanet because she is very experienced – but she is actually based here all the time. We have also recruited another experienced nurse, Mamie Bishop-Schyberg and she helps on Mondays.

Telephones / appointments

Staff changes have seen Trish Bushell taking on the role of reception manager. She has already recruited staff with BT 999 and pharmacy Come and visit our showroom to view possibly the best selection of floor coverings in the South East.

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Birchington Parish Council

experience, so we are very confident that when trained they will be an asset to the team, and improve the phone and appointment system. We still hold back appointments each day for those that really need to see the doctor on the day. If you are phoning in for test results, please phone in the afternoon as the mornings should be reserved for those trying to get appointments.

Please make sure your appointment is for one person and one issue each time. If you need to discuss a range of issues, please flag this and we may give you a double appointment. The doctors are sometimes put in the position, (because they care!) of trying to balance time with the current patient against those still waiting to come in.

Prescriptions

Last time I mentioned the savings that could be made on prescriptions and when we discussed this at the patient group meeting I was asked to provide some illustrations of savings we have made. These savings are retained by the CCG for the benefit of those across Thanet! Many of you

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The new machinery is now in place and we can offer blood pressure and heart monitoring. Obviously treat the equipment with care so that others will be able to use, but this should help with monitoring and better diagnoses and care treatments.

Finally

We have made some progress but recognise that there is still much to do.

We really appreciate your patience and support while we try to bed in the improvements, and recognise that some are taking longer to fix than others. Our intention is that we become one of the best GP surgeries in Kent, providing good quality, safe health care, efficiently and in a compassionate way. We realise we have some way to go, but we have made a start.

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drug, and this really does save the NHS prescription budget – so for instance a switch of one statin to another can save £28 on each prescription. A swap from Tramadol to a more generic drug can save £11 on each. We prescribe these quite often so the savings we have made just this year have been considerable! Please try the less expensive drug, but if it does not suit you we will go back to your usual one.

doctor / nurse, so are not usually ready for collection until after 4pm. Also, please note we now have a generic email address for prescriptions – it is prescriptions.bmc@nhs.net.

MA N

have received letters explaining å will that we are switching to a lower cost

Birchington Parish Council

La Chapelle d’Armentières TWINNED WITH BIRCHINGTON 1989 Twinning’s 25th Anniversary is this year

Bernard Coisne has just been re-elected as Mayor of La Chapelle d’Armentières our Twinned town in France; Bernard had a majority of more than 75% over his opponent.

Bernard is a regular visitor to Birchington and always makes all visitors to La Chapelle d’Armentières very welcome If you are interested in joining Birchington Twinning Association, why not contact Carla Latchford on 01843 846458 Birchington Parish Council

19

Why Build a Crampton?

For one thing: they are a very rare breed in Gauge 1.

It all started a couple of years ago, I had finished my 1” scale Traction Engine and was thinking what to do next.

My wife May and I were at a Welling Engineering Club Open Meeting and a visitor on their 5” track had a Crampton.

The traction was not as good as the larger coupled engines but it was so different that I decided to build a Crampton in Gauge 1. I took some photographs of the 5” and started to investigate.

Thomas Russell Crampton was born in Broadstairs, Kent, on the 6 August 1816.

As well as designing the Crampton he worked on a lot of other projects such as Water Works, Bridges, and locally the East Kent Railway from Strood to Dover.

He is remembered in Broadstairs by The Crampton Tower Museum. This Museum was the first place I visited in my research.

They did not have much information but did recommend a book by M. Sharman: The Crampton Locomotive. From this I decided on “Le Continent” as the loco to build. What follows is some of the detail of the building. I had some luck - Roger David was going to France on holiday and

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offered to take some photographs of “Le Continent” at the Musee du Chemin de Fer. These proved to be invaluable and combined with the information from the Crampton book formed the basis for building my Crampton. The sizes given in the book were Wheels 7’6”, 4’6” and 4’0”, Tender 3’9”, Wheel centres 7’6” and 7’7”.

All other dimensions had to be scaled or guessed. The boiler size was controlled by the width between the front wheels and between the driving wheels. The front end of the boiler was 1½” dia. and between the drivers, 1¼” dia. I used a type “B” boiler with 5-5/16” dia. tubes. This seems to work quite well with a ceramic gas fired burner. The steam is taken off the top of the boiler through a block soldered to the boiler. On the top of this block is the regulator and from there the steam goes through tubes on the outside of the boiler to the valve chests. The safety valve is mounted at the back of the boiler under the regulator rod.

The oil is fed from a Jim Ewins’ design mechanical oil pump driven by an eccentric on the front axle, and then into the front of the regulator block.

Water for the boiler is fed from a pump mounted under the running board at the front of the loco, from there via a clack valve into the top of the boiler.

The pump is driven by a lost motion link on an extension to the piston rod.

This is achieved by fitting a block with a “U” shaped cut-out to the end of the piston rod. The piston of the water pump is turned down for a section to fit this cut-out. As the piston rod moves in and out it either pushes or pulls the water pump piston. The length of the cut-out Birchington Parish Council

controls the stroke of the water pump relative to the piston rod stroke. There is a bypass valve at the back of the loco.

The valve gear is Stephenson link driven by eccentrics mounted on an extension of the drive wheels axle. The connection rod bearing is on the inside of these eccentrics, the small end is supported in a round crosshead guide. The cylinders are mounted horizontally but the valve chest is angled from front to back and from inside to outside. This made it a bit awkward bolting it all together - but that is how the French did it!

The tender is in effect a coal hopper surrounded by a “U� shape water tank.

The coal was heaped in the hopper and then shoveled from the floor of the tender into the fire box.

This arrangement made it difficult to hide a gas tank in the tender so I had to mount it under the floor and above the axles. The

A Crampton Locomotive

A Crampton locomotive is a type of steam locomotive designed by Thomas Russell Crampton and built by various firms from 1846. The main British builders were Tulk and Ley and Robert Stephenson and Company. Notable features were a low boiler and large driving wheels. The

Birchington Parish Council

gas tank has proved to be too small and at a later date I will replace it with a larger tank wrapped around the axles.

Building the Crampton was in some ways quite a challenge. I probably spent as much time thinking about what to do as actually doing it. Room was always a problem - the double frame tended to restrict the space for the valve gear. The crossheads wanted to grind away the wheels on one side and the springs on the other. Having said that, to me this is all part of the enjoyment of building and running Gauge 1 locos.

In researching the Crampton I received help from many members to whom I offer my thanks.

Birchington resident Frank Norton built the Crampton engine and the carriages by hand crux of the Crampton patent was that the single driving axle was placed behind the firebox, so that the driving wheels could be very large. This helped to give this design a low centre of gravity, so that it did not require a very broad-gauge track to travel safely at high speeds. Its wheel arrangement was usually 4-2-0.

21

Crampton Tower Museum The Crampton Tower Museum is a fascinating small museum is partly housed in a flint tower adjacent to the Broadstairs Railway Station. The tower formed part of the first Broadstairs public water supply and was put in repair by Thanet District Council.

Thomas Russel Crampton is perhaps chiefly remembered as a designer of locomotives and of railways, but he was also concerned with gas, water works and the submarine telegraph cable. He was the first to succeed in laying an effective telegraph cable under the English Channel.

There are a wealth of artefacts displayed in dedicated galleries including: • Thomas Crampton’s working drawings, models and graphics • The original 1860 Broadstairs stagecoach

• Patents, awards and artefacts connected to Thomas Crampton’s life and works • Records of the history and development of the railways, electric tramways, road transport and other aspects of local industry • 7 working model railways in gauges N,OO,O and Gauge One The Broadstairs Gallery, introduced in 2006, focuses on the development of the town of Broadstairs, illustrated through vintage postcards and photographs.

There is a 5inch gauge miniature railway on the museum site on which children can ride - weather permitting. This and other interactive displays make for an informative and entertaining visit for everyone - from families with children to historians and researchers.

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Birchington Parish Council

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The Museum is open every afternoon from 2 pm to 5pm from the third Saturday in March until the last day of October. Opening can be arranged out of season and outside of normal hours for groups by prior arrangement. There is normally a small admission charge. but is FREE for the next few months of this year.

Thomas Crampton Thomas Crampton served his articles with the well known engineer John Hague of London from 1831 to 1839, being a fellow pupil of Mr. (later Sir) Frederick Bramwell. At the age of 16 he designed a steam-operated rolling machine.

Crampton was an assistant to the elder Brunel, and then to Mr. (later Sir) Daniel Gooch, under whom he designed the first locomotive the “Firefly” for the Great Western Railway. He patented the Crampton Engine in 1843, its characteristics being large driving wheels, a long boiler, outside cylinders and a low centre of gravity.

This engine was, later in that decade, to be adopted by the Compagnie du Nord and it ran for 40 years on the Northern and Eastern railway networks of France.

Crampton’s work was recognised by Napoleon III in 1855 when he became Officer of the Legion of Honour and in 1885 he became a Knight. Also, in 1843, Crampton advocated to several railway companies the use of the narrow-gauge, later to become the standard gauge railway line, but this idea received little support at the time Birchington Parish Council

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La Chapelle d’Armentières and the World Wars During the First World War, many trenches were dug across La Chapelle d’Armentières which left the town in ruins, since numerous battles were fought on the territory, there are five cemeteries of British soldiers located here which hold about 2000 graves.

In September 1914 the first German patrols got nearer to Armentieres.

On 9 October 1914 the French troops had to abandon Armentieres and La Chapelle d’Armentières, then on 17 October a British counter attack took them over again and managed to reach the eastern part of La Chapelle (towards Lille).

The front was set up there, the enemies dug trenches in Wood Street - the real front line was then in La Chapelle, its two churches were destroyed by bombs - so unfortunately were all the houses.

On 25 September 1915 a counter attack failed. On 9 April 1918 the enemy attacked the area again, gaining some territory (then held by the Portuguese) but the French troops defended themselves bravely and the Germans had to retreat, for four years La Chapelle remained the front line nothing was left standing, finally on 17 October 1918 all the area was freed from German occupation.

During the Second World War, the town was once again occupied by the Germans and not freed until September 6 1944. The inhabitants of La Chapelle 24

have always endeavoured to assert the character of their town, which has now acquired a strong identity.

In 1987, the Council took steps to establish twinning with a town in England, then on September 30 1988 the Council formally decided to twin with Birchington, in Kent.

The following year on 20 and 21 May 1989 the town of La Chapelle twinned with the village of Birchington with the inauguration taking place in Birchington square, the signing of the oaths, a parade of the local bands and many associations. Since that time festivities take place in May each year in La Chapelle with car boot sales, exhibitions, philatelic exhibitions, parades of various associations etc to celebrate their new English friends.

It’s present Mayor, Bernard Coisne is a very keen supporter of the Twinning and is a frequent visitor to Birchington.

Many fields surrounding La Chapelle d’Armentières still have bombs buried in them and are constantly dug up by farmers during ploughing, even after being in the ground for 100 years many of these are still live and very volatile When found by the farmers they are left by the roadside to be collected and detonated safely.

Birchington Parish Council

First World War and Manston

regular additions in men and machinery were soon made, particularly, in these early days, from Detling. By 1917 the Royal Flying Corps was well established and taking an active part in the defence of England.

At a time when Zeppelin raids were bringing the war directly to English civilians, daylight bombing raids by German ‘Gotha’ Bombers, a twin engined biplane, would have been considerably more effective were it not for the RFC’s presence at Manston.

The German air raids had lasted for thirteen weeks, the last being on 22 August 1917. On this occasion, of the 15 bombers that set out for England five did not reach the Kent coast, and the ‘spirited’ intervention from Manston based fighters prevented those remaining from flying further west, three being destroyed outright and the remaining seven returning to Germany with dead and wounded on board.

Shortly after such formation raids and in consequence the Cabinet recommended the creation of a separate Air Ministry.

The RAF was officially formed on 1 April 1918.

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At the outset of the First World War, the Isle of Thanet was equipped with a small and precarious landing strip for aircraft at St Mildreds Bay, Westgate, on top of the chalk cliffs, at the foot of which was a promenade which had been used for seaplane operations.

The landing grounds atop the cliff soon became the scene of several accidents, with at least one plane seen to fail to stop before the end of the cliffs and tumble into the sea, which for the fortunate pilot had been on its inward tide.

In the winter of 1915-1916 these early aircraft first began to use the open farmlands at Manston as a site for emergency landings. Thus was soon established the Admiralty Aerodrome at Manston. It was not long after this that the training school, set up to instruct pilots in the use of the new Handley Page bombers, was established, and so by the close of 1916 there were already two distinct units stationed at Manston, the Operational War Flight Command and the Handley Page Training School.

Its location near the Kent coast gave Manston some advantages over the other previously established aerodromes and

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Birchington in 1914 Major George E. Holland compiled a record of Birchington’s contribution during World War One at the end of the war. In it he wrote: “In presenting this book to the Church of All Saints as a slight record of the magnificent war work achieved by the inhabitants, I trust that it will not be removed from the Church and that any parishioner will be allowed to view it.

I am indebted to Mr S. J. Sandle for voluntarily undertaking the binding, to Miss G Smith for the drawings of the Homes, to Mr C. Laming for giving the list of those men who joined H.M. Forces, to Mrs Powell-Cotton, Misses Denning & Hill and Mrs Tett for supplying the names of the nurses, helpers & women war workers, & to others who gave valuable information.

G. E. Holland” Each page in the book is illuminated by hand and is full of details about what the people of Birchington contributed, from the occupants of Quex Park to the humblest farm worker. It is a moving record of the 2,522 who lived in the village in 1914. 447 men joined the ranks and left the village, along with about 100 women as nurses and volunteers in various fields of service. So the work of running our affairs lay in the hand of just 2,000 souls.

Apart from school children and young teenagers (even they had a special part to play in May 1918), everyone was involved in some way - and this is a worthy record of that effort.

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Birchington Parish Council

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.”

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

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Visit Quex Heritage, family fun, gardens, crafts, fine food

Natural history museum Beautiful gardens Summer maize maze Craft village Garden centre Boutique Café Farm shop Local produce restaurant Cream teas Family entertainment centre Play barn Zip wire Climbing wall Paint ball Seasonal Events www.quexpark.co.uk

01843 841 119

Quex Park, Park Lane, Birchington CT7 0BH

Birchington Parish Council

29

Monkton Nature Reserve Our motto is “Conservation and Education”. However, it just as easily could be “I’ve driven past it many times, but never been in !” Similarly, mention of the Thanet Countryside Trust who own and operate the Reserve usually generates blank looks. But follow that up with a comment about Monkton Nature Reserve and there’s instant recognition, often followed with “I’ve driven past it many times … “ We recognise this as a problem for our profile and fortunes, and are encouraging people to take the brave step of actually stopping .. and coming in !

We believe we have a lot to offer by way

30

of interest and education. The 16 acres of the Reserve contain a range of diverse wildlife habitats, including woodland, cliffs and important chalk grassland, with water-life in the ponds and bats in the cave. Geological features and the flora and fauna can be closely studied. There are numerous species of chalk-loving plants, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians such as Great Crested Newts.

Eight species of rare orchid, including Bee, Man, and Lizard Orchids, 26 species of butterfly, and a wide variety of birds have been recorded at the Reserve.

There are two trails for visitors to explore,

Birchington Parish Council

Salmestone Grange one within the chalk quarry and another along the cliffs to the woodland, with scenic views across the surrounding countryside. Entry to the Field Study Centre is free, where visitors can see the geological and natural history exhibitions and browse the second-hand bookshop.

More than this, the Reserve offers “a walk on the wild side” and the opportunity to get closer to nature. We believe this is a particular asset to Thanet, as there are so few woodlands and natural environments on the Isle.

It’s not just about going for a stroll either (although our visitors are most welcome to do so). With the warmer weather and longer evenings approaching, we have a number of events and activities planned for public participation. These include regular features such as the astronomy viewing nights on the third Friday of every month; pond-dipping (a favourite for children, schools and families); art & games facilities; and even a British Dinosaur Hunt ! Our events will be the annual Open Day on 25th May, followed by orchid spotting walks in late May and June; and preceded by a photo workshop for beginners on 27th April.

Do come on down, we will be delighted to meet you and show you round the little gem on your doorstep.

Monkton Nature Reserve Canterbury Road, Monkton, Nr Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 4LH www.monkton-reserve.org 01843 822666 Birchington Parish Council

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WHAT’S ON

Local Events, Groups & Clubs BIARA

Birchington Active Retirement Association

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 2.15 pm 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 every second Tuesday afternoon in the month the Club holds a Table Tennis afternoon at 2pm price £2.50. During the year we have lunches, holidays and anything else we can think of. At the moment Membership Subscriptions are £7 per year.

Bowls

Are you interested in trying bowls? Then come along to

Birchington Bowls Club at Beach Avenue on Saturday 10 May from 10am to 12noon.

Bowling is for everyone, ladies and gents, young or old - come and try it For further information contact the general secretary, Carol Fisher, on 01843 842507 32

Probus Club

The purpose of the Club is to provide a regular meeting point for retired professional and business men who, in their retirement or semi-retirement, would value the opportunity of social contact with others in similar circumstances. We meet monthly for lunch in The Smugglers Restaurant in the village. Speakers are arranged three or four times per year and there is also a social programme involving partners If you are interested in joining our Club, contact the Secretary at dave. alker@btinternet.com or on 845783 for more info go to www.garlandja.wix.com/ birchington-probus

Activities in Acol

Acol Art Group Exhibition Sat 10 and Sun 11 May, 10am–4pm

Jumble Sale in support of Acol Village Hall 9.30am–11.30am on Saturday 31 May

The Acol Horticultural Society’s Summer Flower Show in the marquee behind the Village Hall Saturday 26 July from 2–5pm Zumba Fitness Class Every Mon and Fri evening, 7-8.30pm Ballroom Dance Fitness Every Tuesday from 6–7pm (except 1st in the month)

Birchington Parish Council

WHAT’S ON

Local Events, Groups & Clubs Rhythm Express School of Dance

Term 5 | 5 weeks from Tues 22 April to Fri 23 May 2014 Classes at the The Centre, Alpha Rd Grade One Ballet Tuesdays 10.30-11am age 7-9 approx, £3 Musical Express – The Musical Theatre Grade One Tap Department of Rhythm Express 11-11.30am age 7-9 approx, £3 The Drivers – 5-5.30pm age 3-6 £3 Rhythmex Crew The Guards 5-6.15pm age 7-11 £5 open age group The Controllers 5.45-7pm age 11+ £5 audition only 11.30am-12.30pm £5.50 The Inspectors 7.30-8.30pm age 18+ £4 Jazz Class 12.30-1.30pm age 7 and over £4 Wednesdays Contemporary Class Millennium troupe - open age group 1.30-2.30pm age 7 and over £4 by audition only - 3.45-4.30pm £4.75 Urban Class Class Skillicious (commercial street/ 2.30-3.30pm age 7 and over £4 freestyle, show and exam class) 4.30-5.30pm age 11+ £4 Divine troupe - open age group by audition only - 5.30-6.30pm £5.50 Adult tap class – age 16 years and over 6.30-7.15pm £3.50 Saturdays Pre-Primary Ballet 9-9.30am age 3-5 approx, £3 Primary Ballet 9.30-10am age 5-7 approx, £3 Primary Tap 10-10.30am 5-7 approx, £3

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Birchington Parish Council

Classes held at Birchington Primary after school (commercial street/ freestyle, show and exam classes)

KS1 - Tuesdays 3.30-4.40pm £4 KS2 year 3&4 Thursdays 3.30-4.30pm £4 Class Vibe Thurs 4.30-5.30pm age 11 and over £4 KS2 year 5&6 Fridays 3.30-4.30pm £4 Rhythm Machine troupe Open age group by audition only 4.30-5.30pm £5.50

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33

On the

lighter

side…

Following an urgent request from the Editor of the local Thanet newspaper who very reluctantly agreed to pay all the costs, their photographer quickly made a telephone call to Manston airport to charter a flight;

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He explained how urgently he needed a flight, the reason why and was told not to worry as a light aeroplane would be waiting for him at the airport.

Arriving at the airfield, he spotted the plane warming up outside a hanger. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut and shouted, ‘Let’s go.’

The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off, once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, ‘Fly over the reception area and departure lounges and make low passes so I can take pictures of all of the buildings’ ‘Why?’ asked the pilot.

‘Because I’m a photographer for the local newspaper and need to take pictures for the “breaking news” on the latest Manston development , he responded, ‘and I need to get some close up shots.’

The pilot was strangely silent for a moment and finally he stammered, ‘So, what you’re telling me is that you’re not my flight instructor?’

34

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Birchington Parish Council

COMMUNITY

Worship

PHPlumbing & Heating Services

All Saints, Birchington

Sundays Parish Holy Communion 8am Sung Eucharist 10am Family Service first Sunday of the month 10am Junior Church in Church House 10am Evensong first Sunday of the month 6pm Weekdays Holy Communion Wednesday 10am St Mildred, Acol

Sunday Sung Eucharist first Sunday of the month 9.30am Morning Worship third Sunday 9.30am St Thomas, Minnis Bay

Sundays Sung Eucharist Morning Prayer second Sunday

11am 11am

Weekdays Holy Communion Thursday 10am 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

Boilers - Heating Installations Servicing - Repairs & All Plumbing

01843 449022 | 07970 712083 services@phphs.co.uk

www.phphs.co.uk

TWIGGY’S TREE SURGERY

Trees felled, lopped and pruned Hedges trimmed Gardens cleared Contract work undertaken QUALIFIED & INSURED

email twiggy.info@gmail.com

Richard’s

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01843 292460  07788 888352 we are opposite Kandoo’s Timber Yard All Saints Industrial Estate, Margate

35

Kent Family History Society The Kent Family History Society celebrates 40 years in 2014. Indeed this year has several significant anniversaries: Shakespeare’s 450th birthday in April; the death of the Stuart Queen Anne and accession of the Hanoverian George I in August 1714; and the outbreaks of the First World War in August 1914, and of the Second World War in September 1939.

The old photographs pick up two of these themes. One shows Evelyn and Charlie Woodbury at Cobham, Surrey, around 1896. Charlie Evelyn and Charlie served 1915-18, as a private on the Western Front with 9th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment.

Wounded in 1916 & 1917, he escaped capture in March 1918 by swimming the Somme Canal. However, he was then taken prisoner, wounded, in October.

Sadly, he never recovered from his war service and died in 1922. Evelyn had five children, with two boys of military age for the Second World War. Ironically, Dick who died did not serve abroad like Peter, but with the Home Guard. The other picture shows Trudi Reinhold, around 1914. Her future husband served from 1914-18 in the Saxon artillery. They survived the bombing of Berlin and its fall in 1945. Evelyn and Trudi’s grandchildren married in 1971.

Thanet Branch of K.F.H.S. meets the third Wednesday each month, 36

except August, in the Village Centre, Birchington, by the library, at 7.30 for 8pm Non-members are welcome to attend for £1, except for the A.G.M. and Members’ Christmas Party. Members attend meetings for free; receive a quarterly magazine; and can use the Help Desk for family history queries. Annual membership costs £9 singles, £10 families plus a one off joining fee of £5. The society web-site is at www.kfhs.org.uk and our branch one is www.thanetkfhs.

Trudi Reinhold Birchington Parish Council

Westgate & Birchington weebly.com . We have outside speakers, often well known nationally, mostly on family history subjects. Recently, we had our members’ Christmas party, with a Victorian and Edwardian magic lantern show; and talks on Quex’s Major PowellCotton’s expeditions; and on historic immigration into London.

Michael Lucas, Chairman Kent Family History Society Programme 2014 May 15 AGM + local member’s talk June 18 Queen Victoria’s Dreadful Uncles Sheila Boyd July 16 Rogues, Rascals & Rebels Chris McCooey August No meeting Sept 17 Kent in the 19th Century Bob Ogley Oct 15 Tracing Living Relatives & Missing People Geoff Swinfield Nov 19 The Hazards Of The Journey Pilgrimage & Travel In The Middle Ages Imogen Corrigan Dec 17 Members’ Christmas meeting

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.

www.westgate-and-birchington-golfclub.co.uk Telephone: 01843 831115 Email: office@wabgc.co.uk

To get FREE rounds of golf and other offers, just text WESTGATE to 67000 and download our new golfing app, available for both iPhone and Android Standard network message rates apply

Everything for around the home at BARGAIN prices

★ Household Cleaning Supplies ★ Toiletries ★ Toys ★ Garden Sundries ★ Stationery ★ Cookware ★ Cake & Baking Goods ★ Beach Goods ★ Seasonal Lines We hire cake tins and wedding cake stands!

Kent Family History Society Thanet Branch Meetings held third Wednesday of the month (except August) in Birchington Village Centre 7.30 for 8pm start Michael Lucas 01843 841228 Gerry Davis 01843 843028

CORATING SUPPLIES PLUS CAKE DEhin gton store at Birc

56 Station Road·Birchington·w841147 also at 99 High Street·Margate·w293922 www.pricelessdiscountstores.co.uk YOUR LOCAL ALADDIN’S CAVE OF BARGAINS TRUST PRICELESS TO HAVE JUST WHAT YOU NEED

Birchington Parish Council

37

Birchington Residents’ Association The Easter Magazine of the Birchington Residents’ Association is now out and members should have received it. We take a non-political view of the village and try to cover all that has happened over the last quarter, but we are prepared to point out any problems we see as well as the good things. We hope you enjoy the latest issue. Our membership fees, which had remained the same for the last 16 years were finally increased from £1.50 to £2 per individual and £2 to £3 for households.

Membership had increased over the last two years and members are already renewing. In the old days Road Stewards would knock on doors and collect the subscriptions, but this is not the case now, largely because the stewards were not happy being out collecting subscriptions in the evenings when most people were at home. It is, however, very easy to renew your subscription, either by popping it, in an envelope - a used one will do addressed to the Registrar, into Blends in Station Road or MeMe and Amy in Minnis Bay.

Kent Connections

Pre-booked door to door airport transfer service at a time to suit you, with a unique welcome home grocery service

01227 363377 | 07754 554392 info@kent-connections.com

www.kent-connections.com

38

Our A.G.M. went well with most officers re-elected and Maureen Hudson taking over as Secretary. We also hope we have some new Committee Members, but we should be happy to welcome more. Our first evening talk on April 24th was an illustrated talk given by Neville Hudson called “Crisis in Birchington - The Story of CRISAB.” It involved a look at the centre of Birchington before 1961, the amazing campaign against the then Margate Borough Council who had no time for Birchington and what has happened since.

We are planning outings this year as shown below: May 29 MacArthur Glen, Ashford 11am-5pm; £20 June 18 Lullingstone Castle Gardens Entry included, 10am-5pm; £28 July 17 Sandwich Tour/Salutation Entry included; 12.3pm-5pm; £12 For further information contact our Registrar Trevor Kinnersley, on 01843 845807

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