Sittingbourne CommunityAd Magazine

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Sittingbourne Magazine

Spring 2015

First Edition

Kitchens. Bedrooms. Bathrooms.

Vine Farm, Stockers Hill, Boughton-under-Blean, ME13 9AB | 01227 751130 | www.rootsfaversham.co.uk

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MOTs for cars and light vans Opening Hours: Full retest free of charge* z Mon - Fri 8am to 5pm Class IV including diesels z Saturday 8am to 1pm** Courtesy cars available z MOTs by appointment All makes of vehicle serviced z MOT test centre is open General repairs 6 days a week Welding z Tuning Timing belts changed Engine management diagnostics

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Key Street Garage · Sittingbourne · Kent · ME10 1YX Tel: 01795 424203 · Fax: 01795 471941 · www.pearceandbattgarage.co.uk 2

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Sittingbourne Magazine

Welcome to the first edition of the Sittingbourne Community Magazine.

We hope you enjoy reading the articles and information in this publication.

We’ve got articles on the Sittingbourne Racetrack and the Retired Greyhound Trust, The Bredger and Wormshill Light Railway and how local charity Litter Angels are helping to keep the local streets clean. All this and more along with events listing, useful numbers and local trades people and businesses.

This is your community and your community magazine so we want to hear from you about the things that really matter to the residents of Sittingbourne. If you have any local charities, events, clubs or groups that you would like us to write about please do contact.

You can contribute to the next issue by emailing jon@community-publishing.org or you can write to us, marking all correspondence “Thanet Community Ad Magazine” and send to First Floor, 7 Cecil Square, Margate, Kent CT9 1BD. You can also call us on 01843 293062.

Are there any photographers out there who would like to see their work on the front cover of the next issue? Please email your pictures and contact details to the editor jon@community-publishing.org

Magazine

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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 Whitstable Community Magazine To advertise please call Liam 01843 293062 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 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 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. CommunityAd wishes to advise all readers that it does not endorse or recommend any products or services contained herein. CommunityAd does not, therefore, take any legal responsibility for the advice given by any of the advertisers.

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Worry… the greatest enemy of a good mood We can all probably relate to having experienced worry at some point in our lives. Worrying is actually very common and, naturally in life, we occasionally experience situations that lead us to worry about some, or even many, things. Sometimes though worry can be problematic, especially if we find ourselves worrying uncontrollably and frequently; we can then find it hard to concentrate on anything other than the worry. We can also experience worries at quite inconvenient times – for example, when we are trying to drop off to sleep in the evening. We might find ourselves dwelling on things late into the night and this can mean that we find it harder to get to sleep.

Often worries can seem overwhelming.

Sometimes our worries act in a similar way to a magnet – we start worrying about one thing and then, before we know it, a whole load of other worries are pulled in; we then end up worrying about a whole host of different things.

So wouldn’t it be great if we could be taught strategies to help us to deal with worries in a

A

productive way that can help us to feel less anxious?

Well the good news is we can! Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT for short, is an evidence based approach that teaches us different tools and strategies for dealing with things like worry, low mood, anxiety and panic.

CBT teaches us that there are two different types of worry: practical worries (those for which we may be able to find a solution) and hypothetical worries (those which are based so far in the future that we have absolutely no way of knowing if they may happen and cannot do anything about). Sorting our worries into these two categories can be very useful as there are different CBT tools to be used in overcoming each of them to manage excessive worrying.

These tools are just a small part of the CBT toolkit which can be used to manage common everyday problems such as worry, stress, anxiety, low mood, panic or phobias.

CBT can be accessed for free on the NHS via IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services.

Our service at Talking Therapies @ Psicon offers individual face to face psychological coaching and therapy to people aged 18 years and over. If you are experiencing any of the difficulties mentioned above and think that you may benefit from learning how to use CBT to overcome and manage your difficulties, please contact us directly on 01227 479902 or email us at talkingtherapies@psicon.co.uk

To advertise please call Liam 01843 293062 4

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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.

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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.

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No sin with a Litter Angels bin!

Local charity Litter Angels has had its first waste bin installed in Bobbing, Sittingbourne, after receiving a request from local school children.

The new Litter Angels bin, which was part sponsored by McDonalds, was installed on the public footpath under the A249 flyover at the Bobbing Roundabout.

Bobbing Primary School children, who use the footpath every day when they walk from the Meads to school, highlighted the amount of litter in this area during a Litter Angels workshop in October 2014.

Litter Angels contacted both McDonalds and Swale Borough Council and a litter bin was installed at the end of January 2015.

Kathy Bourne, a teacher at Bobbing Primary School, said “We were very grateful to Gordon Henderson and the Litter Angels for coming to visit the children during last year’s project and for following on the concerns raised by the children, who thought that litter was a

real issue in our community and particularly in areas near the school. They were surprised that there weren’t more litter bins to give people the opportunity to keep the area clean, so that is the first solution they thought about. “It’s because of Litter Angels that the children got to see this happen. The children are very excited and now make everyone in school aware that the bin is there so that they can save any rubbish after school, or before school, and make sure they use it.”

Gordon Henderson MP, the Chairman of Litter Angels, said “Litter Angels was set up to raise awareness amongst primary school age children to the anti-social nature of litter. It is satisfying to see that the message is getting home. We are grateful to McDonalds for their sponsorship and Swale Borough Council for agreeing to empty the litter bin. We have now installed two litter bins, this one and one in Norwood Walk, near Grove Park School. Our ambition is to have Litter Angels bins dotted around the borough.”

Photo (left-right) Jess McMahon from Litter Angels, Sophie Parker from McDonald’s, Sam Smith from Bobbing Primary School, Gordon Henderson MP, Evie Harrison from Bobbing Primary School, Shane Wood from McDonald’s and Sammie Williams from Litter Angels

8

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At Kingsfield care home, we support residents to get the most out of every day.

What do you see?

Creative souls or life in a care home?

Dedicated to personalised care Kingsfield specialises in nursing, residential, respite, palliative and dementia care, completely tailored to the individual needs of our residents.

If you think you know what care homes are like, a visit to Kingsfield may make you think again.

For more information or to arrange a tour of our care home, please call 0333 321 8842 or pop in and speak to our friendly team.

Kingsfield Jubilee Way Faversham Kent ME13 8GD careuk.com/kingsfield

HAVE YOUR SAY

about matters of interest in Sittingbourne email jon@community-publishing.org or call 01843 293062

Installation and Service of CCTV Intruder Alarms Fire Alarms Access Control Systems Fence Protection

Security Systems

Gate Automation Barrier Automation Monitored Systems Solar Systems

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qUseful Numbers Useful

Animal Welfare Bredhurst Adoption Centre 11 Matts Hill Road, Hartlip ME9 7XAÂ 01634 232471 Banks Barclays Bank Plc 81 High Street | 0845 755 5555 NatWest 87 High Street | 0345 788 8444 HSBC Bank PLC 115 High Street | 0845 740 4404 Lloyds TSB Plc 125 High Street | 0845 300 0000 Santander 106-108 High Street | 0845 765 4321 Nationwide 91 High Street | 0845 266 0383 Halifax 70-74 High Street | 01795 563415 Cinemas and Theatres The Avenue Theatre Admin Office, Avenue Theatre, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne ME10 4DN 01795 471140 The New Century Cinema High Street, Sittingbourne ME10 4PE 01795 394995

Clubs, Groups & Associations UKPLeisure Avenue of Remembrance, Sittingbourne ME10 4DE | 01795 423644 The Towns Club 41A High Street, Sittingbourne ME10 4AY 01795 475327 Sittingbourne & Milton Sea Cadets T S Wyvern, Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne ME10 3SN | 01795 439334 Milton Regis Conservative Club Church Street, Sittingbourne ME10 2JZ 01795 470908 Institute of Directors Newton House, Winch Rd, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8EF 01795 435918 Gore Court Cricket Club The Grove, Key Street, Sittingbourne ME10 1YT | 01795 423813 Gore Court Hockey Club The Grove, Key Street, Sittingbourne ME10 1YT | 01795 423813 Sittingbourne Rugby Union Football Club The Grove, Key Street, Sittingbourne ME10 1YT | 01795 423813 Swallows Leisure Centre Central Avenue, Sittingbourne ME10 4NT 01795 420420

To advertise please call Liam 01843 293062 10

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Let Creating Cakes be part of all your creations

Community Centres & Village Halls Kemsley Community Hall The Square, Ridham Avenue, Kemsley ME10 2SF | 07826 304316 Bredgar Village Hall Bexon Lane, Sittingbourne ME9 8HB 01622 884423 Newington Village Hall High Street, Sittingbourne ME9 7JJ 01795 844637

Vast range of sugarcraft equipment and decorations Bespoke handmade cakes, flowers and toppers Hire service • Photo plaques • Secure online shop Free, friendly, helpful advice

10% discount off in-store purchases

Teynham Village Hall Belle Friday Close, Sittingbourne ME9 9TU 01795 520650 Doctors The Chestnut Surgery 70 East St, Sittingbourne ME10 4RU 01795 478788 Dr C Ramu 95 High Street, Sittingbourne ME10 2AR 01795 426640 Safron Way Health Centre 9 London Road, Sittingbourne ME10 1NA 01795 477266 Grovehurst Surgery Grovehurst Road, Kemsley, Sittingbourne ME10 2ST | 01795 430444

valid to 31 March 2015 (handmade cakes not included)

shop 63 East Street · Sittingbourne · ME10 4BQ 01795 426358 small unit at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre 07584 355477

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Wood and Multi Fuel Stoves Stove Package Deals Available Marble, Wood and Stone Fire Surrounds Bespoke Service Available Gas and Electric Fires Chimney Lining Full Installation Service

Holly Bank Surgery 31 London Road, Sittingbourne ME10 1NQ 01795 422269 Dr Mark Pasola Saffron Way Health Centre, Saffron Way, Sittingbourne ME10 2TX 01795 477266 Lakeside Medical Centre 53 Todd Crescent, Sittingbourne ME10 2TZ 01795 424315 Please mention

Visit Our Showroom

2 Castle Court, Castle Road, Eurolink Industrial Estate, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3TD

Tel: 01795 599234 | www.the-fireplace.net Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9.30- 4; Saturday 10- 4

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Useful Numbers (continued) Dentists Chopra Dental Surgery Sutton House, 5 London Road, Sittingbourne ME10 1NQ | 01795 477224 London Road Dental 20 London Road, Sittingbourne ME10 1NA 01795 472020 Milton Regis Dental Clinic 95B High Street, Milton Regis, Sittingbourne ME10 2AR | 0844 815 1078 Selmon C R 13 Park Road, Sittingbourne ME10 1DR 01795 424204 Murphy J K & Associates Ltd 62A High Street, Sittingbourne ME10 4PB 01795 477931 Elite Dental Restorations 13 Station Street, Sittingbourne ME10 3DU 01795 426547 Dr J Meakin 121 London Road, Teynham, Sittingbourne ME9 9QJ | 01795 521535 Pharmacies Memorial Pharmacy Memorial Medical Centre, Bell Road, Sittingbourne ME10 4XX | 01795 435177

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We love la Age UK Faversham and Sittingbourne It’s been a time of change and expansion for Age UK Faversham and Sittingbourne! Over the past year we have seen the introduction of some new services that will be invaluable in supporting some of the most vulnerable and isolated members of our local community. The local charity currently provides a free “ Support at Home” service for those at risk of becoming isolated and admitted to hospital or those returning from home after a stay in hospital. The service is time limited but support can be arranged for those needing longer term help. It also provides practical and emotional support to help people adapt to live an independent life. “Hands 2 Help” is another new service that aims to support older people to remain independent. It offers practical help with the daily tasks that may be difficult to do alone. Help can be given with shopping, cleaning, helping to attend appointments or social events as well as dog walking, light gardening etc. Both services are carried out by fully trained, police checked individuals that are dedicated to meet individual needs.

There have also been big changes at our day centre at 2 Middle Row, Faversham.

Kemsley Pharmacy Grovehurst Road, Kemsley, Sittingbourne ME10 2ST | 01795 431270 Austinoma 52 Todd Crescent, Kemsley, Sittingbourne ME10 2TZ | 01795 437300 Leisure Centres Swallows Leisure Centre Central Avenue, Sittingbourne ME10 4NT 01795 420420 12

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ater life A newly refurbished room, partly funded by event fundraising efforts now sees us having a wonderful, welcoming space that is being used for the many new activities that the centre ia planning. We have also upgraded our bathing facilities at the centre so anyone needing assistance to enjoy a soak can do so with the security of knowing that trained care workers are there to offer all the help needed. Just bring the bubbles! The day centre is open 7 days a week and also provides hairdressing, chiropody and daily home cooked meals.

Our “ Just Friends” befriending service has also been expanding and offers a chance for individuals to meet a new friend and enjoy the companionship that comes from regular visits in the comfort of home.

All our services are supported by a dedicated team of volunteers but we are always in search of more. If you have any time and skills you would wish to share you would be guaranteed a rewarding and enjoyable volunteering experience knowing that your efforts are being channelled into supporting local residents to “Love Later Life”.

The charity provides fully accessible transport to ensure that those needing assistance to attend the centre are able to get here safely. We have just launched a “ Sponsor A Vehicle “ campaign in the local press to try and gain some financial support to maintain this essential service. Local companies may have their logos displayed on our vehicles in return for help offered.

A For more information about any of these services please call 01795 532766 for further details

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End of the paper driving licence 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 particularly concerned about the timing of the move, which could

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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.

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Call Samaritans when life gets too much Most people face difficult times in their lives.

Times when they feel very low. Times when their troubles seem overwhelming. Times of complete despair. Times when the future looks hopeless. Times when they feel they have no one to turn to.

Over sixty years ago in the east end of London, a man called Chad Varah attended the funeral of a 14 year old girl who had taken her own life because she believed she had a disease. In fact, what she thought was a disease was her first period. Nobody had told her about the changes her body would go through as she grew older. From this tragic story sprang Samaritans - the first organisation anywhere in the world dedicated to listening to troubled people.

Today, it is mainly a telephone-based service, though you can make an appointment to visit your local branch to meet a Samaritan face to face or you can e-mail.

Chad Varah and his early helpers set down some golden rules about how Samaritans should operate. The same rules apply today.

• You will not be judged - Samaritans are there to talk through whatever is upsetting you.

• You will not be asked to give any personal details.

• No calls are recorded.

• Samaritans is not an advice line. It is there to help you by being a confidential, friendly, listening voice.

• The Samaritans telephone line is open 24 hours a day, every single day of the year.

There is one other golden rule. Samaritans is open to all. Anyone can call Samaritans. It does not matter your age, sex, nationality, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs or anything else. All you need to do is call and a Samaritan will listen.

A Call 01227 457 777 or 08457 90 90 90

or email jo@samaritans.org Visit us at Canterbury & District Samaritans, 32 Northgate, Canterbury CT1 1BL.

To make sure that there will be a volunteer available to talk to you please call before visiting.

A family business with modern executive coaches available for a range of group trips including continental work For an any-distance quotation, call Georgina Bates on

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Dance students raise hundreds A dedicated group of dance students have raised hundreds of pounds for charity.

Members of Gillingham-based Buxton Dance and Drama Studios visited Demelza Hospice Care for Children on Friday (23 January) to hand over a cheque for £375.

The studios in the High Street offer classes for children aged two to adults in a range of genres including ballet, tap, modern and jazz.

Money was raised throughout 2014 for Demelza, which has a hospice in Bobbing, Sittingbourne, by holding quizzes, cabarets and raffles which are supported by parents and friends of students at the studio.

Principal and teacher Paula Buxton said:

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“We feel very glad to be able to help such an important and worthwhile cause and the children performing have a great time.”

Demelza community fundraiser Hannah Shotton said: “We are so grateful to all the students and staff at the studios for choosing to support us throughout 2014.

“The money raised by community groups such as Buxton makes a vital difference to our children and families.

A

Find out more about Demelza at www.demelza.org.uk f Demelza Hospice t @demelzahospice

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Swale cyclists encouarged to take to two wheels for charity A group of Swale-based cyclists is encouraging other enthusiasts to join in with a charity bike ride. Members of the Quick Release Cycling Club have come up with a way to raise money for Demelza Hospice Care for Children, by organising the Pedal for a Purpose fundraiser, taking place in April.

The circular route starts and ends at Demelza’s hospice in Rook Lane, Bobbing.

There are three separate routes to choose from – family (17 miles); classic (52 miles) and epic (103 miles).

Club member Dave Coleman said: “Being a local club, we have known about Demelza for many years and the work they do to help families and children. A few of our cyclists were involved in the Demelza 101 challenge last year with 100 riders travelling from Sittingbourne to Paris, who collectively raised £186,000.“Being inspired by this, we decided to start planning our first event and we would like to encourage you all to join forces and cycle for this fantastic charity.”

A place on the family route costs £15 per adult and £5 per child; classic is £20 per person and epic is £30.

All participants will be given a medal on completion and children who join in will be given a Demelza Dotty wristband to wear during the day.

Demelza events coordinator Emma Austen said: “Over the last few years we have really seen the popularity of our cycling events grow. So why not combine this with raising money for a great local cause?”

A For more information or to sign up,

phone Emma on 01795 845288 or email emma.austen@demelza.org.uk

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Magazine

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.

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.

A 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 18

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call us today for a free quotation

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Easy Chicken Pie

Recipe

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

20

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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.

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Good debt versus Before you borrow money, it’s worth knowing the difference between good debt and bad debt. Some things are worth going into debt for, others can leave you in a big financial mess. Here’s how to tell the difference.

What is good debt?

In simple terms, a good debt is one that is a sensible investment in your financial future, should leave you better off in the long-term and should not have a negative impact on your overall financial position.

You will have a clear and specific reason for taking it out, and a realistic plan for paying it back that allows you to clear the debt as quickly as possible, or in a series of regular and affordable payments (eg for a mortgage).

Someone with a good debt will also have identified the cheapest possible way of borrowing that money. They will have done this by finding the borrowing method, an interest rate, loan or credit amount, term and charges that are the most appropriate for them. In some cases it will mean a deal with the lowest possible interest rate, but in others it may not, for example if the lowest rate comes with the price of high charges or penalties.

Examples of good debt Here are some examples of how taking on debt could actually make you better off in the long run: • Student loan Taking out a student loan to pay for university will help you become a graduate.

This is a good investment because university graduates typically get paid more 22

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than non-graduates and, more importantly, because the interest rate is relatively low and you only have to repay the loan once you’re earning more than a certain amount.

• Mortgage A mortgage can be a good debt, because it will enable you to purchase a home to live in. Once that mortgage is paid off, that home will be a big financial asset, which is likely to grow in value over time and the monthly mortgage payments could be cheaper than rent.

• Investing in your own business A loan to help you develop your own business can also be a good debt, as long as you have a sensible and realistic business plan. If your business does well it will end up being worth far more than the loan you originally took out.

• Buying a car you can afford If it is essential to enable you to get to work and earn a living. However it’s important that you can afford the loan repayment costs and the running costs of the car out of your income.

What is bad debt?

Bad debts are those that drain your wealth, are not affordable and offer no real prospect of ‘paying for themselves’ in the future.

Bad debts are also likely to have no realistic repayment plans, and are often run up when people make impulse purchases of items they don’t really need, or borrow money to pay every day bills.

If you can’t afford to borrow the money (for example, you aren’t sure you’ll be able to make the monthly repayments) it is definitely a bad debt.

Can you afford to borrow money?

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bad debt Examples of bad debt

Tips to avoid bad debt

Here are some examples of things you should think seriously about getting into debt for. If you can’t pay the debt off in the very short term, it’s probably better not spending the money.

When considering borrowing money, ask yourself the following questions. If any of the answers are ‘no’, that debt is likely to be bad.

• A luxury holiday you can’t afford A luxury holiday can be a trip of a lifetime, but is best avoided if it’s accompanied by a lifetime of debt. Instead of getting into debt, try and save up first, if necessary reworking your plans so you can still take a holiday, but one you can afford.

• A brand new car you don’t need If you don’t need to buy a new car, think twice about it. New cars always lose their value and if you lost your job for example and you couldn’t keep up the repayments, you might end up with a loan for more than you could sell the car for. That means you’d have no car but an outstanding debt (and interest) to pay.

• Will borrowing this money improve my finances in the long run?

• Have I shopped around for the best deal?

• Am I borrowing as cheaply as possible?

• Will I be able to cope should interest rates rise in the future?

• Will I comfortably be able to afford the monthly repayments?

• Do I understand all the terms and conditions associated with borrowing?

• Do I understand the risks and what could happen if things go wrong?

How much should I borrow?

• Borrowing money to pay bills Or other credit commitments. If you are struggling to get to the end of the month you can get free confidential advice, which will help get your finances back on track.

Once you have established that the money you want to borrow is a good debt, you need to work out exactly how much to borrow and how you are going to pay it back. Borrowing more than you need without a plan for paying it back, can swiftly turn a good debt bad.

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Flying into turbulence Politicians and businesses are competing in their calls to show their enthusiasm for rebalancing England’s economic activity, to give the north a boost.

safely into the hands of the next government, claims to have studied all the issues carefully and methodically. Its consultation process has certainly offered some of the best opportunities for public engagement of any infrastructure project in recent memory.

All manner of proposals are put forward, from relocating chunks of Government departments from Whitehall to setting up ‘insect farming and consumption’ hubs– whatever they are.

The fundamental problem though is the lack of any ‘larger than local’ planning in England: as a country we are unique in the developed world in not having any national spatial plan.

Scotland and Wales have plans that set the wider context beyond local authority boundaries but there is nothing to assess the wider strategic fit of such enormous airport expansion proposals. As the most densely populated large country in Europe (other than mini-states) as well the most economically imbalanced, if anywhere needs strategic thinking, it is us.

But the moment you mention aviation, they all scramble back to the safety of London, focusing on providing ever more runways to the capital’s airports.

No matter that, if you add up those five airports, London already has 50% more flights than New York or Tokyo, its nearest competitors. Nor that at the 2010 election, there was political consensus against adding yet another runway to the overheated south east of England, since it is as desirable to the average voter as a bug buffet.

The scale of what is being proposed really needs highlighting. An expanded Heathrow would become the biggest airport in the world, equal only to the Istanbul New Airport – and that comes with its own state palace.

An expanded Gatwick would become as big as Heathrow currently is but would have to be squeezed into a narrow parcel of land almost entirely surrounded by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Both would be a disaster, not just for the region’s environment but also for England’s economy.

The Airports Commission, the body set up to pass the parcel of this controversial decision 24

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The north has the right to be worried: new research shows that expanding Heathrow or Gatwick would damage regional airports, particularly if carbon emissions from air travel are capped. Not only would this put more pressure on the south-east, it could make it harder to regenerate brownfield sites in the north.

Worse still, the more aviation grows, the more the risk is that other sectors will have to do more to reduce carbon emissions if overall targets for carbon reduction are to be met.

Besides the economic cost to traditional industries and farming, this could require an even greater increase in renewable energy infrastructure, putting pressure on our landscapes across the country.

So when the Commission claims all the Magazine when responding to advertisements

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runways proposed fit well with spatial plans, that’s because there aren’t any. Even then, this claim is open to attack, not least as it is accepted that substantial areas of Green Belt would have to be de-designated in order to accommodate the spin-off growth. In fact this is just the tip of the iceberg, as the thousands of pages of analysis have failed to assess a wide range of impacts on our precious countryside.

The Commission’s consideration of noise from all the extra flight paths was as useless for rural tranquillity as much as the offer of free loft insulation (not much use in your garden or when out walking the dog!) from the airports’ bosses. Only noise levels above 70dB were considered, when in rural areas, background noise can be as low as 40 or even 30dB. Worse still, the impact on nationally

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protected landscapes was assessed just in terms of whether you could or couldn’t see new airport buildings. The devastating impact of the sight and din of thousands of aircraft circling over the Chilterns, North Downs or Weald simply was not picked up.

No wonder so many communities, councils and campaigners are viewing the Commission’s final report, due in the summer, as a forgone conclusion and are gearing up for a fight. CPRE feared from the start the Commission would short-change the countryside. In line with our policy against increasing airport capacity, we will be standing up for our countryside and joining in.

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Sittingbourne Grey Built in 1995 at a cost of 拢6m, Central Park Stadium occupies a 24 acre site in the Eurolink business development. It has its own car park which caters for up to 1000 cars and is easy to reach from the M20 and less than 10 minutes from the M2 and A249. Sittingbourne town centre and its railway station are just a short taxi ride away from the Sittingbourne Dog Track. There is good wheelchair access and facilities for the disabled.

Race days are Thursday and Saturday with some additional Fridays and Sundays.

Track Stats

Meetings & Competitions We race every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday THURSDAY RACE DATES Doors open at 5.30pm First race times vary, either 6pm or 6.28pm Open races form part of the schedule SATURDAY RACE DATES We race every Saturday Doors open at 5.30pm First race is at 6.28pm; last race is at 10.07pm Every last Saturday of the month there will be a Disco after racing 10pm till midnight SUNDAY RACE DATES Doors open at 5pm; first race is at 6pm

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Track Circumference: 443m following Sittingbourne races over the 500m, 642m, m, 480 distances: 265m, 450m, m 480 r ove es and 708m; hurdles rac Hare Swaffham Type McGee s Kennelling facilities for 106 dog there is parking Crowd capacity is 4,750 and for 1,000 cars. t Derby, The Major Open Events: The Ken al ion Nat Cernesport Grand Racing Manager: Jess Packer rew Clayson Assistant Racing Manager: And

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yhounds sittingbourne greyhounds Sittingbourne Greyhounds offer an exciting evening of live greyhound racing action throughout the year.

We cater for family celebrations, works outings, hen and stag parties as well as for small to large groups that just want to be together for a night out. raceview restaurant

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Distance Record Holder Time (secs) 265m Flat Fast Ranger 16.20 450m Flat Citizen Skipper 27.26 473m Flat Droopys Vieri 28.53 473m Hurdles Ballmac Keano 29.30 480m Flat Blonde Fletch 28.80 480m Hurdles Platinumlancelot 29.45 500m Flat Grayslands Tiger 30.14 642m Flat Droopys Zach 39.64 708m Flat Brimardon Star 43.70 893m Flat Seamies Gambler 57.19

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Sittingbourne Greyhounds (continued)

Ange & Jackie, raising money for the

Sittingbourne Retired Greyhound Trust Ange and Jackie are two ladies, no longer quite in the first flushes of youth and each the proud owner of 3 adopted ex-racing greyhounds, who have decided in 2012 to combine their 1st attempt at an ironman triathlon with raising money to help with the re-homing of these fabulous dogs when their racing careers end.

Greyhounds are lazy, gentle, couch potatoes who happily spend 23 hours a day asleep and need only 2 short walks a day and lots of TLC to keep them happy. They are generally clean dogs who shed very little hair. Many of them can live happily with children and other dogs.

The Sittingbourne Retired Greyhound Trust was set up to re-home some of the

The 4,000 year old dog

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d to be complete The disciplines e: imum ar in 17 hours max m swim k 2.4 mile or 3.8 0km bike 112 mile or 18 2.2km run 26.2 mile or 4

greyhounds retired from racing at the Sittingbourne stadium. Approximately 9,000 greyhounds, typically aged between 4 and 6 years, retire nationwide per year and many of them find their way to the RGT re-homing centres where they are looking for a loving ‘’forever’’ home for the 2nd half of their lives. You can see some of them in the Gallery section of the Sittingbourne Retired Greyhound Trusts website (see right).

Did you know that greyhounds make great pets? It’s not news, it is history. The greyhound is one of the oldest breeds in existence and some scholars say they can be traced back about 4,000 years to cave drawings and they are the only dog breed mentioned in the Bible.

Even though our ancestors understood and loved this breed, is your ‘greyhound knowledge’ based in fact or do you believe the old common myths?

Greyhounds need a lot of exercise. This is a myth. Greyhounds may be the fastest dog breed but they do not need excessive exercise. Most are happy with two 20 minute walks a day.

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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.

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Greyhounds cannot live with cats or other small animals. This is a myth. Not all greyhounds are interested in chasing and some can live perfectly at home with other small creatures such as cats, rabbits or chickens, however it is best to speak to an RGT volunteer to find a perfect hound to fit with your family.

Greyhounds are low maintenance animals.

This is a fact. Greyhounds are the ultimate low-maintenance pet. They sleep a lot and they need little grooming.

Now that you’ve got the facts, why not find out for yourself? The Retired Greyhound Trust takes pride in matching the right greyhound to the right household and will help you find your next perfect pet.

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IN THE WINTER

BOILER SERVICES

£60 STILL ONLY inc vat Boiler repairs & replacements Cookers | Gas fires Water heaters | Powerflushes Solar hot water NO CALL-OUT CHARGES

FULLY INSURED

WEEKEND & EVENING WORK

www.solaris-heating.co.uk

01634 778776 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL-OUT

Inspired plants for your garden!

Seasonal bedding & basket plants.

Perennials, Roses, Shrubs, Trees, Hanging Baskets, Pots & Compost.

Hanging Basket replanting service Open daily from March 10am-4pm

London Road, Newington. 01795 842368 32

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Events 3 March | 9.30am Swale Big Tree Plant Swale Big Tree Plant will be planting 150 saplings to enhance wildlife and create a screen to the main road, and 150 wildlife trees. Spicer Homes, Bell Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4EA 6 March | 7.45pm (doors open 7.15pm) The Rewrite (12a) Screen @ The Avenue Theatre Central Avenue Sittingbourne ME10 4DN 6 March Live Ska Music - Skadekat Live music from popular local band Skadekat UKP Leisure Club, Avenue Of Remebrance, Sittingbourne ME10 4DE 7 March | 12noon-4pm Hotel Open Day The Coniston Hotel are holding an open day Coniston Hotel, Sittingbourne 7 March | 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) Jon Gomm - Spring Tour The Avenue Theatre Central Avenue Sittingbourne ME10 4DN 20 March | 7.45pm (doors open 7.15pm) The Hundred Foot Journey (12a) Screen @ The Avenue Theatre Central Avenue Sittingbourne ME10 4DN 20 March | 7.30-9.30pm The London Philharmonia Chamber Ensemble St Mary’s Church Church Lane Newington Sittingbourne ME9 7JU We welcome back The London Philharmonia Chamber Ensemble, who performed a fabulous and well received musical programme in 2013

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Sittingbourne

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Events 22 March | 2.30pm The Magic Porridge Pot and Other Tasty Tales The Avenue Theatre Central Avenue Sittingbourne ME10 4DN Theatre Widdershins & Applause Rural Touring 22 March | 10am Colour Me Purple 5km Run Milton Creek Country Park, Grovehurst Road, Sittingbourne ME10 2HA Run, walk, dance, hop…through a wave of purple paint in Swale’s first ever Colour Run. Contact Katie on 01634 831163 11 April | 7.30pm An Evening with The Crooner The Avenue Theatre Central Avenue Sittingbourne ME10 4DN Come along to a great fun evening of entertainment with professional cabaret entertainer Martin Croones 20 April Charity Golf Day Upchurch Golf Club Charity Golf Day with the Parents and Friends of Holywell School

TONY PETERS

MOTOR SERVICE Independent Garage for Servicing & Repairs

A small, friendly, garage, offering a personal service to both private and business customers. All work is fully guaranteed and carried out to the highest standard, using top quality parts with a service schedule often exceeding that of the manufacturer.

01795 470665

23 April | 7.30pm Guitarra Romantica The Avenue Theatre Central Avenue Sittingbourne ME10 4DN Classical guitarist Robert Drury plays some of the world’s most uplifting guitar music 9 May | 7.30pm Science Blast - The Great Scientists (part 1) Avenue Theatre, Central Avenue Presented by Science Mania Please mention

Periwinkle Court Church Street, Milton Regis, Sittingbourne ME10 2JZ

www.tonypetersmotorservice.co.uk

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Sittingbourne

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Bredger and Wormshill Light Railway Easter Sunday Open Day 5 April 2015 Why not spend a day with us enjoying the pleasures of this delightful railway. Spend some time browsing around the engine shed where there are locomotives of various gauges and scales. See a water pumping beam engine at work and visit the souvenir shop.

Visit the Railway Tea Shop listening to the Dutch street organ playing outside or bring a picnic and sit by the railside and enjoy the regular trains puffing by.

And, most importantly, enjoy a trip on the train, have as many rides as you like, numbers permitting. There are usually two engines in steam.

A For further information about annual ticket purchases and the opportunity to hire the railway as a venue for Children’s Birthday Parties, Coach Parties, Film Location and Corporate Entertainment please contact the railway directly www.bwlr.co.uk/contact.php. events as featured on www.visit-swale.co.uk The Warren, Swanton Street ME9 8AT

HAVE YOUR SAY

about matters of interest in Sittingbourne email jon@community-publishing.org or call 01843 293062

To advertise please call Liam 01843 293062

J.B.S. TREE SERVICES Certified and Insured Arborist Covering all aspects of Tree Surgery In Medway and Swale.

Horticultural, Forestry & Generator repairs & servicinG

Mob: 07878 049505 Tel: 01795 536409

www.jbstreeservices.co.uk

Formerly of G C Stevens & Son, Specialising in Honda & Stihl with over 20 years of main dealer experience

01795 423758 34

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Celebration Dates 2015 March 1 15 17 20 29 29

St David’s Day Mother’s Day St Patrick’s Day Spring Equinox Palm Sunday British Summer Time

April 1 2 5 15 21 23

April Fools Day Maundy Thursday Easter Sunday Holocaust Memorial Queen’s Birthday St George’s Day

Sittingbourne

Useful Info

25 British Summer Time Ends 31 Halloween

Early May Bank Holiday

November

June

1 5 8 30

14 Trooping the Colour 21 Father’s Day 21 Longest Day July 14 Emmeline Pankhurst Day 15 St. Swithin’s Day September 23 Autumn Equinox

Set in Stone New memorials in granite, marble and stone Renovations, cleaning and additional inscriptions

All Saints Day Guy Fawkes Remembrance Sunday St Andrew’s Day

December 21 25 26 31

Shortest Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Eve

TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME

Granite Marble Onyx Quartz

Kitchen Worktops in 7 days* *Conditions apply -7 business weekdays (excluding bank holidays), delivery within Kent, material availability

Malcolm & Sue Mewes 24 High Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 4PD

Worktops Vanities Hearths Fireplace

Tel 01795 410800 Fax 01795 410805

Matts Hill Farm, Matts Hill Lane

setinstonekent@aol.com www.setinstonekent.co.uk Please mention

October

May 4

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and Bath surrounds Window Sills Floors steps and more...

Hartlip, Sittingbourne, Kent Email: contact@rockfab.co.uk Ph: 01634 264 606 or 01634 560 037

www.rock-fabrications.co.uk

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Window Fix Direct Your double-glazed window & door repair & maintenance specialists

Do you have windows or doors that.....

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