Birchington Parish Council Community Magazine

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Spring Edition 2015

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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

Contents

Letter from the Chairman

4

Council Contacts

This is the third year of publication of our Parish Council Community Magazine, I hope that you have found the articles and photographs through these years of interest, I would like to thank all those people that have contributed articles for publication,please keep them coming.

Due to the forthcoming General Election and elections for Thanet District and the Parish Council being held on May 7th, we have been advised that under electoral law, we must not publish the names of Councillors and candidates who may participate in these in the next edition, therefore please keep this edition handy for future reference for all council contacts.

Photographs and full details on Village and Parish events can be found together with full minutes of the Parish Council meetings by logging onto our website www.birchington.org Cllr Bill Furness F.Inst.S.M.M. Editor

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KCC Report

22

Q&A 28 Reculver Towers

30

What’s On

37

Powell Arms

34

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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 Calvin on 01843 292348

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

The year ended well with the Christmas Event being most satisfactory and The Square packed to overflowing at the end of the day. We had lots of varied entertainments, Santa Claus being none another than David Hearnshaw President of Rotary, attracting queues of children throughout the day into the Methodist Church in Station Road, that provided most copious provisions.

Pipeline led by Scott Butler administered the whole event with dexterity and we were graced by four choirs , actors ,dance groups ,bouncy castles ,a football cage and peals of bells throughout the day. Rev Don Witts blessed us and we had the honour of Cllr Marion Evans throwing the light switch accompanied by a peal of bells supported by the All Saints Choir and delightful depictions from “Frozen.�Cllr Evans has honourably served Birchington for many years in diverse capacities and this was but another bright moment she brought into our community. Security was comprehensive and the day went without incident. Thank you Liam and Shaun.

We rather ran over our budget but this was precipitated by additional services.

I will now move away from a delightful day and confirm we now have an excellent bus shelter in Sandles Road by the railway station paid 50/50 by KCC funding and BPC and we thank Councillor Latchford for his efforts in encouraging KCC in obtaining this.

I am pleased to say that with a little persuasion I have been able to get Thanet District Council (TDC) to extend the 10p for half an hour parking in Albion Road car

4

park. This will begin at the start of the new municipal year in April 2015 and continue until April 2016.

Crispe Park is seeing a considerable renovation and upgrading. I have for months been pressing officers , that are always most understanding, to action the improvements and this should now be almost completed. In such hard times TDC has done rather well.

BPC has also planted over 2500 spring bulbs in the park.

Cllr David Darling has kindly taken over my role to monitor our parks and I have every confidence in his experience ,he will do a super job. Also Cllr John Hill has taken over my role as BPC representative to Birchington Bowls club and Tennis facilities.

He will be an excellent liaison for BPC and I thank him for giving me a little more spare time as has Cllr David Darling.

The local plan that projects the hoped development of Thanet for the next 20 years has a Cabinet Advisory Group (CAG), of which I am Chairman that has worked with officers to produce a hefty document which has been passed

by Scrutiny in the first place and next by Cabinet and will shortly be going out to public participation.

The airport project of which I have been closely involved in many meetings with River Oak and TDC Officers and Cabinet Members has for the present stalled as there is no appropriate backer for the council to promote a Compulsory Purchase Order. (CPO) Also the new owners of Manston have appointed with possibly one of the most prestigious companies in the UK that deal with the developments ,to produce a master plan for the site. This may

Birchington Parish Council

The perfect touches for your windows considerably weaken any future efforts to obtain a CPO. TDC has a great deal of assessment to do on this issue and not land Thanet with a millstone.

Our Parish magazine still prospers under the immaculate and professional editorship of Cllr Bill Furness. His continual dedication has produced a publication of first class standards also our recognition of Kelly Stacey a Birchington girl, who masterminds the publication and distribution.

Finally, BPC has already booked the popular Model Railway Exhibition for 17th October 2015 ,again master minded

by Nick Evans, a Birchington boy.

Cllr Dr Jack Cohen Chairman, Birchington Parish Council.

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NEWS

Safer to be seen…a local success story!

‘Safer to be Seen’ is a company based in Birchington that is trading all over the UK, in Europe and has a sister company in the USA. The product is the VisiBag…a mobility scooter bag that is attractive and reflective which makes it easier to be seen by drivers and cyclists on the roads.

The owner of the company, Steve Murphy, was delivering furniture in London in a hired van and travelling to unfamiliar addresses late in the evenings, and he noticed that there were a good number of mobility scooters and chairs that were difficult to see on the lanes and pavements of the city. All of the attachable bags were dark colours: navy, black and maroon.

He had an idea to make them more visible so he got out his pencils and did some drawings.

So after two years trading, ‘Safer to be Seen’ has reached out to over 2200 mobility companies in the UK, all of the southern states in the USA and there have been sales in Germany and Holland! There have been 7500 bags sold and designs are being made now to bring new products to the market to increase the safety for anyone using the roads and pavements in all seasons and weather conditions!

After he found a manufacturer samples were produced with different designs and configurations of reflective strips and coloured panels. Next Steve spent a day in Birchington village talking to people who were shopping using their scooters or chairs. The response was remarkable. Everyone praised the design and those that already HAD bags attached to their vehicles said that they preferred the new VisiBag! The same results were gained in Sandwich, Canterbury and Dover.

The VisiBag can be found in all good mobility accessory stores and at many online shops.

6

All of this from the sleepy village of Birchington!

If they don’t have it… ask them: WHY NOT?!

for more info call 07855 788 727 or email steve@safertobeseen.com and go to www.safertobeseen.com

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 23 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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Birchington Parish Council

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7

NEWS

Royal British Legion At the recent Annual general meeting it was agreed that I would remain as Chairman, Mr Brian White would remain as Vice chairman Mrs Jan White as Secretary and Mr John Dimmock would remain as treasurer. In addition it was unanimously decided that Mr Brian White be elected as President of our Branch following so many years of total dedication to the RBL. It was announced that he will stand down as Parade Marshall and his place has been taken by Lt Colonel Steve Simonini.

We are grateful to Colonel Simonini late Royal Engineers for taking over this important role.

The Poppy Appeal raised £9,453.81 and we still have more money to come in so we are hopeful that once again we will achieve the £10,000 target. We thank everyone who helped and generously supported our Appeal campaign.

Remembrance Day in the Village was once again one of solemn remembrance and we thank the Parish Council for providing the food and drink after the event in the Village centre. We welcomed our friends

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from la Chapelle and had lunch with them in Quex before they returned to La Chapelle, two days later a Group left in their own cars at their own expense to visit the cemetery’s and to parade with our French colleagues. We ended the day with a social evening with our friends from France before driving home very late that same day. I would like to thank Marilyn MacIntosh Chairman of Twinning for her continued support.

At all the ceremonies our Standard Bearer John Lewis was present and I would like to mention that John was on Parade in the Albert Hall with our Branch Standard at the Festival of Remembrance. This year for the first time the Parish standard the Union Flag was not carried by an elected member, but by a youth member and we thank them for volunteering. I would like to repeat our offer to train a Parish Council representative, but as we have an Election between now and the next Remembrance Day we will wait the outcome.

Roger Latchford OBE (Lt Col Retd)

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Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

PDS Parcel Delivery Service

WARNING! If a card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.

If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.

Felicity Ashton awarded OBE

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TWIGGY’S TREE SURGERY

Writer and Explorer Felicity Aston has just been awarded an OBE, Felicity was the first woman explorer to cross the Antarctic alone on skis.

Birchington Parish Council

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

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9

NEWS

Birchington Neighbourhood Watch The CT7 post code is known as Zone 9 in the Thanet CT Police District and is the area covered by Birchington Neighbourhood Watch. Its foundation was suggested in 1985 in the B.R.A. magazine and the January 1987 edition reported the establishment of B.N.W. It flourished until 1990 when the Chief Co-Ordinator died and could not be replaced. However, in 1992 a small group including Roger Walford, determined to resurrect it. Dennis Cooper joined them a year later, became Chairman and by 1998 75% of roads in Birchington were members.

Dennis then became Chairman of Thanet N.W. and joined the Executive Committee of Kent N.W. All continued well and in 2008 a PCSO was appointed to Birchington and then a K.C.C. Warden. They have always been great supporters of N.W. and work closely with it, attending meetings, giving reports and listening to any problems.

N.W. has not been so strong in some areas and there have been numerous changes in how the police liaison for the area works, but Dennis Cooper steered the group through all the problems. Roads have volunteer co-ordinators who receive warnings from the police and pass them on to members. Lately, it was decided that 10

messaging would be by email rather than telephoning and it was thought many long-standing co-ordinators would not be able to carry on, but by asking neighbours to take messages for them, this has largely been resolved.

With the death of Dennis who did so much for N.W., the future is again uncertain. New members are needed (it costs nothing to join) and also people who would be happy to act as co-ordinators or join the committee. It has been shown that areas covered by N.W. experience less crime, because members are made aware of problems and are more active in helping to prevent it.

It encourages better links within the community and with the police whilst there is less fear among residents, made aware of the real risks. Also, as members advise the police of crimes, the police are better able to prevent crime. N.W. meetings are open to all members of the public and are held in the David Burley Gallery, Alpha Road on the third Wednesday in January, April, July and October. At the moment they are at 2.30, but views are being taken about having evening meetings to allow more to attend. For further information contact Roger Walford on 843594.

Birchington Parish Council

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Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Birchington business under the spotlight…

Ploughman’s Choice Farm Shop The Shop

A family run business, based in Birchington, Kent, the shop has been open for nearly 9 years now. We pride ourselves on selling nothing but the best locally grown or sourced produce, with no less than 90% of the shops produce coming from local farms within Thanet…and doing our bit to help reduce the carbon footprint that transporting food is responsible for.

The Farm’s History

The Linington family first came to Thanet in the early 1920s and the farm started by Edmund Linington. He moved from the Isle of Wight to East Northdown farm. Of course in those days there were no tractors and all work on the farm was done by working horses. In the 1930s we became tenants of Quex Park Estates and the main farm moved to Quex. In the following years the family ran Dent-deLion farm in Garlinge, (which is where the lion logo originated from) and Somali farm in Birchington, all of which had large dairy herds.

Produce

Our produce includes the freshest seasonal fruit and vegetables. We also sell local meat and poultry, delicious home-made cakes and pies, fresh bread and rolls, eggs and cheeses, jams, marmalades, sauces and chutneys. Plus a seasonal range of fresh cut flowers, plants and bulbs.

Coffee Shop

A range of coffee and tea, fruit teas, hot chocolate and local juices…and seasonal specials. Local cakes and cream teas. Full English breakfast, sandwiches, salads, soups, and ploughman’s…all made with local produce. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4.30pm and Sunday 10am-3.30pm.

We are open 7 days a week, Mon-Sat 8am-5.30pm; Sun 10am4pm. We offer a free local delivery service. 01843 831077 Somali Farm, Park Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0HA

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Farm Shop Nothing but the best locally grown or sourced produce Somali Farm FREE Park Road Birchington Kent CT7 0HA email liningtondavid@gmail.com

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Birchington Parish Council

COFFEE SHOP open 7 days a week

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13

NEWS

Magical Birchington Birchington’s “Allan the Magic Man” has been performing magic for about 40 years in one form or another.

His speciality is children’s magic and balloon modelling, which he started doing when his own children were very small. Allan performs mostly at private birthday parties, schools and nurseries, he also does compere work and comedy magic for variety shows.

By public demand his “Close-Up Magic” has become really popular in recent years and he is doing more and more acts in restaurants, hotels, and at wedding receptions.

He has recently added public speaking to his list of activities and has given talks and demonstrations on the history of magic to various local clubs, and societies.

Allan can be contacted on 01843 846946 and he has his own website www.allanthemagicman.co.uk

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Birchington Parish Council

Glenn & Co Independent

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Glenn & Co Independent Estate Agents was opened in 2001 by myself Glenn and my wife Nicola and we quickly established ourselves as a main agent in the East Kent area.

I have worked as an estate agent since 1993, for independent and corporate companies such as the Halifax, as Senior Branch Manager.

We pride ourselves on offering a service that we would expect from an estate agency.

Remembering that your home is your castle, and in many cases, your most valuable asset.

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NEWS

End of the paper

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Come and see our wide range of blinds, curtains and nets – all made to measure · Vertical · Venetian · Rollers · Wood · Velux · Roman · Perfect Fit · Pleated · Vision rollers · Roof Blinds We have a large selection of curtain designs which can be made to measure in Pencil Pleat, Pinch Pleat, Ring Top and Tab Top All professionally made and fitted to a high standard.

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16

After the demise of the paper tax disc this year, from 1 January this year the DVLA no longer issued paper counterparts to photocard driving licences. However, there are fears that the licensing agency would not have its replacement online service ready in time and that the change could open people up to online fraud.

Car rental companies currently use the paper part of a driving licence to verify customer identities, but the online service that will be used in place of this system may not be ready for the changeover at New Year. Instead, companies will be obliged to use a premium rate phone number to perform the same function, which could lead to delays and higher prices for customers renting cars. The telephone service costs 51 pence per minute, which is likely to be passed on to customers.

Drivers can access their DVLA records online without charge and a similar service is set to be launched for car rental agencies, but there are fears that this service will not be in place by 1 January. In the meantime, customers can choose to share their driver records online via a smartphone or by printing off the same details for rental agencies.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), is Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

driving licence particularly concerned about the timing of the move, which could affect holidaymakers trying to hire cars over the festive period. The association is also concerned that driver details can easily be falsified using the alternative print off system.

Furthermore, the DVLA has issued a warning about online fraudsters who issue emails requesting people to verify their driving licences by clicking on a link. Those who do, could allow fraudsters access to their bank details and other personal information, leaving them open to theft and identity fraud. The message purports to be from the DVLA but the agency has warned anyone receiving these emails to delete them immediately.

Along with ceasing to issue paper counterparts with new licences, the DVLA says that existing paper driving licence counterparts can be destroyed as they will no longer serve any purpose. Drivers using pre-1998 driving licences which are paper only can keep using these until they need to update their details, such as name and address, or renew their licence for any other reason.

The abolition of the paper licence is part of the same shake up that saw the paper tax disc phased out this year, in a move to save the DVLA millions of pounds in administration costs.

Birchington Parish Council

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17

To have your say on local issues please write to the Editor at The Parish Offices, 2 Albion Road Birchington-on-Sea Kent CT7 9DN Dear Sir, After living in South East London for most of my life, my wife and I took early retirement and we decided to move to Birchington. Prior to moving I had played a few games of bowls for a local club and I actually enjoyed it.

So one of the first things I did after moving was to contact the Bowls Club here in Birchington to see if they were taking on new members. On my arrival at the club, I was warmly welcomed by a number of members who explained how the club was run.

I have now played for three years and have greatly improved my game with the help from senior players giving friendly tips and advice. Many games are played at other clubs within Kent, which has given me an opportunity to meet other players and see some of the countryside. This year the club embarked on its first tour which was to the Isle of Wight and was highly successful, next year we are on tour in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

I have joined in with what is called the ‘gardening club’, these are a hard core group of members who through the winter months keep the bowls area and clubhouse tidy and maintained ready for each new season (I must stress that some also continue throughout the Summer). I have found this to be quite good fun as well as hard work.

Terry Dunn

There are many benefits to playing bowls, such as healthy exercise, meeting people, social gatherings to name but three. I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at the Bowls Club and that is down to the people I play and socialise with as well as being bitten by the bowls bug.

R .G Tiley

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Birchington Parish Council

COUNCIL

Things you didn’t know about

Councillor Michael Jarvis Michael Jarvis, born in Walthamstow, East London, spent his childhood growing up around the areas of Leyton and Redbridge before moving to Kent. He attended Gearies Secondary Modern Boys’ School in Ilford, where during his last two years, the headmaster was Noel Edmonds’ father. At school, he gained honours at cross-country and took part in the London Schools CrossCountry Championships in 1973.

Michael’s career started in shipping, finally making a career in financial services, where he worked in the City of London for over 19 years. He attended London South Bank University on a part-time basis and graduated in 1996 with an honours degree in Business Studies. Michael has always had an interest in helping others and on one occasion he raised with colleagues £1,600 on behalf of Children In Need, dressing up as Henry VIII. Michael has lived in Birchington since 2000 and has been married for 29 years.

Politically, Michael has served on three different tiers of local government. It started in 2007 when he was elected as a District Councillor for Dane Valley

In 2013 Michael was proud to have carried the Union flag during the Sunday Remembrance Day service on behalf of the Parish Council.

Michael takes great pride in his community work and is actively involved with other organisations especially The Royal School for Deaf Children, Margate where he is an independent pension trustee and more recently with Trinity Resource Centre in Margate as a board member. Michael is also working on a voluntary basis with Thanet Community Networks to promote ‘KentAbility’ for people with disabilities and mental health issues.

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and served a four year term with Thanet District Council as well as being a board member for East Kent Housing. In 2009, he was elected as a County Councillor for Margate & Cliftonville and served on several committees at Kent County Council including the Adoption Panel. In 2011, Michael was co-opted as a Parish Councillor for Birchington Parish Council and currently serves as the Chairman of Finance & Establishment and Vice-Chairman of Planning.

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www.centralcarsthanet.co.uk 19

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

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

Councillor Marian Evans

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

Councillor Linda Wright

w 07969 583919 q liam.doogan@kent.gov.uk

Councillor Julie Francis w 01843 841796

Councillor Michael Jarvis w 07798 681574 w 01843 841198

w 07825 338999 q lindaw1310@hotmail.com

Councillor John Worrow w 07847 303256

Councillor David Darling

Liam Doogan

Your Member of Parliament

Sir Roger Gale MP

c/o The Old Forge, 215 Canterbury Road, Birchington w 01843 848588 Other Contacts

w 01843 448984 q davidd80@yahoo.com

Kent Highway Services

Councillor John Hill

w 01843 577000

w 01843 845729

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

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Your Thanet District Councillors

w 08458 247800

Thanet District Council 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

COUNCIL

FEBRUARY Tuesday 10 Ppp/planning Monday 23 Full Council MARCH Tuesday Monday

10 30

Ppp/planning Full Council

APRIL Tuesday 14 Ppp/planning Wednesday 22 Finance Monday 27 Full Council

MAY Monday 11 Parish Assembly Tuesday 13 Ppp/planning Monday 18 Annual Meeting Meetings Times

Full council meetings start at 1900hrs Ppp meetings usually start at 1830hrs Planning meetings usually start at 1930hrs

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Please note that start times for ppp, planning and finance meetings have to occasionally be altered – details can be found on the parish council notice boards.

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21

COUNCIL

Kent County Councillor’s Report As we start the New Year I would like to begin by wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

2014 was an exciting year and as the KCC Cllr for Birchington and the Villages, I would like to recall some of the things that I have been able to achieve, the new Zebra Crossing by the library has been a great success and a I know is of great benefit to all residents, the new bus shelter in Sandles Road now provides cover for residents waiting for the buses and was just in time for the winter.

County Councillor Roger Latchford O.B.E. with Parish Vice Chairman Cllr Bill Furness at the new bus shelter in Sandles Road _

Brooksend has long been an issue with horrendous accidents and I am pleased to announce that KCC Highways have now reduced the speed limit from 60 mph to 50 mph and two sites have been prepared for Police mobile speed control cameras, and fixed cameras will be installed later this year.

One of the very many accidents at Brooksend which instigated the need for the improvements. _

The Brunswick Road traffic calming is now complete with interactive speed sign road markings and an anti-skid surface. Trees have been replaced where necessary and trees removed where they are a nuisance to property and pavement surfaces. Albion Road pavement from the Car park to Station Road outside of the Parish Council Office will be levelled and re-laid with more dropped kerbs to

22

assist mobility scooter users, work on this project will start in the first quarter of the year. I have been able to give a Grant to the Minnis Day Centre for the gardens to be re-laid to be more disabled friendly with outside seating areas. Work will start as soon as the modernisation of the main building is completed.

“At long last I am pleased to announce that the Double yellow lines outside Bierce Court have been extended to make entry and exit easier and safer for Residents, the project for St Mary’s Court is in progress” I am sure you all welcome the news that the KCC Wardens will not be reduced in the round of savings and say how delighted I am that Liam will remain with us. This proves how important it is that you all take part in consultations to give your views.

Manston Airport is still a major issue, and despite certain Thanet District Councillors voting against the CPO proposal I am pleased that the issue is still on the Agenda.

I strongly support the Airport remaining as an airport as does my political Group.

The Draft Budget for KCC will be published in January and I would advise all residents to read it and comment.

In short 2014 has been a busy year and we are all now looking forward to Elections on May 7th 2015 for District, Parish and National, I think it will be very interesting.

I would like to close by thanking you all for your support, I am here to help and am happy at all times to hear from you and try to resolve any problems you may have Roger Latchford OBE KCC Cllr Birchington and the Villages

Birchington Parish Council

COMMUNITY

Worship

ROBERT TEALE

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

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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

01843 847436

Robert Teale

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Please contact Mandy on 07790 383401 or Amanda on 07879 945469

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

www.newbeginningscounselling.org.uk 23

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 24

Birchington Parish Council

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Green fees visitors & societies are welcome at very competitive rates for golf on the Kent coast.

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25

COMMUNITY

Overgrown Hedges Overgrown hedges are a real hazard for those people who have impaired vision, wheelchair users and families with push chair or buggies.

Check any of your hedges, shrubs or trees which overhang the pavement and ensure that they are trimmed back to your boundary.

If you have neighbours or relatives who need theirs attending to but are unable to do it themselves, why not offer to do it for them and help your community.

Don’t delay - check yours today !

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Westgate Tree Services If your tree is overhanging the garage, the hedge needs trimming or your woodland needs thinning, we can help Pruning Shaping Reductions Deadwood Stump Removal Hedge Trimming Felling Thinning 01843 832179 077731 56399 email ian@westgatetreeservices.co.uk

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Birchington Parish Council

Classical Records Wanted Private collector offering generous prices Large or small collections welcome Happy to visit without obligation Please call

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Sweet Caroline’s Coffee & Chocolate House 8 The Square, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9AB T: 01843 846600 M: 07975 628884 sweetcarolines@btconnect.com www.sweetcarolines.org.uk

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Birchington Parish Council

27

Bill Furness The Parish Chairman Cllr Dr.Jack Cohen puts our Editor, Councillor Bill Furness, under the spotlight…

Q When did you first get interested in politics and why?

A I first got involved in the General election in 1955; I was 16 at the time and wanted to help make the quality of life fairer for everyone.

In the 1980s I was elected as a Town Councillor for Whitchurch and then as a Borough Councillor in Eastleigh for 10 years. On moving to Birchington I was elected to the Parish Council nearly 4 years ago and have held the position of Vice chair and Editor of the Parish Council Magazine since that time Q Where were you educated?

A I was educated in Twyford and Winchester, incidentally this is the city where I was born, (actually in Winchester Barracks) with further education at Southampton Technical College and I studied “Parliamentary and political procedures” through Ruskin College, Oxford.

Q I believe that you got married young, at what age?

A I got married at 19 and we had 2 children a son called Roger and a daughter called Angela, unfortunately we divorced when my daughter was 13. Perhaps we married too young? I have been with my partner Pat a local girl from Whitstable for over 26 years.

Q Did you do national service and if so where?

A I did 3 years in the Royal Observer Corp based in Winchester and other places, some of these were hidden underground. top secret and very hushhush at the time and have only recently been made common knowledge.

Q Before retiring what did you do for a living?

A On leaving school my first job was as an Archaeologist working for Winchester museum until their funding ran out, I then took up an apprenticeship for British rail engineering. To earn extra

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28

Birchington Parish Council

money I also worked some evenings and at weekends as a chef at a local restaurant and as an advertising model.

On completion of my apprenticeship I worked for Chivers construction on the old Winchester Barracks where I was elected shop steward for the whole site, the very severe winter of 1963 put paid to that as no work could be done on the buildings. Fortunately for me, 2 days later I was offered a job as a salesman selling office supplies which I did for many years becoming the Sales Manager, one of my customers, a local newspaper called the “Southern Sentinel”, offered me a position with them as a Sales Director and Political Editor which I did until the company was bought out. I returned to selling office supplies again this time as a Salesman rising to the position of Sales Director for one of the largest companies in the South of England.

With that experience behind me, I finally started my own company up in Winchester which I ran for 5 years. We then sold the company and semi retired prior to moving to Scotland for a few years to an old Bakery with dilapidated stables, extensive workshops and a granny annexe which I renovated.

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Q I know you are an active lawn bowler here in Birchington, what other sports have you done?

A When at school and for a few years after I played football, I also took up Golf, deep sea Fishing, (my biggest catch was a 36 lb. Cod and a 73 lb. shark) and motor rallying.(I came 12th in the Safari rally) When my children grew up I stopped these and we all took up Archery (my son was much better than I was) I was lucky enough to play Archery in France and Canada. At one time I had an extensive collection of stamps but found this very time consuming so I sadly auctioned them all off. I continue to play bowls now and concentrate on Parish Council matters.

Q The General Election is in May together with the Thanet District Council elections and Birchington Parish Council elections. Will you be standing for any of those?

A I hope to stand in both the District and Parish Council elections but leave the General Election to younger candidates and concentrate on local matters including producing and editing the Parish Community Magazine.

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29

The story of Reculver reaches back over 2500 years when it first became a Roman fort, defending the northern mouth of the Wantsum Channel that separated Thanet from mainland Kent. The Romans’ fort has been well excavated over the years and has gradually released some of its secrets…

The Story of

Reculver

A King’s Palace

There is a tradition that Ethelbert, who was King of Kent in 597, was buried in the original church at Reculver. The Rev. Green, who was vicar in 1695, spoke of an inscription in his church, written in Old English lettering, which recorded the event. Later on, a Mr Weever wrote: “At the upper end of the south aisle in this church I saw a monument of antique form mounted with two spires, wherein (as the inhabitants have it by tradition) the body of one Ethelbert, a Saxon King who hath his palace royal here in Reculver, lieth entombed.”

Whatever value we may attach to this statement, it is fairly certain that Ethelbert, after resigning his Palace at Canterbury to St. Augustine, retired here.

30

The ‘lost’ babies of Reculver

Another story involves the skeletons of tiny babies found under the footings of a large barrack block. There was a long-held verbal tradition that on wild nights the cries of tiny babies could be heard among the ruins. During one of the excavations a very young baby’s skeleton was discovered. Then a little later, two more were found, carefully placed directly under the outer walls of a second barrack block. It is not felt that these were sacrificed, but much more likely were still births. Placing them in this way may have been to placate their gods or to give the building a ‘soul’ and are known as ‘foundation burials’. It is quite possible that the erosion of the sea uncovered earlier tiny skulls, which gave rise to the original legend.

Birchington Parish Council

Trinity House Protest

Edited by Jennie Burgess

John Leland

After his visit to Reculver, John Leland (15031552) wrote: “At the entrance to the choir was one of the fairest and most stately crosses that ever I saw, 9 foot, as I guess in height… like a fair column. The base great stone is not wrought. The second stone, being round, hath been curiously wrought with the painted images of Christ, Peter, Paul, John, and James as I remember…The 4th hath the image of Christ hanging, and fastened with 4 nails. The highest part of the pillar hath the figure of a cross…”

Birchington Parish Council

In 1808 the Vicar, the Rev. Christopher Bramble Naylor, applied to the Archbishop for permission to demolish the old church on the cliff edge and build a new one further inland. This was granted in 1809.

Because good building stone was hard to come by here, he began to reuse the old stones in his new church.

People protested and news of this reached the ears of Trinity House, who valued this iconic building as part of the navigational system guiding mariners up the start of the wide Thames estuary. The towers had been one part of the triangulation system at this point, the other two being Birchington’s All Saints’ Spire and Sea Mark Tower on the top of the hill on the road to Monkton above Brooksend. Trinity House stopped the demolition and bought the ruin, so that they could maintain it for the passing ships. At this stage there was a spire on each tower (later modified to small metal ‘spires’) until in c. 1930 only the towers were left, with a small amount of the old walls still in situ. The site is now owned by English Heritage which maintains it, with a token contribution from Trinity House.

31

Tips for winter motoring Now that the New Year has arrived, along with turning up the central heating and digging out the winter jumpers, have you prepared your car for further cold days ahead?

Tyres

Now more than at any other time of the year, it’s important to make sure you have enough tread left on and the correct air pressure in your tyres. Dirty, wet roads will give way to slippery, icy roads and your tyres will need to be in tip top condition to keep you safe. If you live in a remote area that suffers from heavy snowfall, you might want to think about getting a set of winter tyres - their deep tread accompanies a special rubber that’s resistant to degradation from icy temperatures.

Oil change

Motor oil thickens in colder temperatures and is less efficient as a lubricator. To protect your engine, change your oil for one with a lower viscosity - look for the number preceding the ‘W’ on the bottle: 5W has a lower viscosity, for example, than 10W. Your vehicle’s manufacturer’s handbook should contain more information.

Wax finish

Wetter winter air teams up with salty road grit to make a corrosive assailant on your car’s paintwork. Allowing the paint to corrode too much exposes the aluminium underneath, which can also be damaged.

Treat your car to a regular waxing over the winter months to repel the corrosive mixture.

32

Windscreen wipers and fluid

Old or poor quality wiper blades may not be up to the winter snow and ice.

Consider fitting a set of winter wiper blades to improve your visibility when the weather is bad. Make sure you also use a windscreen washing fluid that is compatible with low temperatures, as otherwise, the washer fluid could freeze solid in its reservoir.

Belt and braces

Rubber components such as belts and hoses can become brittle at low temperatures. Have yours checked and change any showing signs of damage.

Anti-freeze

Coolant liquid prevents overheating to the engine system. Water alone used as coolant is susceptible to freezing once the mercury drops, so make sure you avoid this and the attendant engine damage by using a coolant mixture that is one part water to one part anti-freeze.

Keep the tank topped up

Try not to let your fuel level drop below half a tank as low temperatures can allow moisture to accumulate in your fuel tank, causing corrosion or further damage, should the moisture freeze. A half full tank contains enough gas to absorb condensation.

Birchington Parish Council

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Birchington Parish Council

33

Powell Arms In 1619, John Sutton, Yeoman, who lived at St Nicholas-at-Wade, also owned the house that stood on the site of the Powell Arms. In later documents the house is described as belonging to Henry Spratling, who was an Innkeeper. It was owned by Francis Cobb in 1850, who besides being a brewer from Margate was also a very successful banker.

Originally the Powell Arms stood on a much larger plot of land, but in the late 1600s the 3 rod (3/4 of an acre) piece to the west of the inn had become the site of what was later known as ‘Laburnum House’ and now as ‘Mulberry’s Tea Rooms’ built by John Jarvis, Landlord of New Inn ( as the Powell Arms was originally called – see below).

When the Powell Arms first traded as a brew house is was called ‘The New Inn’, suggesting that there was at least one other property selling ales in the Square at that date.

1710 onwards - in the Overseers’ Poor Books, it is often referred to as “Blew’s”, which was the name of the landlord.

1768 - The brew house was kept by Stephen Elliott.

1802 - Anthony May was the landlord

1823 - The name of the house was changed from the New Inn to the Powell Arms, in honour of Squire John Powell

34

Powell of Quex Park, who was made High Sheriff of Kent that year. The Parish Vestry meetings used to begin in the church for the first 15 minutes,, then the minutes would state, “The Vestry retired to the New Inn / Powell Arms for the remainder of the meeting.” The Churchwardens’ accounts frequently show these visits in terms of amounts spent on ‘beer and bred’ at the inn when they met to set the new ‘assessment’ or parish rate.

The parishioners were always charged for these refreshments – almost the only perk that was available to the people who served the parish on a voluntary basis.

The Powell Arms is Birchington’s oldest Inn - the Grade II listing schedule for the property is not totally accurate, as several new pieces of evidence have now been uncovered. The document states:Circa 1840 (The building is much older than this) · 3 storeys - painted bricks · Hipped tiled roof (The roof actually consists of a front and rear apexed structure facing east and west, with four valley roofs facing north and south, filling the centre of the building. In the late 20th century all the roof structures were covered with what looks like lead, but is probably a very sturdy roofing felt, made it look from the air as if it has a flat roof.)

Birchington Parish Council

ANTHONY GRAY CLOCKS · Guttering is supported on cast iron brackets · 3 cambered sashes, 2 double-hung · Sashes on the first floor · Modern bar front No attempt appears to have been made to inspect the inside of the property when it was listed, particularly the attics and cellars. These give several clues to a much greater age.

The earliest Churchwardens’ reference to the New Inn is in 1611, when the Vestry Meeting ‘retired to the New Inn’ after initially starting off in the church.

As usual the refreshments were charged to the sees levied on the parishioners, ostensibly to fund the ‘Poor Relief ’!

The brickwork at the rear of the building is in both Flemish Bond and some random bonding.

1854 30th September - Jane Blew, wife of Landlord of the Powell Arms, died at Thanet Union Workhouse aged 79.

Since 1975, our team of skilled craftsmen has been restoring and conserving fine 17th, 18th and 19th century clocks and barometers for discerning collectors and members of the trade in several countries.

Parsonage Farm Marshborough Kent CT13 0PG

0845 2601631

Restoration Services High Quality Watch Restoration Wheel and Pinion Cutting Dial Restoration Clock Hand Making Gilding · Engraving Case Restoration Valuations

info@anthonygrayclocks.com

www.anthonygrayclocks.com

Right at Home provide quality care in the comfort of your own home.

1861 census - John Wilson (54) and son Francis (22) - Landlords 1873 - 10th April - Oliver Wanstall aged 36 of the Powell Arms was buried in All Saints Churchyard 1878 - His wife is listed in Kelly’s Directory as the Publican of the Powell Arms

Birchington Parish Council

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• Tablet, Kindle and phone repairs • PC/laptop repairs and ‘health-checks’ • Social media business set-up • Facebook business set-up & management • Web site support/design • Hosting and domains • Hardware and software support

Richard’s

TRADE TYRES AND REPAIRS SOLD AT TRADE PRICES

call

07869 282709 or email sophia@tinytech.biz

www.tinytech.biz

Tad&CContracts All kinds of building work undertaken

 Nexen, Prestivo & Maxxis all with lifetime guarantees  Puncture repairs while you wait  12v battery service  Wheel balancing  4 wheel laser tracking  Quality new tyres

call now for the best prices in town

Call Tadeusz today on

07849 422 593 01843 295 833

01843 292460  07788 888352

or via email tcwiklik78@gmail.com

www.tadccontracts.co.uk

Tired Shed? Makeover Re-felt Re-stain Repair Replace

01843 836274 Please quote BP412 when calling

www.oandssheds.co.uk

we are opposite Kandoo’s Timber Yard All Saints Industrial Estate, Margate

SERVICES PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS

Specialists in all aspects of plumbing, domestic and commercial, tanks, taps, bathrooms and kitchens Call us to discuss your needs 07860 470887 sjf-services@hotmail.co.uk 74 Park Lane, Birchington CT7 0AS

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Birchington Parish Council

WHAT’S ON

Regular meetings at The Centre Birchington active retirement association (B.I.A.R.A) Over 55s indoor sports etc every Friday and Wednesday morning at 9.30am (except the second Weds in the month and a month’s break in august) Birchington Chess Club Weekly, every Friday evening 7.30pm Birchington Heritage Trust Museum Opening times: Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays – 9.30 to 12.30pm Closed bank holidays, entrance free but donations gratefully accepted Run entirely by volunteers, new members always welcome

Birchington Horticultural Society Second Wednesday afternoon in January and Feburary – 2.30pm Second Wednesday evening in March, June, July, Oct, Nov, Dec – 7.30pm Birchington Residents’ Association Coffee morning on the second Wednesday each month – 10.30am Birchington Silver Band Concerts on the 1st Sunday afternoon each month except June, July and August – 2.30pm Birchington Twinning Association Third Tues evening each month – 7pm Birchington Village Centre Association Over 60’s club for tea and bingo on Friday afternoons – 1.45pm Birchington and Thanet Guild of Winemakers Third Thursday afternoon, Feb, April, June, August, Oct, Dec – 2.30pm Kent family history society Third Wednesday evening each month except august – 7.30pm Spiral Turn Dance Club Latin, ballroom tuition for children and adults – for times, phone 07733 015616 or 01227 363084 Check dates and times with the organisations concerned as programme plans may be changed.

The main hall, the bar lounge and smaller upstairs rooms may be hired for private functions. Contact Leon Cox on 01843 841787 9am to 2pm weekdays only

STD MAP 84x120mm

40471 MARG>MH>20.12.13

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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.

07545 863193

07931 205505

~ consumer unit upgrades ~ rewires ~ new builds ~ fire alarms ~ landlords’ certificates ~additional sockets & lights free quotation and 24hr callout

All electrical work undertaken

www.m-d-electrical.com 38

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 on 27th November the guest speaker was George Cunningham with All change at the EU: New leadership new challenges.

There is also a social programme involving partners. If you are interested in joining our club, please call 845783 or email dave.alker@btinternet.com. www.garlandja.wix.com/birchington-probus

Activities in Acol

Zumba Fitness Class Every Mon and Fri evening, 7-8.30pm Ballroom Dance Fitness Every Tuesday from 6–7pm (except 1st in the month)

Bowls

Birchington Bowls Club, Beach Avenue.

For further information contact the general secretary, Carol Fisher, on 01843 842507

To advertise call Calvin on 01843 292348 Birchington Parish Council

WHAT’S ON

Local Events, Groups & Clubs Rhythm Express School of Dance Classes at the The Centre, Alpha Rd Tuesdays Musical Express – The Musical Theatre Department of Rhythm Express The Drivers – 5-5.30pm age 3-6 £3 The Guards 5-6.15pm age 7-11 £5 The Controllers 5.45-7pm age 11+ £5 The Inspectors 7.30-8.30pm age 18+ £4 Wednesdays Millennium troupe - open age group by audition only - 3.45-4.30pm £4.75 Class Skillicious (commercial street/ 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

Grade One Ballet 10.30-11am age 7-9 approx, £3 Grade One Tap 11-11.30am age 7-9 approx, £3 Rhythmex Crew open age group audition only 11.30am-12.30pm £5.50 Jazz Class 12.30-1.30pm age 7 and over £4 Contemporary Class 1.30-2.30pm age 7 and over £4 Urban Class 2.30-3.30pm age 7 and over £4 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

A WILTSHIRE & SONS BUILDERS

01843 842069 FREE ESTIMATES THE BIRCHINGTON BUILDER specialist New roofs in or repairs Garages and extensions

Patios Brick Walls Driveways in brick, slab or concrete

plus Drains

Birchington Parish Council

Painting & decorating All alterations

Family run boarding kennels For dogs and cats

Road 01843 823568 Manston Margate, CT9 4LS

manstonkennels@hotmail.co.uk www.manstonboardingkennelscattery.com

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WHAT’S ON

Local Events, Groups & Clubs Birchington Silver Band We are a well established and Friendly brass band with a membership of more than 20 plus.

The band gives regular concerts at the Birchington Village Centre on the Last Sunday of the month from September to May. In the summer months we also play at various Bandstands such as Broadstairs, Folkestone, Hythe as well as requests for quite a few local

venues. we also have quite a few Social activities during the year which are open for any of the community to join in. 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

Future Home Care Mature, experienced staff, for all your care needs

•Personal Care •Overnight Stays •Light Housework •Outings Friendly, caring staff, all trained to NVQ level and police checked, £10 per hour For an informal chat to find out more call

07763 454917 or 01843 298781 future.homecare.se@hotmail.co.uk

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Birchington Parish Council

Crow Building &Roofing Services All building work undertaken Extensions · Loft conversions Refurbishments · Brickwork Pointing · Roofing · Patios and much more

Venetian Plastering DISCOVER WHAT’S POSSIBLE

I am a qualified female plasterer, covering all aspects of plastering, in Kent and south east London Venetian polished plaster and K Rend Fair quotes · Honest and reliable service

please call Caroline on

07786 503384

Established 35 years

01843 842177 · 07581 222000 crowbuilders@btinternet.com

Prentis

Fruiterers& Greengrocers We are a family-based Greengrocers, founded in 1887, providing a huge variety of fruit and vegetables, sourced from both Local Producers and New Covent Garden Market, London.

We welcome all customers, whether retail, wholesale or catering establishments.

18 King St, Ramsgate CT11 8NW 01843 853704 81 Station Rd, Birchington CT7 9RE 01843 446240

www.venetianplasteringkent.co.uk

To advertise

please call Calvin on 01843 292348

TELL YOUR COMMUNITY

about your events, groups and clubs email info@communityad.co.uk

Birchington Parish Council

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on the lighter side A Scottish herder named “Jock” was overseeing his animals in a remote mountainous area in Fort William when suddenly a brand-new Jaguar advanced toward him out of a cloud of dust.

The driver, a young man in a Brioni suit, Gucci shoes, RayBan sunglasses and a YSL tie, leaned out the window and asked the herder, “If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, will you give me a calf?”

Bud looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing animals and calmly answers, “Sure, why not?”

The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer, connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a NASA page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo. The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany. Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the image has been processed and the data stored. He then accesses an MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected Excel spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and after a few minutes, receives a response.

Finally, he prints out a full-colour, 150page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer, turns to the herder and says, “You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves.”

“That’s right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves,” says Jock.

He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on with amusement as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.

Then Jock says to the young man, “Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?”

The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, “Okay, why not?”

“You work for the The European Parliament “ says Jock.“Wow! That’s correct,” says the yuppie, “but how did you guess that?”

“No guessing required.” answered the herder. “You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You used millions of Pounds worth of equipment trying to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don’t know a thing about how working people make a living - or about cows, for that matter.

This is a herd of sheep.

Now give me back my dog!”

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Birchington Parish Council

Looking to sell?

An agent in the know is one with a glow.

Call today for a FREE VALUATION Ramsgate Cliftonville

01843 570 500 01843 231 222

Birchington 01843 844 899 Broadstairs 01843 888 444

milesandbarr.co.uk