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Strood Magazine Issue 5

31/12/16.

31/12/16. Code STR5.

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A&E Locks & Property Maintenance Lock Fitting · Repairs · Upgrades

to the fifth edition of the Strood Community Ad Magazine, your guide to what’s happening in the local area.

A big thank you to Steve White for the wonderful front cover image, which we spotted on the Medway Through Time Facebook page.

In this edition of the magazine you will find articles from Kent County Show, Rebel Runners, Medway Tennis, City of Rochester Society, Medway Events and all your useful business numbers and local clubs and classes.

If you are part of a local group, club, class or charity please get in contact and we will do our best to feature you in the next edition of the Strood Community Ad Magazine. You can contact us by email jon@communitypublishing.org or call us on 01843 200016.

You can also write in to us 7 Cecil Square, Margate, Kent. CT9 1BD. 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 address above and your photo could feature as the front cover of the next Strood Community Ad 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 Strood Community Magazine To advertise please call Scott on 01843 296303 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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Heart-stopping displays, sports, pig racing and some

Kent County The 2016 Kent County Show on 8, 9, 10 July will contain the regular mix of animals, farming, food, entertainment and wonderful trade stands but organisers are delighted to announce a few new additions.

Taking centre stage on all three days in the main Astor Ring, will be the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motocross (FMX) Display Team. Sponsored

by Lings Honda, the team will ride the latest Honda motorcycles and take part in a heartstopping display of aerial stunts and stunt riding. They will be wowing audiences with a series of death-defying tricks, jumps, rotations and stunts on their custom 17m long ramp, the largest in the world.

The Bolddog FMX team shot to fame in 2014 when they were finalists on ‘Britain’s got Talent’.

The team had an amazing audition but just missed out on the grand final. On the show, head judge Simon Cowell said: “In terms of watching something and loving it, it was one of the most incredible things we have had on the show,” Simon also noted that the group’s willingness to risk everything with dangerous stunts was admirable.

final takes place in Paris on Sunday 10th July.

These hugely popular competitions need not be missed, the new ‘pop-up sports festival’ means visitors can enjoy these sporting moments whilst spending the day at the Kent County Show.

Kevin Attwood, Chairman said, “We think the number of major sports competitions and events during the Kent County Show weekend is unprecedented and we are delighted to have an area set aside for sports fans to make sure they can access the excitement first-hand with a massive, hydraulic outdoor screen, 7.2m wide and 4.8m tall”. The Pop-Up Sports Festival will broadcast a selection of the events, subject to time and of event and public access* Another new feature for the 2016 Show will be Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs, a number of rare breed pigs including; Tamworth’s, Gloucester Old Spots and Saddlebacks, will fill the agricultural ring with their amusing antics. The handlers in country style outfits encourage them down the track by shaking a bucket of food and the pigs launch themselves over the hurdles in their rush to be the first to the bucket!

Lucy Hegarty, Show Manager, said “We are really looking forward to the exhilarating display.

The team will be performing twice a day on all three days and will be having an area on the Showground where visitors can drop by and meet the daredevils in person”.

The event is run by farmers Joseph and Rebecca Fossett, who look after the pigs. When they are not racing, the six pigs live in a half-acre copse at the Fossetts’ farm in Warwickshire, where they spend their time rooting in the earth and sleeping in their pig arc. Rebecca said, “The pigs enjoy it, they get their reward at the end with a tasty treat and also get lots of attention from people which they like”.

During the Kent County Show there will be a number of major sporting events taking place across the UK and Europe. Wimbledon sees the Ladies Final taking place on Saturday 9th and the Men’s Final on Sunday 10th. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone takes place over the three Show days and football’s big Euro 2016

The Kent County Show is also delighted to welcome some big names this year.

Supermarket giant, Lidl will be promoting their grassroots football initiative with the English Football Association. The program aims to provide over a million children throughout England with professional coaching

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big names at the 2016

Show opportunities. Lidl will be bringing an interactive, fun, family football experience to the Show. FA coaches will be on hand to offer advice and information about the initiative, with all children welcome to take part.

American fast food chain, McDonalds will be at the Show with an interactive virtual reality, farm to food counter experience. French brewer, Leffe Beer will also be offering adults over 18, samples of Leffe Blond beer, paired with tastings of British cheese and charcuterie.

Tesco Stores will be explaining what they do to support the communities around their stores and raising awareness for their charity partners Diabetes UK and The British Heart Foundation.

Back for a second year is the ‘Free From’ Tour, an area where visitors are able to sample and buy a number of big brand, gluten-free, dairyfree and healthy food products. Visitors can find out how to improve their diet and address any potential allergy issues.

The online ticket system is now open to purchase discounted tickets for the 2016 Show.

A family ticket will cost £43.20 in advance or £48 when bought at the gate. The family ticket entitles 2 adults and 2 children aged between 5 and 15 a full day entrance. Children under 5 go free and parking is free. Adult tickets are £19.80 in advance and £22 on the gate, a child ticket is £5.40 in advance and £6 on the gate.

Multiday tickets cost £50 and are only available in advance.

The Kent County Show starts at 8am and stays open until 6pm although there is no rush to leave as some of the food stands stay open later. The Show has over 140 different activities, workshops, displays and competitions which run throughout the day and are often repeated daily. *(licenses and paid-for subscriptions to be determined)

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CLEANER PONDS Keeping your pond crystal clear

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

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Rebel Runners M Rebel Runners~Medway, as our name suggests, is a running club based in the Medway Towns. Since our conception in early 2014, the club has truly gone from strength to strength. Our early life started with a few like-minded people who loved to run getting together, but since then we have rapidly become one of the largest and best known clubs in the area, renowned for our friendly and supportive nature, irrespective of running ability.

Where we run You can see where we are running this week by looking at our calendar on our website www.rebelrunnersmedway.co.uk/calendar Come along to one of our future runs and see what we are about - you can always try a couple of runs before you decide to join.

Man & Van Fully Insured Competitive Rates Kent & Home Counties Enhanced CRB Checked Light Collections & Delivery Courteous Service

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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

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Medway Membership We are a non-profit making club; your fees pay for the funding of coaching and equipment that we require.

Membership to our club comes with the following benefits: • Affiliation with UK Athletics. This grants you cheaperentry to UKA recognised races as well as a host of other member benefits.

• Two team runs per week led by qualified Leaders in Running Fitness (LIRF) - Mondays at 19:00 and Wednesdays at 19:30 • Access to our social media pages to help support your running activities, dietary needs and advice on any injuries.

Please include the telephone • Inclusion in our monthly spotted number – Email:game where you can win a prize for being spotted the most in one of our shirts

• Entry in to the club ballot for a London Marathon place.

GLOBE PLUMBING

Annual adult membership is normally £24 (including UKA affiliation) but we do offer concessionary rates at £13 if you meet the criteria.

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS COMPETITIVE QUOTES

Couch to 5K We will soon be starting our free summer 8 week Couch to 5K course, for those new or returning to running. Our structured, LIRF led, course will aim to have you running a 5K parkrun within 8 weeks. We will be meeting in Great Lines Park every Saturday from 4th June at 10:00, as well as hosting a midweek homework session every Wednesday at 18:30 at various locations across Medway.

Many graduates from our winter course have just competed in their first 10K race !

If you have any questions you can contact by email atrebelrunners@outlook.com

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Rhododendron rule no. 1 - or is it…?

One day you notice a beautiful rhododendron in a garden up the road.

You decide to treat yourself to one, too.

You get a lovely rhododendron at your local garden centre, plant it, water it well – and within weeks the leaves at the top turn yellow, with just the veins staying green. What’s gone wrong?

Well, is there chalk in or beneath your garden soil? If so, this is the most likely culprit. Rhododendrons, together with azaleas, camellias, pieris and other so called ericaceous plants, simply cannot cope with lime (which comes from chalk) in the soil. Lime makes soil alkaline and in those conditions many plants cannot absorb iron that is naturally present in the soil. And they need iron like we need our vitamins.

There is just one thing for it: dig up your rhodo, shake off the garden soil and plant it in a pot 8

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using a special lime-free (‘ericaceous’) compost.

North Kent is a hard-water area, meaning our tap water contains lime (which scales up your kettle), so it is rainwater only for your rhododendron. Don’t let the compost dry out, feed the plant with a special ‘ericaceous’ feed, and there is no reason why it should not thrive.

Too much hassle? Fine. There is a huge range of lime-tolerant plants that will love your chalky soil: lilac, clematis, thrift, to name just a few.

But what about that garden up the road? A large chunk of Medway sits on top of the North Downs which are basically made of chalk, with a layer of clay with flint on top. This layer can be thick or thin. If you are in a valley, e.g. in Hempstead, the chalk may be just inches beneath your feet. On the ridges and plateaus between the valleys, e.g. Wigmore, you may be OK, with the chalk much further down.

If not sure, check the pH (acidity/alkalinity indicator) of your soil with a simple test from a Magazine when responding to advertisements

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garden centre. A reading of 6.0 or above, sadly, means that rhododendrons are not for you – unless you like a challenge. Well, actually, that’s not quite true anymore.

If you can afford to pay the premium price, lime-tolerant rhododendrons do now exist. They have recently been introduced from Germany under the name INKARHO Rhododendrons. The secret ingredient is a limetolerant rootstock, onto which many popular varieties have been grafted. The resulting plants are robust and hardy, and happy to grow in a variety of soils, including those with a certain amount of lime and pH of up to 7.5, i.e. neutral or slightly alkaline. They are not recommended for shallow chalk, though, so for many of us in the valleys, our ‘rhododendron envy’ may have to last for a bit longer.

By Eva Girling of GARDENITY www.gardenity.co.uk

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TUITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY

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Summer events

in Medway

Tues 19 July | 7.30pm | Upnor Castle Outdoor Theatre – All’s Well that Ends Well (Changeling Theatre) Shakespeare’s tale of two lovers, Helen and Bertram, brought up together like brother and sister as the son and ward of a countess. The tumultuous plot unfolds as Helen pursues her unrequited love of Bert. Does Helen get her man? Come and find out!

Bring a blanket and a snuggly jumper and enjoy a picnic as the sun goes down and the stars come out.

Tickets: Adult £20, 10-18 yrs £10 Box Office: 01634 338338 | www.medwayticketslive.co.uk Wed 20 July | 7.30pm | Upnor Castle Outdoor Theatre – She Stoops to Conquer (Changeling Theatre) Londoner Marlow is invited to newly-rich country squire Hardcastle’s house to meet his daughter Kate, with a view to marriage. When Marlow meets Kate he can barely look at her – he prefers a bit of fun with a lower class girl.

Fooled into thinking Hardcastle’s home is an inn and he is the innkeeper, Kate decides to dress down and act as scullery maid. Marlow falls for it and wants to run away with her. A hilarious comedy of manners full of trickery, mistaken identity and plenty of shenanigans.

Bring a blanket and a snuggly jumper and enjoy a picnic as the sun goes down and the stars come out.

Tickets: Adult £20, 10-18 yrs £10 Box Office: 01634 338338 | www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

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25 July - 2 September Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri - not Sat, Sun or Wed 10.30am-3.30pm | Guildhall Museum Family Craft Activities - Prehistory Take part in our mix of free hands-on family craft activities, based around our Prehistory exhibition. Please note: different activities will be offered throughout the summer holidays.

NO CHIMNEY? NO PROBLEM! Traditional and contemporary designs Multifuel and woodburning stoves All types of chimney liners installed Prepacked coal and logs Chimney Sweep Service

Free drop in sessions and free access to the museum.

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25 July - 2 September Wednesdays 10.30am-3.30pm | Guildhall Museum Artist-Led Family Craft Workshops - Prehistory Take part in our mix of artist-led hands-on family craft workshops, based around our Prehistory exhibition. Please note: different activities will be offered throughout the summer holidays. Drop in sessions – no need to book. £3 per child, free access to the museum.

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DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS 25 July - 2 September Tuesdays & Thursdays 10.30am-3.30pm | Rochester Castle, Tower II Family Craft Activities The Norman Conquest Take part in our mix of hands-on family craft activities, based around the Norman Conquest. Please note: different activities will be offered throughout the summer holidays.

Drop in sessions – no need to book.

80p per child. Free entry to Tower II.

Turn over for more summer events…

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Summer events

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Thursday 4 August | 6.30pm | Upnor Castle Outdoor Theatre Once Upon a Time There Were Four Little Rabbits…(Quantum Theatre)

in Medway

25 July - 2 September Mondays - Fridays 10.30am-3.30pm | Upnor Castle Family Craft Activities - Nature Trail Take part in our mix of hands-on family craft activities, with a nature theme. Please note: different activities will be offered throughout the summer holidays. Drop in sessions – no need to book.

80p per child, plus admission to the castle.

Meet Beatrix Potter and her favourite characters as she tells us the tales of naughty Peter and Benjamin in Mr McGregor’s garden… Follow the scrapes and escapades of all your favourite characters from the Peter Rabbit tales in Quantum Theatre’s delightful new production; a magical and enchanting experience for young and old alike. Brought to Upnor this year to celebrate 150 years of Beatrix Potter!

Bring a blanket, warm clothing and enjoy a picnic. Doors open at 6pm.

Tickets: Adult £10, Child £8, Family £30 (2 adults and 2 children) Box office: 0845 450 5157 www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

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New outboards New canoes & kayaks Smartwave boats

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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Thursday 11 August | 7.30pm Rochester Castle Gardens

All TYPES OF ROOFING UNdERTAkEN Property Maintenance offer a comprehensive service of home repair or replacement with a guarantee of quality at prices to suit all budgets

Outdoor Theatre All’s Well that Ends Well (Changeling Theatre) Shakespeare’s tale of two lovers, Helen and Bertram, brought up together like brother and sister as the son and ward of a countess.

The tumultuous plot unfolds as Helen pursues her unrequited love of Bert. Does Helen get her man? Come and find out!

Bring a blanket and a snuggly jumper and enjoy a picnic as the sun goes down and the stars come out.

Tickets: Adult £20, 10-18 yrs £10 Box Office: 01634 338338 www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

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2lb sausages Pick your own flavour 2lb Minced Beef 2lb Braising Steak 2lb Chicken Fillet 2lb Pork Chops 2½lb Leg of Lamb 2½lb Beef Joint 15lb (6.8kg) Usually £44.34 £39.90 1lb/0.5kg Chicken Fillets 1 lb/0.5kg Best Minced Beef 1lb/0.5kg Homemade Sausages Pick your flavours 1lb/0.5 Back Bacon 4.4lb (2kg) £9.99

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Summer events Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August 10am-5pm | Rochester Castle Gardens Medieval Merriment Medieval Merriment is a family-friendly event depicting medieval life. Living history activities and demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend, including a living history camp, have a go archery, siege re-enactments, falconry and period traders to name a few.

in Medway

Thursday 18 August | 6.30pm | Upnor Castle Outdoor Theatre The Scarlet Pimpernel (Boxtree Productions)

Wednesday 17 August | 7.30pm | Upnor Castle

Paris, 1792. Each day scores of the French nobility are sent to the guillotine. They are trapped in Paris. There is no escape. But rumours whisper of a league of young English gentlemen of unparalleled daring who are risking their lives to rescue aristocrats across the channel. They leave no trace behind except a note from the ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’. With original songs, spectacular sword fights and a little bit of romance, there is something for the whole family to enjoy in this exciting and swashbuckling musical adventure.

Outdoor Theatre The Tempest (Quantum Theatre)

Bring a blanket, warm clothing and enjoy a picnic. Doors open at 6pm.

A magical and enchanting comedy, The Tempest is also William Shakespeare’s play best suited to the great British summer weather.

Quantum Theatre presents a brand new production of Shakespeare’s magical play of love and sorcery, of airy spirits and drunken sailors, of deep truths and theatrical illusion.

Tickets: Adult £14, Child (under 16) £9.50, Under 5’s free, Family £40 (2 adults and 2 children) (booking fees apply)

Free entry to the castle grounds (normal admission charges apply to the Keep).

Box office: 01787 259622 www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/229495

Bring a blanket and a snuggly jumper and enjoy a picnic as the sun goes down and the stars come out.

Tickets: Adult £10, Child £8, Family £30 (2 adults and 2 children) Box office: 0845 450 5157 www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

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Command of the Oceans Launch of £9m ‘Command of the Oceans’ project reveals hidden treasures and captures 400 years of Britain’s naval history HMS Namur, a famous 18th century British warship whose battle honours surpass those of HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar, went on display for the first time in 260 years on 27 May 2016 as the centre piece of the new Command of the Oceans galleries at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Her extraordinary 47-year service encompassed three major wars including the Seven Years’ War, Napoleonic Wars and nine fleet actions. She was one of the principal ships to fight in all key battles of the golden period of the Age of Sail.

Dan Snow, TV Historian says, ‘The Namur is the ship that defines this course of British history.’

She was the first warship to have a ‘round bow’, a design pioneered at Chatham in response to Nelson’s tactic of ‘cutting the line’ (utilised to great effect at the Battle of Trafalgar). The round bow transformed British warships’ ability to withstand ferocious assault as they approached the enemy line of battle – thereby saving the lives of many British seamen.

The Namur featured across 18th and 19th century history and literature – Jane Austen’s brother was her Captain. His nautical experiences informed the naval characters in Mansfield Park and Persuasion. Olaudah Equiano, one of the age’s leading and most celebrated anti-slavery campaigners was a ‘Powder Monkey’ on the Namur, (the name of the crew member who carried gunpowder to guns during battle – one of the most dangerous jobs on the ship). He wrote one of the only contemporaneous accounts of life below the waterline.

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The Namur’s remains go on display with personal items and objects from the Invincible, an 18th century French warship captured by the Royal Navy in 1747, whose collection also goes on show for the first time.

Together, they form the centrepiece for the new ‘Command of the Oceans’ galleries at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

‘Command of The Oceans’ captures 400 years of history and will act as the starting point for telling the unique role of The Historic Dockyard Chatham in creating ships for the Royal Navy.

About Command of the Oceans State-of-the-art interactive displays tell a previously untold chapter of British naval history, showcasing the Dockyard’s importance from its creation, almost 400 years ago, through to modern times. Building on the existing ‘Hearts of Oak’ gallery, a digital reconstruction of Chatham Dockyard as it was in 1806 during the height of the Napoleonic Wars, ‘Command of the Oceans’ will provide new documentation of life on board and during the historic ‘Age of Sail’. This includes the famous 18th century warship HMS Namur (1756) and the fine collection of 18th century maritime objects discovered on the 18th century French warship Invincible.

‘People, Tools & Trades’, another new addition to the permanent display, will present stories of the people employed at Chatham throughout the centuries, and bring to life a variety of trades practices at the Dockyard, which visitors will be able to try for themselves.

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City of Rochester Society The Society was founded in 1967 and is the civic society for the historic city of Rochester, which includes Strood. It is affiliated to the Kent Federation of Amenity Societies and is a member of Civic Voice, the national movement for civic societies. It is represented on a number of consultative and advisory bodies, such as the Medway Tourism Association.

The Society has a wide range of interests and activities including examining development proposals for the city and offering comments on them to Medway Council; publishing books and pamphlets about the city; disseminating information about forthcoming events in and around Rochester; conducting walking tours of the historic city centre and surrounding areas; holding regular meetings for members, with guest speakers; running the craft fairs in the castle gardens during the Dickens Festivals The Society has, among its long-term aims, the establishment of a parish (or ‘town’) council for the old city area, and the restoration of Rochester’s ‘lost’ city status.

More information about the Society, and how you can join, can be found on our website at www.city-or-rochester.org.uk The Society’s meetings (each month apart from July and August) are usually held in the hall alongside Rochester Baptist Church in Crow Lane. Non-members are welcome.

A small admission charge is made to defray the expenses of the meetings.

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The 2016/17 season of meetings begins in September and is as follows: Thursday 15 September | 7.30 for 8pm The Gardens of South-East England Peter Ross (Consultant Engineer with Ove Arup & Partners) Monday 17 October | 2 for 2.30pm A Sea Change for Chatham Richard Holdsworth (Preservation and Education Director, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust) Thursday 17 November | 2 for 2.30pm Historic Administration Shires, hundreds, parishes – David Carder Tuesday 6 December | 7.30 for 8pm Rochester Choral Society’s Chamber Choir A programme of carols and madrigals, folk songs and lullabies to help us get into the Christmas spirit.

Wednesday 25 January | 2 for 2.30pm Building Upnor Castle - and the Dutch Raid!

Dr Jeremy Clarke (Education Officer for the Guildhall Museum) Thursday 16 February | 2 for 2.30 pm Richard Watts and The Six Poor Travellers’ House Elaine Gardner Tuesday 7 March | 7.30 for 8pm The Non-Conformist Revolution Amanda Thomas (Editor of The Clock Tower and Publicist, Friends of Medway Archives) Thursday 6 April | 7.30 for 8pm Rowland Hilder and his work Nettie Iles-North (Francis Iles Galleries) Tuesday 16 May | 7.30 for 8pm The Bridge Chapels of England Mrs Sue Threader (Chief Executive and Clerk to the Rochester Bridge Trust) Wednesday 7 June | 8pm Annual General Meeting to be held at The Guildhall, Rochester

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ENROLLING

NOW

AGES

5 -18

Do not underestimate the preparation and commitment required over time to pass the 11+ or achieve target GCSE or A Level grades. We can help. Contact us now to secure your place with us.

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in Gillingham

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

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

Visit our showroom and book your free design consultation today

A friendly, family-run business that can cater for all budgets Unit 23 Castle View Business Centre Gas House Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1PB 01634 827242 | info@kitchencentrekent.co.uk www.kitchen-centre.co.uk

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Proud members of

Where reputation matters

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COOKING

Chilli, Ginger Chicken Salad Serves 2 Preparation time 5 mins Ingredients 2 skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded ½ a cucumber, de-seeded and cut into ribbons (you can use a potato peeler) 1 shallot, peeled and very finely chopped 1tbsp mint leaves 1tbsp coriander leaves 1 red chilli, thinly sliced 3 limes, juiced 1tsp ginger, freshly grated 1tbsp fish sauce 1tbsp soft brown sugar 1tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped Method Place the chicken in a bowl with the cucumber, shallot, herbs and chilli.

Mix the lime, ginger, fish sauce and sugar together until the sugar dissolves.

Pour half the dressing over the salad, mixing gently.

Sprinkle over the peanuts and serve accompanied with the remaining dressing.

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Medway Tennis Festival Strawberries and cream at the ready - tennis is taking over Medway this summer.

More than 100 events will be staged across three sites during Medway Tennis Festival week 24-30 July, including Frindsbury Tennis Club.

Players will travel from far and wide to join local players in junior, adult, wheelchair, team and newcomer tournaments aimed at players keen to develop their competitive tennis (grade 6) and county-level players seeking to improve their rating and ranking (grade 4).

Matches will be staged at King’s Rochester Sports Centre, Frindsbury Tennis Club and The Strand, with the finals day being staged at King’s on Saturday, 30 July.

Free, fun community activities will also be staged every day of the festival. These will include family time, mini tennis, cardio tennis, social sessions, free play and Miss-Hits, the LTA’s programme encouraging girls to play tennis in a fun environment.

The Medway Tennis Festival is being organised by the Lawn Tennis Association, Medway Council and the three partner venues.

For more information and to book onto a fun session or to enter the tournaments visit www.tennisinmedway.com

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

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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

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TEACH YOUR CHILD TO SWIM THE BIGGEST and THE BEST SWIM ACADEMY IN GRAVESHAM

Over 2000 weekly swimming lessons and growing

UR O Y H C A E T O T D E E T N A R GUA M I W S O T D CHIL

Only £23.25 monthly direct debit

Inclusive of FREE swimming all year round & Active Leisure membership

Only at Cascades and Cygnet Leisure Centres Cascades Leisure Centre • Thong Lane • Gravesend • Kent DA12 4LG - Tel: 01474 337471 Cygnet Leisure Centre • Old Perry Street • Northfleet • Kent • DA11 8BU - Tel: 01474 337484

www.gcll.co.uk Terms and Conditions Apply

K9 Dip N Klip Your Experienced Dog Groomers

We pride ourselves in making sure your beloved pet receives the best care, attention and groom while they are with us.

We use top quality products to ensure your dog’s coat and skin are kept healthy after each groom, if your dog has sensitive skin we do offer a calming and sensitive product.

Experienced Groomers Full Grooming Service from £25 | Bath and Brush Service from £18 Puppy Grooming Service from £18 | Nail Clipping £3 - £8 We are currently open with hours to suit. If you are interested in using our services, please give us a call

100 Frindsbury Road · Strood · Kent · ME2 4JB | 01634 717249 | 07713 185956

www.K9dipnklip.co.uk All prices will vary depending on coat type and condition, style of cut/clip, length and size of each individual dog.

Any other grooming services required that are not on the list - please contact us and we will aim to accommodate this.

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Strood V lleyball Club Strood Volleyball Club meets every Tuesday at Strood Sports Centre between 8:30pm and 10:30pm for training.

We are a friendly club of all ages and all standards. We are happy for anyone to come along and join us on a Tuesday to see how you get along.

October to April is the league season where we play other teams from across Kent. We currently enter a ladies team, a mens team and a mixed foundation team for beginners.

Between May and September we also enter a few outdoor tournaments, both in the UK and overseas.

To advertise please call Scott on 01843 296303 D2 Services Medway Ltd Car serviCing & repairs Medway & Kent 28 years of experience

servicing, repairs and MOt tests for all makes of cars

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

01634 296967

www.d2servicesmedwayltd.co.uk

Unit 2 Alma Place · Strood · Kent · ME2 2AE Please mention

BOURNE TRAVEL

We are a professional passenger car service based in Kent

Airport Transfer Service 00634 260660 00795 437000

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v ¡ e ¡ white & co

Solicitors

A friendly and professional firm, with offices situated in Rainham and Strood, 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 Immigration

Rainham office 01634 376555 w also at Strood 01634 739195 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

Have your say Strood Community Ad Magazine welcomes letters and comments received for publication on matters to do with Strood, its activities and community.

Please write to: The Editor Strood Community Ad Magazine First Floor 7 Cecil Square Margate Kent CT9 1BD Community Ad Web Ltd reserves the right to moderate and edit the content of any correspondence according to the requirements of the magazine.

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?

Please send us your pictures of Strood for a chance to have them displayed on the front cover

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Homeowners in the UK are the most active renovators across Europe Global report proves home improvements are popular in the UK with three quarters of homeowners undergoing renovations

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Three quarters of UK homeowners1 renovated their homes in 2014 and/or were planning projects in 2015, proving more active than other European countries, including France, Italy and Germany,2 according to the inaugural Houzz & Home survey for the UK market from Houzz, the world’s leading platform for home renovation and design.

The survey, which had more than 9,500 respondents in the UK and more than 260,000 respondents globally, revealed that nearly half of homeowners on Houzz. co.uk who renovated in 2014 embarked on a project to customise a recently purchased home, and more than one-third renovated because they finally had the financial means. The survey also highlighted that Brits are the most active decorators globally; 87% decorated their homes last year and/or are planning projects this year.3 Discretionary, or non-essential, projects are driving the majority of improvement projects in UK homes, with a quarter (24%) of decorating homeowners, and 14% of renovating homeowners updating all interior spaces.

Living rooms and kitchens are the most popular interior renovation projects, with over a quarter of renovating homeowners in the UK tackling these rooms in 2014 (29 and 27 percent, respectively). The most popular home system upgrade was heating (45%), with cooling being the least prioritised (1%).

While living rooms are the most popular space to improve, kitchens command the greatest spend.

Homeowners spent an average of ÂŁ18,300 on major renovations of kitchens over 150 square feet4, and ÂŁ9,400 for major renovations of kitchens less than

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150 square feet. Furthermore, over one in ten renovating homeowners invested in a kitchen extension (12%). Brits were twice as likely to build an addition to their homes as those living in the US (23 percent versus 11 percent).

“In the UK, renovating homeowners on Houzz are actively investing in their homes in a variety of ways,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. “The top goals of their renovations are to address their own design and functional needs, over and above any financial considerations, such as increasing the resale value or minimising renovation costs. The prevalence of nonessential projects such as kitchen and living room renovations is a direct outcome of these

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priorities. It is not surprising then that many homeowners who have been in their home for a while delay renovations until they have the financial means or time to do them.”

When it comes to realising their home improvements, UK homeowners prefer to hire professionals; 90% of Houzz respondents hired a professional for their renovation project in 2014. Reviews or recommendations are the most important factor when choosing a service provider (86%) followed by experience with projects of similar scope (48%) and good communication/organisation skills (46%).

Homeowners admitted that finding the right service providers was the toughest challenge in their home improvement projects (42%).

Other key findings among UK homeowners on Houzz who renovated in 2014 • Smart Technology: 19% of homeowners rate smart home technology as a very-toextremely important, however, 33% rate it as not important at all. Nevertheless, a quarter installed home automation systems as part of a renovation in 2014.

• Financing: While the majority of UK homeowners save or use personal finances to pay for home improvements (93%), over one in ten (13%) charge expenses to a credit card. Almost a third (32%) admitted it was a challenge to stay on budget.

• Green Homes: Homeowners in the UK are more divided on the importance of integrating green and sustainable materials into their homes than those in other countries.

While a quarter rate this consideration as veryto-extremely important in recent renovations, a fifth rate it as entirely unimportant (compared to Germany, where 47% rate it as very-to-extremely important, and 15% rate it as entirely unimportant).

• Safe House: 11% of UK homeowners are choosing to update security measures, such as cameras, sensors and intercoms.

• Outdoor Living: Renovating homeowners focus on indoor renovations to a similar extent across all regions. In contrast, the focus on outdoor renovations varies widely by region.

Homeowners in Wales are most active (66%), while those in Greater London are the least active (45%).

Read the report here: http://info.houzz.com/rs/804-JLJ-529/images/Houzz%26Home%20-%20UK%20.pdf The Houzz & Home Survey was sent to registered users of Houzz and fielded in February-April 2015. The content of the survey was adapted for the UK market. The Farnsworth Group, an independent market research firm, conducted the survey. The data within this release relies on responses of UK homeowners on Houzz (n=8,000).

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Frequency of 2014 and 2015 renovating activities among European homeowners. UK: 75%, Ireland: 68%, France: 64%; Spain: 62%; Germany: 57%, Italy: 53% 2

Frequency of 2014 and 2015 decorating activities among homeowners globally. UK: 87%, Spain: 82%; Ireland: 80%, France: 80%; 3

Germany: 78%; Canada: 78%; New Zealand: 76%, Australia: 76%, Italy: 74% A major renovation at minimum replaces all cabinetry and appliances. Additions are not included in these numbers. Numbers include both DIY projects and those which used design or construction professionals 4

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Medway Nippers Your baby equipment makes the difference Suzie and her three children, all under 5, had to get out fast. The chance was there to make a break from her violent partner. She’d been offered a place in a refuge – it was now or never.

Suzie grabbed what she could from the family home, ran to the taxi with the little one in her arms and the older two tagging along behind.

Once on the train Jake, just four and a half, piped up. ‘Where are we going, Mummy? Why are we going so fast?’ Suzie tried to sound bright. ‘We’re going to a place called Rochester.

Everything is going to be fine.’

Whilst Suzie (not her real name) was now safe, she was in a far away place with nothing. She could get by with nothing for herself but what about her baby? How do you look after a baby without a pram, a cot, a high chair, especially with two other small children around?

Strood Community Project knows of many situations – they are all unique - where families in a hardship crisis don’t have access to basic baby equipment and is resolved to do something about it. The charity is setting up a baby equipment lending library for families just like Suzie’s called Medway Nippers.

We all know someone who has had children and the likelihood is that, tucked away in the attic, there will be a high chair, bottle steriliser, baby monitor or some other piece of equipment that was too good to throw away but no one else in the wider family wanted it. Now there is a good home where it will be hugely appreciated.

Families will be referred to Medway Nippers from professional agencies (health visitors, midwives, etc). Once registered they will be able to borrow baby equipment for as long as needed.

Strood Community Project is currently building up the library before the scheme opens. It is looking for donations of the following: • Prams

• Stair Gates

• Strollers

• High Chairs

• Baby Monitors

• Chair Booster Seats

• Cots

• Bed Guards

• Bottle Sterilisers

• Play Pens

And it needs people too. A scheme like Medway Nippers can only work with volunteers who can check the donated equipment to make sure it is clean and safe, log it on the system and delivery it out to local families in hardship. Could you spare a few hours a week to help out with this valuable work?

To find out more about helping with Medway Nippers, or to donate used baby equipment, please contact the Strood Community Project office on 01634 298747, or email advicecentre@stroodcommunityproject.org.uk or contact us via our website www.stroodcommunityproject.org.uk 28

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What is parkrun? parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km event for runners / joggers / walkers of all abilities – one thing always promoted is that it is very much a run and not a race.

There are no winners and losers, the emphasis is very much on personal enjoyment. parkrun was founded in 2004 with the first event taking place in Bushy Park in the London Borough of Richmond. Today there over 500 events across the UK alone, and events in a further 10 countries around the globe.

parkrun at Great Lines Heritage Park Great Lines parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 09:00 in Great Lines Heritage Park, Brompton Road, Gillingham, ME7 1HF. The event will soon be celebrating its third anniversary and regularly attracts over 300 participants.

It offers an opportunity for all the local community, male or female, young or old, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain. We want to encourage people to jog or run together irrespective of their ability – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is FREE! Taking part is easy – just register and print off your personal runner’s barcode before your first ever parkrun. The best thing is that you only ever need to do this once, and then you are free

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to run not only at Great Lines, but any of the parkruns around the world!

So whether you are a complete novice looking to get yourself started on your own “running journey” or a seasoned athlete wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome to come along and join in. Just don’t forget your barcode!

Even if you are a non-runner, then the event is 100% staffed by volunteers, so if you wish to join in a volunteer capacity, then drop the Great Lines team an email.

Register at www.parkrun.org.uk/register/form/ Great Lines parkrun homepage www.parkrun.org.uk/greatlines/ Great Lines parkrun volunteers www.parkrun.org.uk/greatlines/volunteer/

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S K RK SKATEPARK KATE PAR SK

Damian Field

Unit 1b Laker Road Rochester Airport Industrial Estate Rochester mE1 3Qx PRivATE PARTy HiRE!

We are a supervised venue for skateboards, scooters, bmx and inline, where young people can improve their skills as well as socialise in a safe environment.

Open six days a week (closed Wednesdays)

www.unit1skatepark.co.uk

01634 868168 07846 327836 £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

CURTAINS

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Tree Care Specialists Tree Surgery Stump Removal NPTC Qualified Work Guaranteed Fully Insured up to £5 million /complete tree work

www.completetreework.co.uk Call us today for FREE QUOTES and advice 01634 379629 • 07507 562269

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

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

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

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British & Continental Luxury Coach Tours Day trips Lunch Cream Teas Brugge Theatre Trips Buckingham Palace Boat Trips Downtown Abbey

HoliDays Thursford Christmas New Year Warner Holidays Potters Italy Spain

www.jewelstours.co.uk 01474 33 44 34

56 New road, Gravesend, Kent Da11 0aD

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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

Mobile Friendly 0333 577 5004