Strood CommunityAd Magazine

Your new local magazine!

FREE COPY

Strood Magazine Fourth issue

www.thefirstaidco.com 07717 843117

: KCC approved paediatric training provider : 3-day and 1-day First Aid at work, summer holiday courses and much more : Basic resuscitation courses available for adults and children aged 8 and above

30/06/16.

30/06/16.

• Compassionate and caring •• Available Family business 24 hours a day • Private Compassionate chapels ofand restcaring • Pre-paid plans Availablefuneral 24 hours a day

• Memorial Masonof Private chapels

rest • Pre-paid funeral plans 108 Frindsbury Road • Memorial Mason Strood Kent ME2 4JB

303 Walderslad Chatham Kent

Tel: 01634 420060

Tel: 01634 420

• Compassionate and caring

mfdchatham@ta

mfdstrood@talktalk.net

• Available 24 hours a day • Private chapels of rest • Pre-paid funeral plans MEMBER

• Memorial Mason

slade Road 108 Frindsbury Road Strood ent ME5 0NUKent ME2 4JB

420030

service

MEMBER

303 Walderslade Road Chatham Kent ME5 0NU

Tel: 01634 420060

Tel: 01634 420030

mfdstrood@talktalk.net

mfdchatham@talktalk.net

@talktalk.net

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

Strood

Magazine

Crown

Magazine

property building & maintenance

in association with M&R Skips

Managing projects from start to finish

Welcome ... to the fourth edition of the Strood Community Ad Magazine your guide to what’s on in your local area, a history of local landmarks, and a directory of useful contacts and businesses to help you support local trade.

We’re always on the look out for local interest stories, as well as information about any local clubs, groups and charities, so if you have any news that you’d like to tell us about, please email jon@community-publishing.org or call us on 01843 200016, and you could be in our next edition.

We’re also running a photography competition in the local area, so if you would like the chance to feature your work on the front cover of our next magazine with full accreditation, please email your images to the email above, and your photo could feature as the front cover of the next Strood Community Ad Magazine!

01474 550321

General home maintenance Plumbing & gas works Carpentry Electrical work Kitchens & bathrooms Groundworks Drainage Extensions Plastering, rendering Decking & garden maintenance Interior & Exterior decorators

www.crownpropertybm.com

Here to Help

Rubbish Removal LoCAL ProFEssionAL sErviCE

Cheaper than a skip, no expensive permit needed and we do all of the loading

Large enclosed trailer available for smaller loads 70% of all rubbish recycled Environment Waste Carriers Licence shown to all customers Fully insured · Advice and free quotes given We dispose of all contents from houses, lofts, garages, diy, gardens, take down sheds, garages, plus we repair sheds & fences 01634 401313 | 07842 856581 | heretohelpremovals@gmail.com

CENTRAL HEATING, HOT WATER & GAS WORK

ALL MAKES OF BOILER FITTED AND REPAIRED 01634 366435 07754 833250

16 Boston Gardens Rainham

• Gas safety inspections • Power flushing • New systems • Boiler repairs • Free estimates • Up to 10 year guarantee

www.loveyourboiler.co.uk

PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES A big thank you goes out to all the local businesses that have advertised and supported the Strood Community Magazine To advertise please call Calvin on 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.

Please mention

Magazine when responding to advertisements

3

Strood

Magazine

www.communityad.co.uk

Step and Learn Charity Step and Learn offers free Conductive Education sessions for children with Cerebral Palsy and associated motor difficulties, from birth to 11 years.

Our aim, like Andras Peto, the Hungarian founder of Conductive Education, is to view the child holistically, believing in the theory that motor disabled children learn in the same way as their peers. We teach our children how to control their physical movements, educating and motivating them through play to become active participants throughout their daily lives. The

‘education’ in Conductive Education stretches out to include every aspect of a child’s life, such as communication skills, motor skills, self-help skills and every aspect of a child’s development, which in turn helps our children to become as independent as possible.

Who might benefit?

Step and Learn’s educational programme can meet the needs of children with: • Cerebral Palsy or other motor disorders • Global Developmental Delay • Genetic disorders resulting in motor impairment • Motor impairment that results from head injury Our groups are age and ability based.

Step and Learn is open Tuesdays to Fridays for pre-school children 0-5 years. Children attend with their parent or carer for sessions that last for one hour, once or twice a week. The sessions are

4

Please mention

Magazine when responding to advertisements

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

led by a Conductor – a specially trained teacher in the principles of Conductive Education.

Throughout our sessions the parents / carers gain a greater understanding of developmental delay and how it affects their child and learn how they can also help their child to reach their goals.

On Saturdays we hold sessions for school aged children. The groups are age and ability based with sessions lasting between one to two and a half hours.

To attend our sessions at Step and Learn please contact our team on 01634 787951 to book an assessment which will enable the team to determine the appropriate programmes needed to help your child to reach their full potential.

Magazine

Domino

Plumbing & Heating

• Boiler servicing • Central heating • Bathroom installations • Gas safe • Boiler supply & installation

01634 799592 | 07747 824508

Strood Chiropody & Podiatry Fully comprehensive, family-friendly service including Biomechanics & Nail Surgery Paul Miller BSc(Hons) HCPC State Registered Practice

01634 294884 St Mary’s Medical Centre, Vicarage Road, Strood ME2 4DG

Charlie’s Logs port:Layout 1

14/8/12

12:52

Page 1

CHARLIE’S LOGS CHARLIE’S LOGS

FOR YOURDRY FIREWOOD NEEDS - SEASONED WELLALL HARDWOOD LOGS (Oak,within Ash, Silver & Sycamore) Free delivery 10Birch miles of St. Mary’s Hoo * FREE £50 DELIVERY (minimum spend applies)

1 LOAD 1(approx LOAD £85£80 incl. VAT 2 bulk builders bags) (approx 1.3m3 loose)

Support us Step and Learn supports children from all over Kent and Medway and we rely on donations and fundraising events to allow us to offer free sessions for our children.

Go to www.stepandlearn.org to find out about our regular Quiz nights, Rock ‘n’ Roll tribute nights and many more. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Fundraising Team on 01634 787951 or send an email to us to info@ stepandlearn.org. Please help us to continue to transform these children’s lives.

Please mention

12kg Net sack £3.50 per sack LOAD £50 incl.VAT (approx 0.65m loose)per bag 3kg Kindling £2.50 5kgNet Sawdust sack sacks sack £4.50£2.00 eachper incl. VAT 3

Call Charliesacks on 07967 202incl.016 Kindling £3 each VAT *minimum spends applies, please ring for details

(2 for £5.50)

Smokeless coal 25kg £12.50 each incl.VAT House coal 25kg £9.50 each incl.VAT Tel: 07967 202016 www.charliebishoplogs.co.uk

Magazine when responding to advertisements

5

Strood

Magazine

www.communityad.co.uk

The City of Rochester Society The City of Rochester Society was formed in 1967 following the success of a campaign by local residents against a proposal to build a relief road round the southern side of Rochester’s city centre.

If built, the road would have had a devastating effect on the area around King Edward Road, St Margaret’s Street and the Esplanade. As a result of this campaign, the scheme which emerged instead was the widening of Corporation Street to a dual carriageway and, ultimately, the removal of most through traffic from the High Street.

From a highly focused pressure group, the organisation has developed into a large and highly respected civic society. Now with over 500 members, the Society engages in a wide range of activities with the underlying aims of protecting and promoting Rochester. The Society’s ‘patch’ is the area administered by Rochester City Council before it was subsumed into the Medway District in 1974 - in other words, Rochester itself and the urban area of Strood.

The Society’s activities include:

e.g. for the conservation of historic buildings or projects which enhance their value to the community; most recently financial support has been given to the repair and restoration of the ship weathervane on the Guildhall.

• Running a craft fair in the Castle Gardens during the twice-yearly Dickens Festivals.

• Monthly meetings for members, with guest speakers, and visits to places of interest.

• Publishing a quarterly journal for members: The Newsletter The Society has in recent months also been heavily involved in supporting a campaign by local residents to establish a town council for Rochester. A long-term aim is to recover Rochester’s lost city status.

The Society is a member of the Kent Federation of Amenity Societies and of Civic Voice, the national umbrella organisation for civic societies; locally it is also a member of the Medway Tourism Association.

• Examining and commenting on planning applications.

• Conducting walking tours of the historic city centre for the general public and for prebooked groups.

• Publishing books and leaflets about aspects of Rochester and the surrounding area.

• Giving financial support to projects which further the aims and objectives of the Society,

TO ADVERTISE please call Calvin on 01843 293062 6

Please mention

Membership is open to everyone who is interested in Rochester, and costs £10.00 per adult member, £5.00 for those under 16 years of age, £100.00 for life membership and £30.00 for corporate membership. The Society’s website is at www.city-of-rochester.org.uk

Freeman V & Co All aspects of building work undertaken including conservatories and conversions Please call Vern now for a free, no-obligation estimation on: 01634 818 035 or 07931970546 Magazine when responding to advertisements

hone

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

GLOBE PLUMBING & HEATING

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS COMPETITIVE QUOTES

01634 730392 sales@globeplumbing.co.uk www.globeplumbing.co.uk

CURTAINS

BY SONIA K

Cut out the designer come straight to the maker Curtains, soft furnishings and all types of blinds Own fabric made up or samples available Alteration work undertaken Established since 1985

Magazine

Seahorse School of Swimming

Est 15 years

Highly regarded independent swim school with qualified ASA/RLSS teacher/coaches with DBS and lifesaving

please ring for a free quotation 01634 352318 / 07715 629 791 sonia68@hotmail.co.uk / www.soniakcurtains.co.uk

Bespoke

Hilltop School, Frindsbury, Rochester Kings School, Rochester Arethusa, Lower Upnor, Rochester Oaklands School, Walderslade EASTER & SUMMER INTENSIVES

Dental Care

Private, General & Cosmetic Dentistry • New dental practice • Friendly, relaxed atmosphere • All aspects of modern dentistry, including • In-line invisible braces • Tooth whitening • New dentures • Emergency 1 hour denture repairs • Easy parking call us now to make an appointment

Children from 12 months Non-swimmers • Beginners Improvers • Club level Advanced • Adults Max 8 pupils per class Assistants in the water with non-swimmers Private 1-1 and 1-2 lessons Contact Lynda on 07931 581125

01474 355493

seahorseschoolofswimming@hotmail.com

www.bespoke-dentalcare.co.uk

www.seahorseschoolofswimming.co.uk

93 Lower Higham Road, Gravesend DA12 2NQ

Please mention

Magazine when responding to advertisements

7

Strood

Magazine

www.communityad.co.uk

“Go outside. Remain” Nick Offerman

One: Get your tools in order

Everyone needs the tools of their trade. My big five for the garden are fork, spade, hoe, rake, and trowel.

A good pair of gloves are a must and a decent pair of secateurs will be at home in your pocket.

A wheelbarrow completes the rock star look.

A wise man once said go outdoors and remain there. There might still be a chill in the air but days are getting longer and the galanthus are in bloom – it’s the perfect time to prep the garden. Here are some beginner tips to get you started at this time of year.

Two: Compost

One of the first things you want to establish is a compost heap. This can begin as simply a sunny corner in the garden where you put your vegetable scraps but you’ll soon want a container of sorts. There are numerous ones available on the market but it’s an easy job (and fun) to construct one from scrap timber or pallets, old tyres, bricks or wire mesh. A quick search online will yield countless tutorials; ignore them all and make up your own design. Avoid placing the heap on concrete, patio slabs or tarmac. You want a site on bare soil so worms and other creatures can colonise, they help mix the compost. When adding ingredients include a healthy mix of green (vegetable peelings, fruit waste, tea bags, plant prunings, grass cuttings etc.) and brown (cardboard egg boxes, scrunched up paper, small twigs etc.) waste. Do not add meat or cooked food waste, this attracts rats, and avoid citrus.

Some egg shells provide good minerals though!

Three: Prepare the ground

In other words: weeding. Dig out tired old shrubs and weeds, especially perennials (thistle, nettle, bindweed etc.) Try to remove all parts of the roots, but don’t be over hasty. My grandfather would tell me a garden would only ever be finished if there was nothing left to take out. Use a fork to turn the soil over, hoe and then rake. Then bask in satisfaction.

At this time of year if you’re not going to plant anything for another week or two then it helps to lay some old carpet over your freshly turned soil. This prevents new weeds from getting any sunlight and helps warm the ground.

Man & Van Fully Insured Competitive Rates Kent & Home Counties Enhanced CRB Checked Light Collections & Delivery davidjpenfold@talktalk.net

call

01634 365427

www.vanworker.co.uk 8

Please mention

Magazine when responding to advertisements

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

Four: Sow

A simple way to start planting is sow some herb seeds in small pots with fresh compost and sit them inside by a window with plenty of light. Water regularly but don’t drown them. Basil, parsley and thyme are all pretty easy to look after and don’t take long to grow. If you also grow tomatoes this year some basil will taste great with them.

Five: Sit

Another tip from my grandfather: when the work is complete don’t forget to sit in the garden; it’s important to enjoy the space you’ve created. If the nights are a little chilly, grab some blankets, get a fire pit on the go, cuddle up and crack open a bottle of the parsley wine you’ve had brewing in the shed since last year. You didn’t think we were sowing herbs for a salad now did you!

Magazine

Garden & Glaze All your garden and glazing needs

· Gardening · Window & frames cleaned · Inside when required · Conservatory · Skylights · All aspects of gardening For a free estimate call Aaron 07854 324966 aaronmummery36@gmail.com

By Stewart McClelland

TREE SERVICES

CLEANER PONDS Keeping your pond crystal clear

cleaning · clearance · service · maintenance

• All tree work undertaken • Fully qualified & insured • Free quotes Call Zac on 07745 709581

www.lumberzac.com

Pond Builds & shut Downs · system Upgrades · Filters & Pumps Pond & aquatic equipment · Water Features Koi carp · Fountains · Pond Fish & Plants

lumberzac

Free estimates, aDvice anD consUltation

07715 661491 • 01795 668734 www.cleanerponds.co.uk Please mention

Qualified

Magazine when responding to advertisements

9

Strood

www.communityad.co.uk

Magazine

MedwayTri MedwayTri is a Triathlon club welcoming members of all ages and abilities, whether you are a complete beginner or pushing for a podium, our coaching, encouragement and support will help you enjoy the sport of Triathlone and reach your goals.

MedwayTri is more than just a club. We will support, advise and supply you with all the skills and equipment needed to enhance your enjoyment of triathlon and develop your performance in the sport.

If you are an athlete that cannot regularly attend our club sessions, you can still join our club and get all the session plans, training advice and coaching you need to become a successful Triathlete.

We have created a challenging, competitive, fun and friendly environment where senior triathletes can thrive with shared experiences and knowledge of our sport and where we can also develop talent at the grass roots level. We have a vision to both have fun whilst producing elite athletes and becoming recognised as the number one triathlon club in England. ‘An Elite club, but not Elitist!’

We run a regular schedule of junior and age group coached sessions from locations around the Medway area and welcome all to come and join us. For those members that have difficultly attending regular set sessions, we will provide the coaching support required to achieve your goals in your own time and still race as part of MedwayTri.

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 10

Please mention

As well as organising our own programme of events, MedwayTri are keen to establish a strong club presence at multi-sport and single discipline races from small local events to age-group representation at international level.

Our junior section is where we are hoping that our talented and fast improving youngsters will excel locally and nationally. One area we are particularly hopeful in is the South East Junior IRC Series events, in which our juniors can gain points to compete at national level against the best junior triathletes in the country.

MedwayTri also host a number of their own events throughout the year, where we welcome other clubs from around the surrounding area and nationally to come and race with us in a friendly and competitive atmosphere. Our races are suitable for experienced athletes to complete novices and you can always be assured a great day out.

On the 9th July 2016 MedwayTri will be returning to Kent’s premier cycling facility, Gravesend Cyclopark, for the third edition of our duathlon (run-bike-run). There are races for all junior age

£35 per treatment session

Rochester

Physiotherapy

01634 290370

& Sports Injury Clinic

rochesterphysio@aol.com

Back and neck pain · All sports injuries Acupuncture · Sprains and strains Soft tissue and joint injuries · Home visits Private health insurance accepted Evening and weekend appointments available

www.rochesterphysiotherapy.co.uk St Mary’s Medical Centre, Vicarage Road, Strood ME2 4DG Magazine when responding to advertisements

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

Magazine

Medway Memorials We supply and install all types of memorials to Kent and the surrounding area We have a large selection of memorials suitable for cemeteries and churchyards in a variety of stones, marbles and polished granites.

groups from 8 to 19, as well as seniors (20+).

We’re delighted to announce for 2016 that the race has been selected as part of the Junior Race Series for both the London and South East Triathlon England regions. The event is designed to be a fun introduction to newcomers, as well as catering for more experienced athletes.

We have exclusive use of the main race circuit offering safe, traffic-free run and bike courses.

There is also plenty of room for spectators to shout their encouragement. All competitors will receive a finisher’s medal, and the top three male and female finishers in each race will receive an award/trophy.

Please check out our website for more information www.medwaytri.com

YEW TREE LODGE An elegant residence in a rural setting SPECIALISTS IN DEMENTIA CARE Private residential accommodation for the elderly and EMI

Respite, temporary and permanent stays Accommodation comprises single, twin-sharing and en-suite rooms to accommodate 34 residents

www.yewtreelodge.com 01634 253184 /253234 Stoke Road · Hoo St Werburgh · Rochester · Kent ME3 9BJ

Please mention

Unit 16 Castleview Business Centre Gashouse Road Rochester ME1 1PB 01634 402741 info@medwaymemorials.co.uk

Est. 1986

www.medwaymemorials.co.uk

BOURNE TRAVEL

We are a professional passenger car service based in Kent

24 Hour Service - 365 Days a Year

Reliable Comfortable Travel - Meet & Greet Service 4,6,7,8 Seated Vehicles - Child seats on request

Competitive Pricing

Eurostar Seaports Events Airports Cruise Terminals Theatres

www.bournetravel.co.uk

Airport Transfer Service 00634 260660 00795 437000 Paul HugHes

Double Glazing Repairs •misted or cracked units replaced •Broken hinges •catflaps fitted •locks repaired •Damaged handles •Doors re-adjusted •Windows fitted

07815 948637 01634 256631 no call out charge free estimates

Magazine when responding to advertisements

11

Strood

Magazine

www.communityad.co.uk

Remembering a loved one at Ranscombe

Tribute plaques in memory of your loved one By supporting Ranscombe Farm Reserve in memory of a loved one, you’re helping to conserve and save more wild flowers for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

Your place in the poppies Join us at this special place to enjoy your cherished memories and moments spent with your loved one. Our memory board provides a place for supporters to come along and remember their loved ones. The Poppies are particularly beautiful in early summer, when they show themselves off at their best.

Help us ensure Ranscombe’s exceptional wild poppies can exist for future generations, by dedicating a Poppy today. A perfect and

beautiful way to celebrate someone’s life.

Small Poppy field plaque minimum donation of £150+VAT. This includes up to 15 words engraved on a beautiful small 10cm x 10cm brass plaque.

Large Poppy field plaque minimum donation of £300 +VAT. This includes up to 25 words engraved on a large 20cm x 10cm beautiful brass plaque.

(Please note your plaque will be mounted onto our poppy lectern for a minimum of 3 years

BREWSTER FINANCIAL PLANNING LTD

With 23 years experience, I provide a wide range of services to individuals, families and businesses. I have the expertise to help you in all financial areas including: - SAVINGS & INVESTMENT PLANNING - RETIREMENT PLANNING & PENSIONS - INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING regulated by the FSA - LIFE COVER My emphasis is on maintaining a long-term relationship with my clients and to provide them with trusted financial advice.

01634 323761 | 07944 946804 richard.brewster@sjpp.co.uk

www.richardbrewster.co.uk 12

Please mention

01634 616015 www.kemsleyconstruction.uk We undertake every aspect of domestic building needs; especially in the areas of house extensions, loft conversions and driveways.

Magazine when responding to advertisements

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

Magazine

after which they may be moved within the site if the lectern is full)

Will writing for Ranscombe Farm Kent based solicitors Thomson Snell and Passmore have announced that they will be offering a free will writing promotion offering to write basic wills – free of charge – during the months of March and April in support Plantlife International.

In return for this complimentary service for clients who mention ‘Plantlife’ at the time of enquiry or instruction, you will be asked to make a donation to help with our incredible conservation work at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve in Kent (managed and run by Plantlife staff and volunteers). The local Solicitors will also help our UK wide supporters who would like to take advantage of this promotion and offer the opportunity to organize your will via email or letter.

Around 60% of adults do not have a Will, but making a Will is very easy and lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death, providing certainty for your family’s future.

You do not need to leave a legacy to Plantlife to use this Will making offer. Leaving a legacy to Plantlife after you have remembered your family and friends is, however, one of the most significant ways you can help secure a future for the UK’s wild plants. Thomson Snell and Passmore will also be able to advise you on how remembering your favourite causes could help reduce the taxable value of your estate.

Clients eligible for this offer will be asked for a ‘suggested’ donation of £120 per single will and £150 per double will - with donations being made directly to Plantlife International.

PROFESSIONAL iT & TELECOMS SERVICES TEChniCaL SUppOrT & MainTEnanCE harDwarE/SOfTwarE SaLES & iMpLEMEnTaTiOn TELECOMS • VOIP (Hosted) internet based telephone system • In-house phone systems • Mobile • Internet

CLOUD • Hosted infrastructure • Hosted Exchange (Mail) • Microsoft 365 • Complete secure cloud solution within state of the art Data Centres across the UK

DEvELOpMEnT • WEB • APPS • Bespoke

prinT SErviCES • Managed services • Monthly pay per print agreements

Exceptional customer service coupled with transparent effective technical support

2

07824 775196 info@g2-solutions.co.uk t gentoosolutions www.gentoo-solutions.com

2

G Solutions

To take advantage of this free will-writing offer, please call 01892 510 000 or email info@ts-p.co.uk or visit them at Thomson Snell and Passmore and mention ‘Plantlife’.

Please mention

Magazine when responding to advertisements

13

Strood

www.communityad.co.uk

Magazine

Waterford House Evangelical Free Church Services are every Sunday, with the Morning Service at 11am and the Evening Service at 6.30pm.

We run a Sunday School for children aged 3 to 14 years old at 9.30-10.30am.

Every Easter for four days, we run a Holiday Bible Club for children aged 6-11 years old.

Bible Study and Prayer Meeting every Tuesday at 7.45pm (see www.whefc.co.uk or call 01634 221477 for more details).

Children’s Club takes place every Wednesday during school term time, between 6pm and 7.30pm for children aged 6-11 years.

During the evening the children play games in the main hall, partake in an activity including, crafts and cooking. The evening ends with a story from the Bible.

YPF (Young Peoples Fellowship) is for secondary school aged young people, and they currently meet on Friday evenings usually at the church where the young people can socialise, and enjoy a safe youth club environment. The evening ends with a time of prayer. The YPF also do other activities, such as walks, kangaroo suppers, day-trips, swimming and much more.

Please contact us for further information.

All other details can be found on our church notice board, and also on our website www.whefc.co.uk You can also contact Pastor Norman Hopkins on 01634 221477 Waterford House Evangelical Free Church 101 Rede Court Road, Strood, Kent ME2 3TE

DIGITAL HEARING AIDS

For a Free hearing assessment call

01634 848441

14

from only

£399

Local family business Personal service in the comfort of your home Free demonstrations After-sales service

TO ADVERTISE please call Calvin on 01843 293062

www.21stcenturyhearing.com Please mention

Magazine when responding to advertisements

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

Magazine

Carers First There are seven million unpaid carers in the UK and over the next 30 years this number is expected to increase by 3.4 million (almost 60%) with three in five of us becoming a carer at some point in our lives.

Carers FIRST is a charity supporting adult and young Carers across the districts of South and North West Kent and Medway. A Carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a loved one.

Carers can be of any age and may be looking after a relative including husband or wife, friend or neighbour.

The very nature of caring - of being there for a loved one facing ill health or disability - means too often people don’t at first, or sometimes ever, identify themselves as carers and, therefore, miss out on support.

Without the right help and support caring can have a devastating impact – carers can quickly become socially isolated with their physical and emotional health, work and finances all hit hard.

Our trained staff work in the community supporting Carers, ensuring we respond to their needs locally. We provide emotional and practical support, advice, information and guidance.

We offer opportunities for Carers to access training, social groups, short break respite, activities, trips and more.

For more information or to register with Carers FIRST ring 0300 303 1555

in Gillingham

01634 388896 Invicta Business Centre Bredgar Road, Gillingham Kent ME8 6PG email: gillingham@storageking.co.uk

Please mention

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm Sat: 9am-3pm www.storageking.co.uk

BRANCHES Mitcham 0208 646 8930 Gillingham 01634 388896 Sittingbourne 01795 420247

Magazine when responding to advertisements

15

Strood

www.communityad.co.uk

Magazine

Rebel Runners Rebel Runners ~ Medway first came into being in January 2014 when 3 friends – Jenny Baldock, Johanna Bridge and Darren Bridge – set up a Facebook page and encouraged more of their running buddies to join up and arrange group runs whenever they felt like it.

From this small beginning, numbers soon snowballed and within four months, Rebel Runners ~ Medway were registered as an official ‘Run England’ group and had their first qualified Leader in Running Fitness (LIRF). These steps meant that we were fully insured to operate as an official running group.

With numbers steadily growing throughout 2014, the next logical step was to apply to become a UK Athletics affiliated running club which was eventually approved on October 13th that year.

However, being affiliated has not meant that the original premise behind the club has been lost as we are very much still about welcoming runners of all abilities, ages, shapes and sizes, and our current membership, totalling over 300 runners including 12 LIRFs, is a testament to that.

For beginners, we offer two Couch to 5K courses every year – each being a structured course which takes novice runners from not running at all through to completing a 5K parkrun within 8 weeks. Our most recent course, saw over 50 new runners sign up to participate.

For improvers and intermediates, we have two regular team runs each week: Monday 19:00 from Medway Park and Wednesday 19:30 from various locations across the Medway Towns – the venue changes on a monthly basis. Once a month we also offer a track session at Medway Park with a qualified run coach.

The local independent retailer that gives you more

Visit our showroom and book your free design consultation today Unit 23 Castle View Business Centre Gas House Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1PB 01634 827242 | info@kitchencentrekent.co.uk www.kitchen-centre.co.uk

16

Please mention

Proud members of

Where reputation matters

Magazine when responding to advertisements

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

Alongside the official team runs, ad-hoc runs are arranged more or less on a daily basis through the club’s active social media forums, so whether you are taking your first tentative running steps or whether you are training for a marathon, there will likely be a run which meets your needs at some point during the week.

Each Saturday, we encourage members to attend their local parkrun, with Great Lines parkrun being our unofficial “home”. Most weekends will also see our members attending events across the county and beyond. Our upcoming major events, where Rebel Runners will be out in force, include both the London and Brighton marathons (April), the Whitstable 10K (May) and the Medway 10K (June) where last year over 80 runners represented the club and the ladies won the team prize claiming the 1st, 2nd and 4th place female finishers.

As well as attending local, and indeed national, events, last year was the year when Rebel Runners ~ Medway truly went global, with runners taking part in races in Paris, Amsterdam, Reykjavik, Las Vegas and even Tromso (Norway) for the Arctic Marathon, to name but a few.

For more information regarding the club, and our local runs please visit our website at www.rebelrunnersmedway.co.uk

Magazine

Learn

to

Swim

SMALL CLASS SIZES

Small group and private lessons for all ages and abilities starting from 4 months.

Our classes are conducted at a range of modern Private well-equipped pools

gravesend@angelasswimschool.co.uk

07432 530104 Medway Towns Gravesend Cobham Hall Istead Rise Longfield Dartford

angelasswimschool.co.uk

Suppliers of Solid Fuel Stoves, Fires & Accessories

Free installation, liner and stove survey Solid fuel liners and stoves supplied Fully installed and tested, HETAS registered No chimney - no problem CCTV chimney surveys Pre-packed fuel at cash & carry prices Fireside accessories 43 Skinner Street Gillingham ME7 1LG (next to Kwik Fit)

Creases Ironed Away

01634 855098 07956 835822

s Washing & ironing services s Sports kits, uniforms, duvets s Curtains, bed linen & clothing s Domestic & commercial

Prompt & professional service 3c Holborough Road Snodland Kent ME6 5NH

07926 084228 Please mention

www.medwaystovesandfires.com

Magazine when responding to advertisements

17

CHEQUERED FLAG sales • service • repairs • mots • & more

mot tests

£25 only with this advert

01634 711866 M2

A228

Cuxton Road Diggerland

A228

Unit 9 Ballard Business park cuxton road strood me2 2NY mon-Fri 8.30-5.30 sat 8.30-4.30

loNg-ruNNiNg, FamilY-owNed BusiNess

www.communityad.co.uk

Strood

Magazine

50+ Dance for Life 50+ Dance for Life is an enjoyable exercise class, which involves both cardiovascular and chair exercise. It gives you the chance to improve flexibility and strength, rhythm and co-ordination and most of all, meet and socialise with people in your community.

There are two classes, which are held at the old Strood Library.

Mondays - 3.30-4.30pm

01634 724734 www.tileandstone-medway.co.uk

Ceramic & Porcelain Wall & Floor Tiles | Classical Flagstones Granite, Marble, Natural & Mosaic Stone Granfix, Nicobond & Ultra Adhesives Best choice in Kent Free samples

Unit 14 Riverside 1, Sir Thomas Longley Road, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4DP

Take Care Home Help

Thursdays - 10.30-11.30am

Supporting your independence

Each class is £5, based on a pay as you go basis.

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

The address is: Strood Library, 32 Bryant Road, Strood, ME2 3EP (please note, we use the old library)

Gardening and handyman jobs undertaken

01634 316821 CRB checked Fully insured Reliable and friendly

Can you spare a few hours a week to make a difference in your community?

Medway Libraries is looking for volunteers to be computer buddies.

Computer buddies help people who are new to computers to follow an online course covering from what a keyboard or a mouse is, to accessing government services online, online safety, shopping online and socialising online.

Why Become a Computer Buddy?

• Meet new people

nominated for the

Pride in Medway Award

Sean WeSt & SonS

Roofing & Building ContRaCtoRS Please call for a free quote • Loft conversions • New build 01634 233496 • Leadwork 07967 043484 • Slating • Flat roofing • Chimneys re-built & re-pointed • Fascias, soffits & cladding • Specialising in peg tiles

JSR

SECURITY

CCTV SYSTEMS INSTALLED BURGLAR ALARMS BUSINESS & RESIDENTIAL

• Help local people who will benefit from your knowledge

SECURE YOUR HOME

• Builds your confidence

BE SAFE - BE SECURE

• Flexible hours • Looks great on your CV Please mention

01474 355956 | info@jsrcctv.co.uk | www.jsrcctv.co.uk Magazine when responding to advertisements

19

Strood

www.communityad.co.uk

Magazine

v · e · w h i te & c o

Solicitors

A friendly and professional firm, with offices situated in Strood and Rainham, Kent, offering an efficient legal service in your local area and specialising in: w Residential and commercial conveyancing w Landlord and tenant matters w Re-mortgages and transfer of equities w Equity release w Wills and probate w Lasting powers of attorney w Matrimonial and children issues

w Pre-marital agreements w Declaration of trusts w Divorce and separation w Employment law w Property disputes w Change of name deeds w Deputyship applications

Strood office 01634 739195 w Rainham office 01634 376555 enquiries@vewhitesolicitors.co.uk

w w w. v e w h i t e s o l i c i to rs . c o . u k

ENROLLING

NOW

Don’t leave it too late to raise levels and pass the 11+ exam or to properly prepare for GCSEs or A levels.

Given time we can help you pass and achieve target grades for sixth form or your first choice University.

20

Please mention

Magazine when responding to advertisements

Mobile Friendly 0333 577 5004

Strood

www.communityad.co.uk

Magazine

Put the freeze on winter fires Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is reminding people to heat their homes safely following a fire in a caravan in Canal Road, Strood on 3rd February.

Two fire engines were sent to the property at 2.45am arriving within minutes of receiving the 999 call from the resident, who had woken to the smell of smoke. He discovered radiated heat from a metal keg that he was using to burn coal and wood for heating had set light to a surrounding cupboard.

Crews used a hose reel to put the fire out and a thermal imaging camera to check for fire spread.

Strood Crew Manager, Ian Collins, said: “This man had a really lucky escape in waking when he did.

People often don’t realise how quickly a fire can spread and that the heat and smoke can be more dangerous than flames. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disorientated and drowsy and may make you fall into a deeper sleep.

“Working smoke alarms can make the difference between life and death but thankfully, in this case, the resident wasn’t hurt and we were able to save most of the caravan.”

Between January and December 2015 KFRS attended 189 chimney fires and 36 fires in people’s homes caused by heating equipment (such as heaters/fires, patio equipment, central heating /

TO ADVERTISE please call Calvin on 01843 293062 22

Please mention

hot water equipment, other heating equipment, separate water heating, non-cooking food warming equipment, and power source).

Ian ended: “Open fires and portable heaters bring extra warmth during the colder months but can also bring extra risk as seen by this incident. The best way to fight fire is to reduce the risk of it happening in the first place. Following simple precautions will keep you warm and safe.”

• Make sure heaters work properly • Portable heaters should be dust-free and kept well away from anything that could catch fire • Heaters with a safety cut-off features are a good idea • When operating heaters, ensure there is enough ventilation for any gases, such as carbon monoxide to escape from • Don’t dry clothes on or right next to a heater For more information about Kent Fire and Rescue Service, please visit their website at www.kent.fire-uk.org

K&S

Electrical & Security Steve Kirby Qualified Electrician

ALL WORK

GUARANTEED

01634 721476 07885 616060 Magazine when responding to advertisements

Strood Academy is a “good school” Ofsted June 2013

“This is a thriving and rapidly improving academy. The Principal and her senior team are ambitious with a strong moral purpose. They are rightly proud of the improvements they have made to the academy and they are passionate about ensuring that all students are cared for and achieve well from good teaching. Students feel secure because their teachers have established orderly routines and made their high expectations clear.”

64% top grades at Level 3 in 2015

a 21st century facility with traditional values

01634 717121 • info@stroodacademy.org • www.stroodacademy.org