Spring 2015
communitymagazine
News and events from your Parish Council
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303 Walderslade Road Chatham Kent ME5 0NU
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mfdchatham@talktalk.net Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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Contents
Council Contacts ����������������������������������4 Useful Numbers ��������������������������������� 10 Could You Serve as a Parish Councillor? ����������������������� 14 13 Excuses for Not Joining the Parish Council ������������������������������� 18 Building a Petanque Court ��������������� 20 Sweeps Festival ��������������������������������� 24 All Saints Church ������������������������������� 31
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Welcome to the fifth edition of the Frindsbury Extra Parish Council Magazine, with its many articles and information which we hope you will find interesting. This is your Community magazine and we would love to hear your views and thoughts on any issue relating to Frindsbury Extra Parish Community and its residents, past, present and future. Please send all contributions to Roxana Brammer, via email to clerk@frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk or call 01474 874343.
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PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES A big thank you goes out to all the local businesses that have advertised and supported Frindsbury Extra Parish Magazine. To advertise please call Calvin on 01843 292348 Please mention Frindsbury Extra Parish Magazine when responding to advertisers 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 Frindsbury Extra 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 Frindsbury Extra 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.
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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CONTACTS Please make contact via the Clerk Roxana Brammer 01474 874343 clerk@frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk or roxana@madasafish.com
Council Contacts Trevor Archer Val Archer Pam Coomber Gary Etheridge Peter Hicks Peter Martin Tom Mason David Miller Andrew Millsom Georgina Revell
Chairman David Coomber Vice-chairman Geoffrey Moore Footpaths Officer Wendy Williams Webmaster Clive Stanley Medway councillors for Strood Rural Peter Hicks | Tom Mason | Peter Rodberg
Frindsbury Extra Memorial Hall Booking Clerk Freda Atkinson 01634 271026
Medway Council
Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR
T 01634 306000; F 01634 333188 Minicom 01634 333111 TextRelay 18001 01634 333333 Email info@medway.gov.uk Web www.medway.gov.uk
Take Care Home Help Supporting your independence
For the elderly and those with a disability or unwell. An old fashioned home help service to assist with housework, provide support to shops, outings and appointments Gardening and handyman jobs undertaken
01634 316821
Frindsbury Extra
Website
www.frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk The webmaster is Clive Stanley, Clive Stanley Associates, 29 Oak Drive, Higham ME3 7BD 01474 822676 stanley.clive@gmail.com
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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www.salmonwindows.co.uk 5
COMMUNITY
Dog Fouling, the Law, and Your Health
W Thanet District Council has a zerotolerance 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.
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.
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
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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COMMUNITY
Licence Disc Holders Don’t throw those licence disc holders away, they could become a life saver. Police have dreamed up a new use for the licence disc holders that every car carries on its windscreen - one which could save lives. The switch from paper tax discs for cars to the new electronic version has meant that the familiar transparent plastic envelopes have become obsolete But PC Dave Wise and colleagues at Malvern’s police station have thought up a new use for them. They have come up with an emergency contact information and medical alert card. PC Wise said: “This is a really useful replacement for your tax disc. if a driver is involved in a collision or has a medical emergency whilst at the wheel, a first responder will have easy access to vital medical information and we can quickly contact next of kin. “The way the disc folds in on itself means all the information is kept private until needed by emergency services personnel.” The team have put a template for the form on their Twitter account, @MalvernCops. It can be easily printed out, cut out, filled in, folded up and placed in the holder. “We will be linking in with local ambulance and fire commanders to make them aware of this initiative so they can be on the lookout for these emergency contact discs,” said PC Wise.
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COMMUNITY
Wainscott Neighbourhood Watch Together we’re stronger Starting a scheme
Go to www.ourwatch.org.uk and use the postcode search to check if there is a scheme in your area. If there isn’t, you might like to think about setting one up yourself. There are lots of resources to help you get a scheme started and keep it running. The first step is to talk to your neighbours and see who is interested and how they’d like to improve the area. To make things easier, there are some useful letters and flyers in the members area designed to help you introduce yourself and encourage your neighbours to join you. You don’t have to be a homeowner or permanent resident to start a scheme. You may very well want to feel safe where you live, meet people in your street or block of flats, and feel part of the local community as a tenant or short term resident, and everyone is encouraged to become involved in Neighbourhood or Home Watch. If you are a tenant, you might want to ask your landlord if there is any resource or support that they are prepared to give - making the area safer will benefit the landlord too. The postcode search can also help you find your local neighbourhood policing team. The police don’t run Neighbourhood Watch, but they will have useful information. They should be able to put you in touch with someone who can help you start a scheme and direct you to other local resources. This will be either one of their own officers or
someone at the local Neighbourhood Watch Association. You can get a new scheme started without necessarily committing to running it yourself. Once you’ve got enough interest from local people, you can select someone to become the coordinator for the group. Remember, you can start a group with a lot of interest or only a little. Many schemes start very small and then grow once residents see what it’s all about. The main thing is to make a start.
Running a scheme
Running a Neighbourhood Watch scheme is a great opportunity to make a real difference in your area – and whether you’re a new or existing coordinator, this page can help you make the most of it. There are four steps to working out your group’s agenda. • Identify problems. Figure out what the problems are in your area, ideally by speaking to local people. • Decide what you can do. Choose actions specific to the problems you identify. • How can you make it happen? Identify needs: money, time, meeting places, stationery, printers etc. Make sure members can commit. • Do your actions help? Adapt as you go. The group should write down and share thoughts on how well things are working. • Write up objectives in a simple statement. This can be useful for publicity.
For more information visit www.ourwatch.org.uk or contact the local coordinator, W. David Miller on 01634 710144 or email w.david.miller@blueyonder.co.uk
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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USEFUL INFO
Useful Numbers Animal Welfare
Cliffe Boarding Cattery Ltd The Old School, Cooling St, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7UB 01634 220169 Cliffe Boarding Cattery Ltd The Old School, Cooling St, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7UB 01634 220169 Petsearch UK 10 Chancery Rd, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7TL 01634 220109
Banks Halifax 79 High Street, Rochester, ME2 4AH 01634 497803 NatWest Bank 56 High Street Rochester, ME2 4AG 0345 788 8444 Nationwide 4, Friary Precinct, Strood, Kent, ME2 4AR 0845 266 0886 Lloyds TSB plc 129-131 High Street, Rochester, ME2 4TW 0845 300 0000 Barclays 86 High Street, Rochester, ME2 4AT HSBC Bank plc 104 High Street, Rochester, ME2 1BY 0845 740 4404 Kent Reliance Michael Gill Building, Tolgate Lane, Rochester, ME2 4TG 01634 717374
To advertise call Calvin on 01843 292348 10
Cinemas & Theatres Cineworld Rochester Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Strood, ME2 2SS 0871 200 2000
Clubs Frindsbury Cricket Club Frogs Island, Long Meadow, Upnor Road, Frindsbury, ME2 4UX 01634 716543 Upnor Sailing Club 1-3 Upnor Road, Lower Upnor, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4UY 01634 718043 Darnley School of Dancing 5 Sole Street Farm, Lower Rochester Road, Frindsbury, Kent, ME3 8EH 01634 714139 Frindsbury Lawn Tennis Club Upnor Road, Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4UX 01634 814695
A & E Locks & Property Maintenance Lock Fitting · Repairs · Upgrades 24/7 emergency lock and door opening Most building maintenance work taken on call John on 07910 044188
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USEFUL INFO
Dentists Thakray Dental Practice 11 Central Road, Strood, Kent, ME2 3HF 01634 716840 Louise Lunness-Barnes Dental Clinic 4A Allington Drive, Strood, Kent, ME2 3ST 01634 713422 The Rochester Orthodontic Centre Cypress House, 227 Frindsbury Hill, Wainscott, Rochester, ME2 4JS 01634 710105
Doctors Wainscott Surgery The Parks Medical Practice, Miller Way, Wainscott, Rochester, Kent ME2 4LP 01634 717450
Ace Blinds & Shutters
Pharmacies Medi Pharmacy Ltd 63 Miller Way, Wainscott, Rochester ME2 4LP 01634 297580 Marshlands Pharmacy Ltd 63 Miller Way, Wainscott, Rochester, ME2 4LP 01634 297580
National Helplines Age UK
0800 169 6565
Alcoholics Anonymous
0845 769 7555
Alzheimer’s Research UK 0300 111 5555 Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 477 9400 Deafblind UK
01733 358 100
Debt Line
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Disabled Living Foundation 0300 999 0004
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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FINANCE
Inheritance Tax: the need for advice Many sections of the media have reported the Government has doubled the Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold for married couples by increasing the limit. However, the reality is somewhat different.
What the Government has done is make it possible for spouses and registered civil partners to transfer their unused nil-rate band, currently £325,000, to the surviving spouse or civil partner. This means for some couples, but by no means all, it will now be better not to use the nil rate band on first death, as two nil rate bands (currently £650,000) will be available at the second death. The important thing is to make sure, perfectly legally, that as much of your estate as possible stays out of the taxman’s grasp – and that can be done by seeking specialist, professional advice and careful planning.
Careful IHT planning is all about passing as much of the proceeds of an estate as possible to chosen beneficiaries rather than HMRC. It is also about maintaining flexibility and control over any arrangements that are made.
There was a time when IHT was solely the concern of the very wealthy. Those days have gone. Soaring property prices in the last decade have brought the issue of IHT to the forefront for thousands more people in the UK. IHT is a time bomb that affects a rapidly growing number of people most of whom
would prefer their hard-earned assets to pass to their families rather than the Chancellor when they die. Yet a large proportion of their wealth or estate, including the family home, investments, insurance policies not in trust or even family heirlooms, might have to be sold in order to meet the IHT liability on death if proper steps have not been taken to protect their wealth. So what could you do about IHT? There are three principal courses of action:
1 Draw up a Will and ensure it is written and planned correctly to save the maximum amount of tax.
2 Transfer assets through the prudent use of lifetime gifts.
3 Create an IHT efficient fund to enable beneficiaries of an estate to meet the tax liability without disturbing family wealth. With careful planning and an effective Will, you can help save IHT by making the most of the various tax reliefs and other strategies available. You can’t take it with you, but you can at least make sure the Chancellor does not take a greater share of your family’s wealth than he has to.
Managing wealth is a complicated business requiring time, effort and knowledge that we often don’t have at our disposal. To adopt the best strategies, there is no substitute for obtaining the professional advice of a specialist wealth management expert.
For a free a Guide to Inheritance Tax or to arrange a free initial consultation please contact: Richard Brewster, Wealth Management Expert, Brewster Financial Planning Ltd
01634 323 761 | 07944 946804 | richard.brewster@sjpp.co.uk www.richardbrewster.co.uk
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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ANTHONY GRAY CLOCKS 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.
MOCKBEGGAR FARM SHOP & TEA ROOM
Fresh farm fruit & vegetables Local dairy farm milk Fresh meats from Kent farms Award-winning bread & cakes Delicious Kentish ice creams Pet food & animal bedding
Cappuccinos & lattés Teas & herbal teas Cakes, sandwiches, soups Gifts, hampers & crafts Bedding plants Delicatessen, local cheeses
B2000 (Town Road, Cliffe Woods, ME3 8EU) ● 01634 725664
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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
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www.anthonygrayclocks.com 13
COUNCIL
Could you serve as a We are all very conscious of the national political scene, but many of the decisions that affect our everyday life are made at local level – especially in the parish councils. Here, Gary Etheridge gives an insight into the parish council…
There’s always a need for people of ability and integrity to serve on these. If you would like to help your neighbours with planning issues or influence the way scarce resources are allocated, or on a local planning committee then becoming a Parish Councillor can be a stimulating experience. Of course you will need to commit a certain amount of your time to do the job properly, but most Councillors find it a rewarding way to put something back into their communities. If you’ve never been to a parish council meeting before, you may be forgiven for thinking that parish councillors are a group of (probably older) people who meet now and then in a draughty village hall. If, however, you live in a community where something ‘big’ has happened, you’ll know that when people in the community need support and guidance, it is sometimes the parish council that is turned to. Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.
What is a Parish Council?
A Parish Council is a corporate body - a legal entity separate from that of its individual members. Its decisions are the responsibility of the whole body. In 1894 an Act of Parliament created the civil parish, separating it from the
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COUNCIL
Parish Councillor? church after its long history of delivering local services such as care for the poor, maintenance of roads and collecting taxes. Parish councils have been granted powers by Parliament including the important authority to raise money through taxation (the precept) and a range of powers to spend public money. So basically a A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish. It is the level government closest to the community, with the Medway Unitary above it in the hierarchy. As it is the authority closest to the people, parish councils are invariably the first place people will go with concerns or ideas. For this reason they are a vital part of any community.
What decisions do Parish Councils make? Parish councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. Probably the most common topics that parish councils get involved with are planning matters (they are statutory consultees), crime prevention, managing open spaces and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities.
It’s true to say that on their own, parish councils have limited powers to make decisions. But they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions. In this respect parish councils are extremely powerful. The organisations that make the final decisions know that a parish council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something, and its views will be taken seriously.
How much time does it take up?
Councils usually meet once a month for the council meeting, to which members of the public are also invited. Meetings may last two or three hours, depending on the agenda set for the meeting to discuss. In addition to the regular meetings, councillors may be required to attend other meeting representing the council, for example acting as a representative on an outside body, community activities or helping develop a new project for the community. Such meetings won’t happen every day, so it’s not going to take over your life. Free quotes & advice
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
• Patios • Driveways • Fencing • Decking • Soft Landscaping • Maintenance 07817 647181 07938 393956 01634 724651 15
COUNCIL Parish Councillors (continued)
How long does a Parish Councillor serve for?
bus shelters, car parks and much more. The council also has the power to raise money through taxation, the precept. The precept is the parish council’s share of the council tax. The precept demand goes to the billing authority, the district council, which collects the tax for the parish council.
Am I eligible to be a Parish Councillor?
Parish Duties
Once elected, parish councillors sit on the council for a maximum of four years. If they then want to stay in the post they can stand for re-election.
To stand for election on a parish council, you must: • be a UK or commonwealth citizen, or; • be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or; • be a citizen of another Member state of the European Union; • be a least 18 years old. To be eligible to stand for an election for a particular parish, you must: • be an elector of the parish, or; • for the whole of the previous 12 months have occupied (as owner or tenant) land or other premises in the parish, or; • during the previous 12 months have worked in the parish (as your principal or only place of work), or; • for the whole of the previous 12 months lived in the parish or within three miles of the parish boundary. You don’t have to be connected to a political party. If you do become a parish councillor you will have to sign up to the Code of Conduct.
What powers do parish councils have?
They have a wide range of powers which essentially related to local matters, such as looking after community buildings, open space, allotments, play areas, street lighting,
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The duties and functions of a parish council are many and varied. The Council meets monthly and considers planning applications and any other matters referred to it by local residents. All meetings are open to the public and there is a forum before the start of the meeting at which members of the public can raise concerns and ask questions. There is also an annual meeting which all parishioners are invited to attend. All meetings are advertised on the council notice boards. Residents can bring to the attention of the parish council anything that concerns them, either directly or though the clerk. If matters raised are not the responsibility of the council, the clerk can bring them to the attention of the proper authority.
Don’t take our word for it!
The best way to find out what it’s like to be a parish councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it now. Come along to a parish council meeting, or speak to one of our councillors and find out what they think of the job. Alternatively, use the contact details below. Visit our website www.frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk or contact our Parish Clerk on 01474 874343 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm, except for emergency) or email clerk@frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
Cliffe Woods Pre-School View Road, Cliffe Woods, Rochester, Kent ME3 8UJ 01634 222667 • cliffewoodspreschool@hotmail.com
FREE GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR ALL 3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS AND 2 YEAR OLD FUNDING ALSO AVAILABLE
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
17
COUNCIL
Thirteen Excuses! For Not Joining the Parish Council . . . “I’m too young”.
1
If you are 18 you are old enough.
2 3
“What’s the point of just joining a talking shop, they don’t do anything”.
“I haven’t got any planning applications in at the moment”.
4
6 18
Putting in for planning has got nothing to do with sitting on the Council, whatever may have happened years ago. In fact, if your own application is discussed by the Council, you must leave the room.
“I’m too busy, I couldn’t commit to attending every single meeting”.
5
Have you ever been to a meeting? Basing your judgement on watching The Vicar of Dibley is definitely not valid.
“I’m concentrating on finding a job, or furthering my career”.
“I haven’t lived here very long and I don’t know the area well”.
Meetings are rarely more frequent than one evening a month, and missing the occasional one is perfectly acceptable. Most meetings only take a couple of hours.
Being a local Councillor is a definite plus point to add to a CV. It shows you can make decisions, work in a team, are community minded and pro-active. Prospective employees will be impressed.
If you have lived or worked in the Parish for a year you are eligible. Your views as an ‘incomer’ should be welcomed, as you will probably see things more objectively. Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
COUNCIL
7
“I’m worried that I won’t get many votes, and look silly”.
8 9
10
“Our Parish Council is full of Old Fogeys”. Join up and change it then.
“I’d look like a fool because I would not know what’s going on”. “I’ll have to sign that code of conduct thing that the press keeps on about”.
11 “I’ll have to let
everyone know about all my personal and business affairs”.
13
Even if you are not voted on this time, you may very well be approached if a vacancy occurs in the future and co-opted on.
The code of conduct is nowhere near as onerous as made out by the press; out of some 80,000 councillors, only 300 have refused to sign. The code stops situations like the planning one above.
The declaration of interest asks you to declare business interests within the Parish area, to guard against bias when Parish issues are debated. As for personal affairs, get real, everyone knows about these already.
12 “I prefer to let others do the work and then criticise from the side-lines afterwards”.
You will be eased in gently; there is help, advice and more formal training available. The Clerk is the legal officer in the Council, and he or she will explain the rules.
“I’m too lazy, and not interested in my community”. An excellent reason for not joining.
Also a valid reason for not joining, but do bear in mind that expounding your views in the pub, rather than the council chamber will not change a thing in your Parish.
This spoof article was downloaded from the internet and may originally have been written by Wraysbury Parish Council and attempts to debunk many of the myths that surround being a Parish Councillor. Our Councillors work hard to improve the quality and experience of life in Frindsbury Extra and they and their predecessors have done so for 121 continuous years!”
Interested? Want to know more? Then pick up the phone and speak to the Parish Clerk on 01474 874343”
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
19
Building Recently Parish Councillors Gary Etheridge and Geoffrey Moore, along with their colleague John Williams, attended a newly formed Residents Association meeting in Lower Upnor. The main agenda item focused on recreational facilities for the local youth, that was based on a previously made presentation made to the Parish Council. Gary Etheridge & John Williams agreed to meet up with some members of the newly formed committee, so that they could view the ideas being presented on the actual sites being proposed. One of those ideas was to have a Petanque court, which could be used, not only by the local villagers, but also visiting teams and guests. However, further investigation shows that a fairly small area could in fact be transformed into Petanque Court. No piste/terrain (playing area) plays the same as so much depends on its construction, but several points are important.
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a Petanque Court 1
2 3 A B
The Dimensions need to be 4 meters wide and 15 meters long. This will enable players to exercise the full range of their ability in playing over distances from 6 to 10 meters and at various angles. The surface is important. A loose surface such as gravel (10mm to dust ) is preferred since its properties tend to hold the Boules back from rolling too far. The construction depends much on the site and finance available. Two methods for consideration: If the ground is relatively flat and well drained, construction can take place on top of the existing surface. If the site has a slope and needs some form of drainage, much more work is involved and also expense.
Provide new medium sand (crunched stone) that will pass through seives 40 to 10 Compact the selected type II fill for a good playing surface Remove existing soil as indicated and make surface level
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21
Building a Petanque Court (continued)
Method A
1 Check site dimensions, drainage etc. 2 Remove grass by cutting away the turf (or any other organic material). 3 Remove loose soil. 4 Place round outside the area some form of boundary retainer approximately 9” high, spread about 1” of fine gravel and roll. The surface can then be top dressed as required.
Method B
1 Check site dimensions as for method ‘A’. 2 Remove grass by cutting away the turf, i.e. organic material. 3 Remove soil to form a level base. 4 The boundary retainer will have to be increased due to the increase depth of crushed limestone i.e. 5” if a poor drainage area (special attention should be given to provide a water escape route). Carry on as for method ‘A’. Water escape route can be constructed by the following methods.
A Land Draining Pipe
Dig a trench deep enough to create a fall from the terrain to the outlet. Lay in drainage pipes, cover with pea gravel and back fill with top soil.
B Common Soak-Away
Carry out as for land drain. At the outlet end dig a hole 11/2 meters deep by 1 meter wide Fill with hard core (broken bricks etc.), cover with plastic sheet or cap with concrete finish about 300mm below the surface. Back fill with top soil.
22
C French Drain
About a meter from the outside of the terrain area that floods, dig a trench. Fill with 25mm/16mm pebbles up to the surface. This will act as a soak-away and a walk area.
Dimensions & Construction
1 Rock dust or decomposed granite (DG) with 15% of rock , 3/8 to 1/2 inch in diameter, in depth of 2 to 2 3/4 inch, compacted at 90%. 2 Gravel and soil mix in depth of 2 to 2 3/4 inches. 3 Rubble, broken bricks, rocks of 6 inch in diameter, in depth of 6 to 8 inches. Set a 3% slope on the entire length of the playing Court to insure proper drainage. 4 Blocks with large cracks.
Petanque Court Border
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
23
Sweeps Festival 2015 Medway boasts a wealth of festivals throughout the year, celebrating Medway’s colourful past and exciting present. Proud of its association with Charles Dickens, every June Medway hosts the annual Dickens Festival as well as the festive Dickensian Christmas in the first week of December.
UK converge on Medway to celebrate the Sweeps Festival, which in my opinion, is the best of all the festivals held in Medway. The modern day Sweeps Festival is a colourful mix of music, dancing and entertainment with more than 60 Morris sides and entertainers celebrating throughout the three-day festival.
In February, Medway brings in the Chinese New Year, and in April, Riverside Country Park becomes home to the The English Festival, a family celebration of all things English.
The festival was revived in 1981 by local businessman Gordon Newton, a keen historian. He decided it was time to bring it back and over the years he has helped develop the festival into what it is today – an extravaganza of traditional Britain.
In May, local chimney sweeps, Morris sides and folk groups from all over the
It is now one of the largest may Day Festivals held today in Britain.
24
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
Unit 16 · Victory Park 2 · Rochester · ME2 4ER Est 1999
VEHICLE LIVERY Specialists Many local cafes and restaurants will be serving street food in the high street, and as usual, Rochester Farmers’ Market will run all weekend from the disabled car park next to the Jolly Knight, showcasing the finest in local produce. No doubt there will also be a beer festival in the Gordon Hotels beer garden providing a whole host of local ales and ciders, as well as an excellent venue to sit and enjoy some excellent entertainment. Medway’s annual Sweeps Festival recreates the joy and laughter enjoyed by the chimney sweeps at their traditional holiday on 1 May; the one time of the year the sweeps could leave the soot behind and have some fun. Their fun included the Jack-in-the-Green ceremony, a seven-foot character that they used to waken at dawn on Blue Bell Hill, Chatham. The Jack-inthe-Green would walk with the chimney sweeps in their parade. When the Climbing Boys’ Act 1868 made it illegal to employ young boys to carry out the trade, the traditional procession gradually began to fade. The final May celebration was held in the early 1900s. The Sweeps Festival is special because the centre of Rochester truly opens its arms and embraces the three-day event. You don’t have to know much about Morris dancing to enjoy the festival because it has plenty of atmosphere to go round.
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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RECIPE
Easy Chicken Pie Total time 43 min | Prep 10 mins | Cook 33 mins | 6 to 8 servings Ingredients
3 chicken breasts
½ teaspoon sweet paprika ½ teaspoon dried sage
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 chopped onion
1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons plain flour 2 cups chicken stock
1 cup thick double cream
1 shop-bought pie crust, unbaked and thawed if frozen 1 egg, lightly beaten
Method
Special equipment: 10-inch cast-iron pan Preheat the oven to 200º c (400º f)
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with paprika, sage, oregano, salt and pepper. Heat a 10-inch pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil begins to swirl, add the seasoned chicken and saute until cooked through, about 4 minutes on the first side and 3 minutes on the second side. Remove the chicken to a plate with tongs, leaving the oil in the pan. Rest the chicken for a few minutes, and then chop into ½ inch cubes.
To the same pan, add the onions and peas and carrots and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir and cook until the onions become tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute longer. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the flour dissolves into the vegetables and juices. Add the chicken stock and raise to a simmer, stirring until thickened. Once the liquid has thickened, stir in the cream. Season with salt, if needed.
Return the chicken to the pan. Unfold the pie crust and place over the top of the filling, tucking the excess edges inside the pan. Brush the crust evenly with the egg wash. Using a knife, gently cut 3 vents in the top of the crust. Place in the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes.
26
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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EVENTS
The Memorial Hall Meetings Groups & Clubs
SupplierS Of fine Quality Meat
DH Denis Hills
The Memorial Hall, Holly Road, Wainscott
Quality ButcHers
Mondays 9am-1pm Sure start Kids 7pm-8pm Aerobics 7pm-9pm Alcoholics Anonymous
4 Beef · pork · lamb 4 locally sourced products 4 Barbecue packs 4 fresh poultry
Tuesdays 7pm-9pm Girl Guides
Wednesdays 9am-3pm Sure Start For Kids 4.45pm-5.45pm Rainbows 6pm-7pm Brownies Thursdays
1.30pm-3pm Pensioners’ Bingo 6pm-7:30pm Brownies 7:30pm-9pm Keep Fit Fridays 9am-11am Weight Watchers 4:30-5:30 Children’s Karate
Frindsbury Extra Women’s Institute An active WI meets at 7.30pm on the 2nd Monday monthly. For more information, please telephone Mrs Janet Jarvis on 01634 719116. New members and visitors welcome!
Remembrance Day 11 November In memory of The Fallen from Wainscott and surrounding area, a Wreath from the Parish Council is normally laid by Councillors at the War Memorial within the Memorial Hall. Often, Members and Leaders from the Brownies and Guides also attend this important occasion. The memorial hall may be hired for your special occasion, event, group or club. To Book and check availability, please call Freda on 01634 719426 £12:50 Per Hour; Sat 8am-midnight £250; Sat 4:30pm-midnight £125; Deposit Required
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communitymagazine
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Say Frindsbury Extra Parish Council welcomes letters and comments received for publication on matters to do with the Parish Council, its activities and those of the Parish of Frindsbury Extra. Please write to the Clerk, Roxana Brammer 53 Capelands, New Ash Green, Longfield, Kent DA3 8LQ, or email clerk@frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk or roxana@madasafish.com The Council reserves the right to moderate and edit the content of any correspondence according to the requirements of the magazine.
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29
Charlie’s Logs port:Layout 1
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Country Markets I have been a Parish Councillor for over 25 years, and one of my other interests has been producing for the Rochester Country Market, formerly Rochester WI Market. The Market has been in existence since 1978, and has been in various venues in Rochester since then. We are now in the Rochester Education Centre every Thursday from 10.30am to 12 noon. We sell savouries (ie meat pies sausage rolls, quiche, cottage pies, vegetarian and Indian food). We also have a very large selection of cakes and pastries, jams, marmalade and local honey. In the spring we start to sell bedding plants and shrubs, also some vegetable plants. We then have a local farmer who provides us with fruit and veg all the summer. We also have eggs, including free range and duck eggs. There is also a large craft stall selling everything from knitted clothes to jewellery, cards and handmade soaps. We are also involved with the local Festivals, providing a stall at both Dickens and Sweeps festivals. In September we are found at the local ploughing match. We are always looking for new producers. It costs 5p to join. The Market takes a small commission from the produce that you sell. If you would like to find out more please come to visit us in Rochester or give me a ring on 01634 723611. All our customers appreciate having fresh home- made produce without additives. Pam Coomber Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
WORSHIP
Worship
All Saints Church, Frindsbury
with Upnor and Chattenden
The parish church of Frindsbury is one of the oldest Anglican churches, having first been established 900 years ago. The church is set on top of a cliff and overlooks the River Medway, Rochester castle and cathedral. The Parish of Frindsbury has 3 church buildings in Church Green Frindsbury, Upnor and Chattenden. We currently are awaiting a new vicar, but have a pioneer curate Sue Vallente-Kerr who works with us, as well as across the other churches in Strood, working on community engagement and mission.
As well as offering you, our community, the usual church services we also run toddler groups in Frindsbury (Tuesdays 1.15-2.45pm) and Upnor (Wednesdays 10-11.30am), a Kidschurch in Chattenden (Saturday 10-11.30am) and a Drop In cafĂŠ in Frindsbury Parish Hall (Wednesday 10.30am-12pm).
We have also just started a new experience for families called Sundays@4 where we aim to enagage with people of all ages together in craft, music and food; this is also based in Chattenden church. As the Church of England we are here to help and serve you - our parish. Do get in touch or pop along and see us sometime.
Our usual pattern of Sunday worship is as follows: All Saints 8.00am 10.30am
All Sundays 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday 4th Sunday
St Philip & St James 9.00am 2nd & 4th Sunday 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday Bishop Gundulph 4.00pm 1st Sunday
Holy Communion BCP Holy Communion Fourth Sunday Worship Holy Communion Morning Worship Sunday @ 4
More information about the churches can be found on our website www.allsaintsfrindsbury.co.uk You can contact the Parish Office on 01634 296050 or email pa@allsaintsfrindsbury.co.uk All Saints Vicarage, Parsonage Lane, Frindsbury, Rochester ME2 4UR
Frindsbury Extra Parish Council
31
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