In & Around Magazine October 2014 by in and around Loose

inandaround your local magazine

FREE

OCTOBER 2014

Spooky events in Kent

Healthy Recipes

Honeyed Carrot Soup Chicken & Sweet Potato Curry

CAN YOU SPARE TIME TO HELP? Local Hospice appeals for more volunteers

www.inandaroundkent.co.uk

to In and Around Magazine October 2014

Contents 4

4 Brave Ben’s Medal 6 Digital Marketing 8 Spooky Events in Kent 10 Physiofit Kent 15 Fashion with Agi 20 Hospice Volunteers

21 Meet the Lodgers

29 23 Local Noticeboard

Dear Readers, I have been contemplating with the idea of volunteering for quite some time now. Of course time was always the issue, how would I fit it in around work, home and the children? But still I get this strong urge of wanting to help and give something back to the community. So, I have recently applied for a role whereby I will be helping people. It takes a while to sort out all the forms and receive the DRB certificate (formally known as CRB) but I know it will be worth the wait. If you really want something you will “find the time” to make it work.

27 What’s On

You only live once, so if there is something you really want to do just do it!

29 Shared Parental Leave

Sarah, Editor

30 Healthy Recipes

35 Loose Plan

Copy deadline for next edition:

37 Classifieds

Tuesday 14th October

38 Index of Services Copies of in and around are available to pick up at various distribution points across Maidstone Distributed door to door to select homes in Loose, Bearsted, Boughton Monchelsea, Penenden Heath, Coxheath and Aylesford.

inand around “Connecting

local people to local businesses”

Editor & Publisher: Sarah Maberley Tel: 01622 296230 Published independently by: In & Around Kent publications Email: info@inandaroundkent.co.uk

www.inandaroundkent.co.uk Laurel House, 43 Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PD

Feature

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School OpenGold Days ... Ben’s Brave Medal The teenager, from Smarden, near Ashford, who is just embarking on Y11 and his GCSEs at Sutton Valence, fell ill with leukaemia at the age of three and underwent years of rigorous chemotherapy. So, when his kidney failure was diagnosed some five years later, the family thought the two were related. However, as Ben’s sister Amie (11) has now also been diagnosed with kidney failure, medics realise there is also a genetic element to their illness. Mrs Stuart said: “The school has been fantastic with Ben before and during his treatment. They have been very supportive and the pastoral care has been excellent.”

Sutton Valence student is returning to school triumphant, after winning a gold medal in the British Transplant Games in Bolton – and a bronze medal in tennis. Ben Stuart (15) received a ‘living transplant’ from his father James three years ago, after being diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of eight. His vulnerability has meant Ben being unable to take part in most contact sports and team games but, at Sutton Valence, he has developed a skill for archery – which brought him acclaim, as well as his glorious gold in the July Games. For Ben, who took part in the Games as part of the Evelina London VIPs (from Guys and St Thomas’s Hospital where he underwent the life-saving surgery), it was his first shot at the Transplant Games – but he is already planning a return in 2015. He said: “I was competing against hundreds of other people from all over the UK, but I wasn’t particularly nervous. It was great experience – and great to meet up with some of the other children I had met occasionally at the London clinics.” Proud mum Vicki said: “We had already booked a family holiday to Cornwall which coincided with the Games, so Ben headed off on the train with the team and we went in the opposite direction. I don’t suppose we had thought seriously about the prospect of him winning a medal – let alone a gold! Naturally, we were thrilled.”

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Amie’s kidney function is just 14% and she too will go on the transplant waiting list when she reaches the age of 12. When the children’s father James was found to be a perfect match, he donated one of his kidneys to Ben, who functioned with three kidneys for a short time, before having one of his own failing ones removed at the end of 2011 and the other early in 2012. Left with only one kidney of his own, Mr Stuart and the rest of the family now hope a suitable match can be found for Amie, who also attends Sutton Valence, along with middle sibling Jemma (14), a sports and academic scholar. Headmaster Bruce Grindlay said: “We were delighted to learn of Ben’s success. A fundamental part of what we do at Sutton Valence is to offer opportunities to bring the best out of each and every student – whatever their personal circumstances. We are proud that the School has contributed to Ben finding a sport in which he does not merely participate, but excels. As the recent Paralympics and Transplant Games have shown, physical disability and health inequalities need not be a bar to leading an active and full, achieving life. Ben is a determined, successful young man and someone who will be a great role model to his fellow students. We wish him continued success.”

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Business

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Digital Line can help with your digital marketing Digital Line is a Maidstone based digital marketing agency offering a full range of services including websites, SEO, social media, Google analytics, video, mobile and email marketing. We have been operating a successful publishing business since May 2008. Having witnessed a change in technology with tablet computers and smart phones, we wanted to improve our service and help businesses with online marketing. The internet is now a big part of how we all need to market our business in today’s world. Whilst traditional ‘offline’ marketing still has a major role in sending your message to the consumer, digital allows you to engage and interact with your consumers directly and instantly. Our mission is simple; we want your business to: • attract more high quality customers • have more control over your online presence • measure your ROI and identify the marketing channels that really work for you • increase sales and profit. For more information please call Sarah on 01622 296230. We can have a chat, arrange an informal meeting at our office based in Earl Street or we can come to you. Or drop us an email to info@digital-line.co.uk with a brief message of what you are interested in.

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get activ ve on lin e with us

If you are not marketing your business online you are missing opportunities and potentially losing business We would love to help you . . . (we by the way are local digital marketing agency based in Earl Street! Give us a call, drop us an email, pop in for a chat or we can come to you) Our services Email Marketing | Search Engine Marketing | Web Development | Online Video Marketing Mobile Marketing | Graphic Design | Online Brochures | Social Media

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Feature

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Spooky Nights in Kent

Barham Court Ghost Hunt

Halloween at the Black Horse Pluckley

Barham Court, Teston

Black Horse Pub , Pluckley, Ashford Sat 1st November 2014

Sat 11th October 8:30pm til 2:00am (last entry 8:45pm)

Saturday 1st November 7pm - 2:00am (last entry 7:15pm)

Barham Court is a fine old house in the village of Teston, Kent. It was once the home of Reginald Fitz Urse, one of the knights who murdered Thomas Beckett in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. As a result of that deed, Fitz Urse fled to Ireland and the manor passed into the ownership of his kinsman, Robert de Berham. The de Berham family (now called Barhams) became one of the great families in Kent. The last of the Butlers, Sir Philip, was responsible for changing the course of the old TonbridgeMaidstone road, which used to run north of the church and then south of the house on its way to Barming and Maidstone. He had the road moved 'some hundred rods' (say five hundred and fifty yards) to the south. When Edward Hasted visited the house in the 18th century, then owned by the Bouverie family, he described it as the greatest ornament of this part of the county. After that it passed to the Charles Middleton, 1st Baron Barham. The house was very badly damaged in a fire in the 1930s. Paranormal activity that has been reported includes children’s voices being captured on sound recorders along with footsteps of running up the stairs. People have also reported cold spots that cannot be explained and when in the basement they feel as though they are being watched. Tel 020 361 22086

Join SpookSavers for an evening of Ghost Hunting in one of the UK`s most haunted villages. Your evening will consist of a sit down meal (meal not included in the ticket price) in the Black Horse Pub where there are reports of a ghost called Elizabeth who sits in the Pub corner and casts her eyes over guests. After dinner we will have a tour around the village (this is where the Darling Buds of May was filmed), and then conduct an investigation in the Pub and surrounding areas which will include the graveyard. In the Black Horse Pub there have been reports of a non-alcoholic spirit that moves items across the bar, tidies, and sometimes hides coats and wallets. There have also been reports of a screaming ghost in the Pub whose bloodcurdling screams alarm even the most fearless of individuals. Sounds of knocking can be heard coming from beneath the church at night, often accompanied by a flickering and fluttering light inside the empty building. Some say the light belongs to Lady Dering buried within three lead coffins, in an attempt to prevent her decay. The churchyard is reputed to be haunted by a red lady wandering the area in search of her missing baby. Finally, the inside of the church is also said to be haunted by a woman in mid-twentieth century clothing. A taxi driver reported seeing a man on the roadside who flagged the taxi down. The fare climbed into the back of the cab, but when the driver turned around to ask his passenger where he was heading, he found the cab empty! A local legend states that the screams which emerge from the woodland belong to those who became lost and died amongst the trees. This location has had many an experienced ghost hunter turn white and if you want to be truly spooked then this is the place to be!

Freak Week Resurrection The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood Wednesday 22nd October 6:30pm - 11pm (last entry 9:30pm) Visit The Hop Farm this Halloween for the fright of your life. After a year off Freak Week is resurrected, bigger and better than ever before! We have 5 new terrifying attractions designed to leave you shaking with fear and actors roaming the park, ready to scare the hell out of you at any second, we are sure you’ll be sleeping with the lights on for the next few nights. The event starts at and runs till from 22nd October until 31st October. Book now to avoid disappointment or don’t you have the guts? 01622 872068

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Feature

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PhysioFit Kent Open New Premises

PhysioFit Kent is a warm and inviting private practice with friendly and experienced Chartered Physiotherapists. The welcoming practice is situated in Loose in a newly constructed purpose built premises. PhysioFit Kent also offer two satellite clinics within the LivingWell Health Club at the Hilton Hotel, Bearsted and at a fitness centre in Headcorn. They also have a practice located within the grounds of Sidcup Sports Club. If required home visits can be arranged or assessments completed within Residential and Nursing Homes The team consist of 13 highly trained specialists who care for patients of all ages and can help treat a wide variety of injuries and illnesses, including: Musculoskeletal conditions (sports injuries, spinal pain, tendon/ ligament problems, post-surgical cases), Neurological conditions (strokes, multiple sclerosis), Respiratory problems (COPD, hyperventilation syndrome), Paediatrics (musculoskeletal or neurological conditions) and Vestibular complaints (vertigo).

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Patients can expect a thorough initial assessment, followed by an opportunity to discuss both the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan tailored to the individual. This gives amply time to ensure that both the patient and therapist are aiming for the same objectives. Treatment options include acupuncture, taping, soft tissue techniques including massage, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, structured exercise programmes and joint mobilisation/ manipulation with sessions planned to optimise the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independent management of their condition. Individuals can consult the practice without a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s referral, however the physiotherapists maintain a close working relationship with GPs and consultants and can update them on your treatment when required. The practice is covered by all medical insurance companies. Opening times extend from early morning until late in the evening on weekdays and a number of hours on a Saturday. Appointments can be made with the friendly and helpful reception staff. PhysioFit Kent has many outstanding reports and testimonies from previous patients, some of which can be viewed on their website: www.physiofitkent.co.uk. To contact the Maidstone practice please email: info@ physiofitkent.co.uk or telephone: 01622 745038.

YMCA Oct14 promotion A4x:Layout 1 05/09/2014 14:49 Page 1

www.facebook.com/ymcamaidstone

Reach your goals this Autumn

Join in October and we’ll give you December FREE

Here at Maidstone YMCA we pride ourselves in helping people reach their health & fitness goals. Join in October and we’ll give you December FREE.

Also, come and visit the new ‘Wellness Centre’ now open at the YMCA. Treatments on offer include: Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Acupunture, Reflexology and Beauty. Call 01622 762802

Plus, work out in our newly air conditioned gym and together with over 50 classes per week, FREE crèche and FREE parking there’s no better time to start.

Contact the centre for more information

Call 01622 749404

or visit www.maidstoneymca.org.uk REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1110087

Melrose Close, Loose, Maidstone ME15 6BD (The FREE month of December is not included in the 3 month contract – cancellations will not be permitted until after the 4th Jan 2015)

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Feature

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Cowboy tradesmen will be fined £1,220 in costs at Reading Magistrates Court for three false claims on their paperwork, including mentioning they were a member of the CIPHE. The company was fined £550 for the charge relating to unauthorised use of the CIPHE logo. The magistrates made it clear they considered such claims to be fraudulent and misleading to consumers. When looking for a qualified plumber don’t forget to use trusted websites such as Gas Safe and CIPHE to double check the trades person is listed on that register when using their logo. A plumbing and heating company based in Reading has recently been fined £1,400 plus

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**OPEN DAY SUNDAY 12TH OCT 10AM**

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Join us for Autu

mn Fun

r Half Term Spooktacula â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sun 2 November Sat 25 October

Bonfire & Firework Spectacular Satu rday 8 November

For more details and to book general admission tickets online visit

www.kentlife.org.uk

Kent Life, Lock Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU. Junction 6 of the M20. T: 01622 763936

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Hi guys! Isn’t it great when you can use your old clothes an accessories and turn them into something brand new and unique? Each month I will show you quick, easy and cheap ways on how to refresh your wardrobes!

That feeling when you go and spend fortune for the most perfect dress and a pair of shoes for a special occasion, but realise you also need an expensive looking necklace. Don’t worry this month I will show you just how to make one yourself that will wow everyone at the party. 1. To do this you will need: approx 50cm of tassel trim (this can be found in any fabric shops for very cheap), piece of lace or textured fabric, scissors, feathers, PVA glue, thread and needle, black button and few diamonds. 2. You then have to measure around 50cm of the tassel trim or less depending on the length of the necklace you would like.

3. Position your lace or fabric in the centre and hand stitch it onto the tassel trim (you can also use the glue).

4. Once this is done, add feathers, diamonds and what ever you want to decorate your necklace. All you have to do then is hand stitch on the button and a loop onto the edges for fastening.

If you want your DIY ideas featuring on my page in the next month’s magazine then simply e‐mail us your step by step images at: info@inandaroundkent.co.uk inandaround

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onehairdressing 0

exclusive aveda salon 01622 671409

haircare home spa skin/body care mineral make up organic colour

Exclusive stockists of the revolutionary Invati system. keep your hair fuller and thicker for longer, limited number of samples available. call in at 10-11 market buildings, maidstone, kent download the one hairdressing app for special offers visit our website for more information www.onehairdressing.weebly.com inandaround

Audley Care Bearsted

Everyone has differing care needs. With Audley Care you can have as little or as much as you want – our quality homecare is tailored around your needs. You may want: • Help with personal care such as getting up and out of bed, whatever the time • A hand with domestic tasks and housekeeping • Someone to walk the dog or feed the cat • A little help and company if you are recovering from illness • Long term, short term or emergency care • Holiday or respite care To find out how we can help you, please call Libby at Audley Care Bearsted for a free consultation:

01622 633101 www.audleycare.co.uk Audley Care Bearsted Mote House Retirement Village, Mote Park, nr Bearsted, Kent, ME15 8NQ

01731-a5-care-flyer v3 portrait.indd 1

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05/09/2014 15:53

Job Vacancies for Homecarers

Audley Care Bearsted is now recruiting homecarers in your area to deliver high quality care and domestic support to our customers living in their own homes. Audley Care provide: • On-going support, training and guidance from the local support office – 24 hour emergency telephone support available • Regular quality monitoring to ensure all our customers receive the best care and assistance • Staff uniforms and equipment bags, healthcare benefits, mileage allowance and staff discount scheme • Use of Audley Care Car • Excellent hourly rates and flexible working hours up to £8.68 per hour • Thorough recruitment process and DBS checks If you are interested in joining our friendly Audley Care Team, please call 0871 226 3775 or email

recruitment@audleycare.co.uk

www.audleycare.co.uk Audley Care Bearsted Mote House Retirement Village, Mote Park, nr Bearsted, Kent, ME15 8NQ

01731-a5-care-flyer v3 portrait.indd 2

05/09/2014 15:53

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Local Plasterer Hospice Appeals for More Volunteers Heart of Kent Hospice is looking for people to join their volunteer team and have a number of volunteering opportunities available.

Fast, clean, honest, reliable plasterer. No job too small. All aspects of work undertaken Fantastic price. Free quotation Call Paul on 07932 737754

Karen Dockwray, Volunteer Services Development Officer said: “Our volunteers are vital to the running of the Hospice and we simply couldn’t do it without them. There are many ways people can get involved, such as helping to sell donated items in our shops, assisting in one of our coffee shops, supporting us at a fundraising event or greeting visitors to the Hospice Reception. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. For those just entering the world of work, volunteering is a good opportunity to gain new skills and enhance their CV. All new volunteers receive a full training. There are many reasons why our current volunteers get involved in the Hospice. For some it is about giving back to the community and for others, it is their special way of saying thank you to the Hospice for the care of a loved one. By volunteering at Heart of Kent Hospice you are helping us to deliver a life changing experience to the people who are referred to our care.” If you have a few hours to spare each week, or on an occasional basis and would like to find out more, then please contact Karen Dockwray, Volunteer Services Development Officer on 01622 792200 ext. 225 or visit our vacancies page at www.hokh.org/vacancies

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Feature

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Meet the Lodgers - Cockroaches, Lice, Fleas & Bedbugs! around us, bugs and insects are evolving, bedbugs have developed longer biting mouthparts to pierce our skin, insects are shedding wings as they move about with us. All forms of lice and mites wallow in the ether of dead skin that covers us and rats and mice live happily alongside us, even sharing our homes in some cases.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Kent-man has evolved over the last 100,000 years so have our household pests. The problem is they are wising up to the chemicals that we use to destroy them. Since the early 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cockroaches have begun to develop an aversion to sugar coated baits. Amazingly, this evolution of their senses has taken place in just a matter of years. All

So the question is what to do about this evolution? Unwittingly, we are the agents most affecting it. The more we try to eradicate household pests the more they will continue to adapt to cope with our chemical warfare. Maybe we should create genetically engineered species to live with us, house mates that could live-in and help out, perhaps eating bedbugs and fleas or cleaning mould from our

tiles. Useful bugs to help keep our house clean and pest free. Be certain, the insects that escape our chemicals will become even more resistant to our attempts to evict them, our new bait formulations will help, but will eventually aid in their ultimate survival. For a short term permanent solution to your pest problems call Pest Purge, (small children excluded!)â&#x20AC;?

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Locksmith

L o c k s m i t h

All locks repaired & fitted

MICK

l Double glazing door l YOUR 24 hourLOCAL lock outLOCKSMITH

755750 07738 658751 l 01622 3Lock Plains repairs Ave, off Loose Road & window lock repairs l New locks fitted

(including handles)

V AM A

LE N H

Your local locksmith 3 Plains Avenue, off Loose Road 07738 658751 01622 755750 freequote@ukemergencylocksmith.co.uk s

MEMBER s Assoc

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Loose History Society 13th Oct An illustrated talk by Caroline Bendix. Caroline is an accredited freelance library conservator with 33 years’ experience, working for major national conservation bodies, (many on a continuing consultancy basis), cathedrals, churches, synagogues, learned societies/institutions, museums, historic houses, private collections, universities, municipal collections, schools, the Government, Historic Royal Palaces and independent libraries. Loose Infant School Hall, Loose Road, Loose, Maidstone, starting at 7.30pm £3 admisson. Tel 01622 741198 Autumn Barn Dance 10th Oct Once again its time to honour your partner and get ready to strip the willow. Aylesford Village Club, Rochester Road, Aylesford. Ticket includes a ploughman’s and agreat evening of music and dancing for young and old alike. Drinks are to be purchased at the bar . Invite your friends and make up a party. Admission: £5 adults, £3 children under 12. Please contact Eileen Jenner on 01622 715205 for tickets/further information Quiz 22nd Oct Aylesford & Eccles WI will be holding their monthly meeting on Wed 22nd Oct at 7.30p.m. in the Brassey Rooms Station Road, Aylesford. There will not be a speaker this month so we will enjoy a social time with some fun quizzes and plenty of time for a chat with old and new friends. If you have ever wondered what the WI ladies get up to then why

not come along and find out for yourself! If you would like any further information please contact Eileen on 01622 715205 or just come along with no obligation to join at your first visits. Early Xmas Shopping 25th Oct 123pm Jewellery, LovelyThings, Bodyshop, Confectionary, Handbags, Scarves, Cards, Vintage Gifts Collectables and lots more! Scout H.Q.Pickering St. £1 Entry More Info at jillwilson@talktalk.net Loose Valley Wives Group 15th Oct All Saints’ Church, Loose at 7.30 p.m Meeting about racing pigeons with Mr Alan Cecil. New members and visitors are welcome.Details from the Leader. Mrs. Shirley Collier. Tel. 01622 741541. Ayles ARA 23rd Oct 2pm in the Community Centre, Aylesford. There will be a talk on Smuggling by a Customs Officer and time for a cup of tea and chat with old and new friends. There will also be details of various events, activities that you may wish to join in so if you are aged 55+ contact Wayne on 01622 710734 If you would like to include your local event, group or notice - please email Sarah at info@inandaroundkent.co.uk. This is a FREE service for local non profit making organisations

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Saturday Shopping

Saturday 25th October & 11 November 2014 10am - 2pm If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it during the week when we are open come along to one of our special Saturday openings to see what we have on offer this is a good chance to do some last minute Christmas shopping for yourself or a crafting friend. We also offer gift vouchers to purchase both in our shop or Online and as a special Christmas offer you can have them in a ribbon tied wallet. Warehouse Open Mon - Fri 10am - 3pm www.jandccreations.co.uk Unit 20 Palace Industrial Estate, Bircholt Road, Parkwood Industrial Estate, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9XT Tel: 01622 862302 / 07889 041416

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E-mail: enquiries@jandccreations.co.uk

a passion for life

Messy Church at All Saintsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Loose 2-4.30 on 3rd Saturday of the month starting October 18th

Come and meet other families, enjoy crafts, singing, games and interactive Bible stories. There is always something to eat and adults can relax and chat over coffee and cake. Just turn up. For more details contact the church office on 01622 741265 or visit the website at www.allsaintsloose.org.uk

www.allsaintsloose.org.uk inandaround

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Local Events 25th October

Craft for Christmas Saturday Special J&C Creations at Park Wood are open on Saturday 25th October for those of you who love craft. Great ideas for Christmas presents, gift vouchers also available.

Half Term Fun

4th October

Class Casino Nights at The Walnut Tree, Loose Have you seen our fantastic back cover this month? Take and look and join in the fun at The Walnut Tree pub, Loose Road, Loose. 7.30pm - 10.30pm. For details see page 40 and visit the website or call.

5th October

Woofs and Wellies East Malling Heart of Kent Hospice fundraising event. Enjoy the fun with a 5 mile circular walk with your loyal friend. £10 per dog, owner goes free! Each dog will recieve a goody bag and the dog with the most sponsorship will be awarded a luxury hamper. All day. 01622 790195

11th October

Alzheimer’s Memory Walk - Leeds Castle Join the Alzheimer’s Society at the Memory Walk taking place in the grounds of the stunning castle. The walks will meander around the beautiful parkland with plenty of opportunity to soak up the views. hokh.co.uk

11th October & 25th October

Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market Artisan producers bring their cheeses, Rye fish fresh from the boats, organic vegetables, cakes and wines available. Seating area, hot food and drinks. This market is a FARMA certified and shortlisted as one of the top seven Farmers markets in the country. 01892 554244

21st - 23rd October

Loose Neighbourhood Plan Design Forum Loose Parish Council, 9.30am to 4pm each day Drop-in exhibition Tues and Wed 6 to 8pm. Final presentation of draft concept plan: 7.30 to 10pm Thurs. King George V Pavilion. See page 35 for more info.

Renaissance Crafts - Pottery Painting Fun Great fun for the kids. You will receive a warm welcome then choose from a vast selection of pottery. Makes for great presents for grandparents. Entertain the kids and get some early Christmas shopping all in one!

Half Term Fun

Maidstone Museum Activities (11am-12pm) 27th - Volcanoes and Velociraptors: create your own prehistoric landscape 28th - Learn about what life might have been like in from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age & create your own hunting tools 29th - Travelling through Time. Explore the change in landscape and building technologies and create your own dream landscape. (note different time 1.30-3pm). 30th - Victorian Invention: Take a look at the different areas and materials used within the Museum and create your own pick & mix building! 31st - Toys through Time: Frankenbear! Create a mismatch bear ready to come alive in the evening! Halloween Face Painting.

Half Term Fun

Kent Life - Spooky Half Term Fun Little monsters can look forward to a ‘spooktacular’ Hallowe’en at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park this October Half Term. The award-winning attraction near Maidstone will entertain visitors with a host of ghostly goings-on from October 25 to November 2.

31st October & 1st November

“Pzazz” Flower Arranging Competition The Kent Area of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, (NAFAS) presents a Competition and Show entitled PZAZZ, at the Clive Emson Centre, Kent County Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF. 10am 6pm. Showcasing some of the best flower arranging in the country. kentfloralart.co.uk or tel. 01797 362005.

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YMCA Pre-School

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Feature

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Get ready for Shared Parental Leave The government’s policy is that both parents must be economically active: where one parent seeks leave from employment, their partner must have worked in an employed or self-employed capacity in at least 26 of the 66 weeks immediately before the EWC, earning on average at least £30 a week based on any 13 of those weeks. This is the same as the test of economic activity for maternity allowance.

Although the details are yet to be finalised there has been much heralding in the press of the plans to introduce Shared Parental Leave (SPL). The rights will apply for parents who meet the eligibility criteria, where a baby is due to be born on or after 5 April 2015, or for children who are placed for adoption on or after that date. Employers could therefore shortly start to receive enquiries from those expecting although formal notice of eligibility and the intention to take SPL from qualifying employees need not take place until January 2015. Parents will not be obliged to take SPL once the new scheme comes into force. The default position on the birth of a child will be that the 52 weeks of maternity leave (39 weeks paid) will remain in place, as will the two week period of compulsory maternity leave, which applies from the day of the child’s birth. Mothers will however be able, subject to eligibility, to share this leave with their partner or the child’s father either taking it in turns or taking leave at the same time.

So, where a mother is an employee but the father is self-employed, or unemployed having recently lost his job, the father will not technically qualify for shared parental leave as he has no employer. However, because the father has been economically active, the mother is not restricted to taking maternity leave; she will be able to access the more flexible SPL scheme. This means she will be able to take part of her maternity leave, go back to work, and then take a further period or periods of SPL at a later date, up to 52 weeks after birth. Alternatively, where a father is an employee, but the mother is self-employed or recently unemployed, the mother has no maternity leave or SPL entitlement herself, but will qualify for maternity allowance. By curtailing her entitlement to maternity allowance, the mother will be able to give the father access to the SPL scheme, meaning he can take a period or periods of SPL. Paid Paternity Leave of two weeks will continue to be available to fathers and a mother’s or adopter’s partners.

Amanda Finn is a partner at Gullands and can be contacted at a.finn@gullands.com T 01622 689700, or via www.gullands.com

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Food

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Easy, tasty (plus healthy too!) recipes

Honeyed Carrot Soup

Chicken & Sweet Potato Curry

Fed up of baking fairy cakes, I encouraged my daughter to cook something for our lunch. Her response “I want to make a carrot soup Mummy” - much to my delight. Even my son couldn’t get enough of this soup and he doesn’t even eat carrots! Not just for kids, this soup is delicious.

Mild enough for kids and tasty enough for adults. I was surprised how good this tasted as it was so easy to make.

Ingredients • 2 tbsp butter • 2 small leeks, sliced • 800g carrots, roughly chopped • 2 tsp clear honey

Ingredients • 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 onion, chopped • 450g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced • 165g jar Korma paste • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 500g sweet potatoes, cut into small chunks

• Sprinkle of Hot Chilli Powder (optional)

• 400g can chopped tomatoes

• 1 bay leaf

• 100g baby spinach

• 2½ l vegetable stock

• basmati rice, to serve

• soured cream or yogurt, to serve

Method

1. Heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and cook over a low heat for about 5 mins until softened. Increase the heat slightly, add the chicken pieces and brown.

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leeks to the pan, then cook for 3 mins until starting to soften. Add the carrots, honey, chilli (if using) and bay leaf, then cook for 2 mins. 2. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then simmer for 30 mins. Blend the soup in batches, return to a clean pan, then season to taste. When ready to serve, bring back to a simmer, then ladle into mugs. Add a swirl of soured cream or yogurt and serve with garlic bread or bacon butties.

2. Stir in the curry paste and garlic, cooking for 2 mins before adding 100ml water, the sweet potatoes and chopped tomatoes. Simmer for 20-30 mins until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potato is tender – add a splash more water if it starts to look dry. Season to taste and add the spinach, removing the pan from the heat and stirring until the spinach has wilted. Serve with basmati rice.

Please share your favourite recipes, email info@inandaroundkent.co.uk or post to Laurel House, 43 Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LD 30 inandaround

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CARE VISITS AT HOME

Good Old Fashioned Service ASK DEBBIE......... for help, advice and assistance Dear Debbie Dear Debbie has aI are live-in Care Worker who her permanently. live-in Care My mother sister and the main carers forstays our with elderly mother whoThe lives alone a few miles Workerfrom is self-employed I met other who independent told me that mylady mother away both of us.but She hassomeone alwaysthe been a day fiercely andshould has loved be deducting PAYE she from has her wages. Do40 youyears. know It’s if this is correct do Imemories need to talkof to husband an her home where lived for where her or main accountant? and family lie. After a few years of increasing confusion, she has now received sincerely, aYours dementia diagnosis, apparently in early stage. We are both very reluctant to put her into Sheila R a care home. Can home care help in this situation?

Yours sincerely, Pauline S

Dear Susan

The information you were given is almost certainly correct. Being employed or self-employed is

not a matterPauline of choice for the individual. Employment status flows from the nature of the work Dear involved. Take a look at the Taxman’s guidance at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/esi-01.htm

and decide for yourself. The question for you and your sister is “what course of action will be in your I think the guidance makes it pretty clear that live-in care is an employed position and our mother’s best interest?” Home care can work very well for some people conversations with HMRC in the past have confirmed employment status in two particular live-in especially where there are strong local relationships, say with neighbours care situations. or groups because they can remain in contact with what is familiar Thechurch employer has responsibilities to pay National Insurance, to deduct and account for PAYE to This often provides valuable reassurance in a situation which andthem. possibly to pay compensation in the event that the employee is injured at work. causes The employer the person to whom the care is being very real isstress to those affected and theirprovided families.or a care agency if one is involved.

DEBBIE MOULTON, CARE MANAGER OF BLUEBIRD CARE OFFERS HER ADVICE

If you have a question that you would like to ask Debbie then please email her at debbie@bluebirdcare.co.uk

The obligations of being an employer are not insignificant and might include for example being

Regular visits from skilled carers onshould well-being and safety, ensure adequate food intake and held accountable for any unpaid PAYE can by thecheck live-in regularly Care Worker their tax affairs not be nutrition ensure that medication is taken at the appropriate times. As the condition develops, regular contact maintainedand in good order. If yourfamiliar mother’sfaces live-in offers Care Worker has told her that her self-employed status isare fine, I wouldin basic dementia coping strategies. with reassurance, especially when the carers trained ask her foryour justification theobviously light of thewant Taxman’s guidance beof cautious if you’re not You and sister in will to be at the and heart the care arrangements but carefully coordinated home satisfied with the response. care visits can help share the burden. Best Wishes, Care Manager, Bluebird Care Best Wishes,Debbie DebbieMoulton, Moulton, Care Manager, Bluebird Care

How Bluebird Care can help with you or your loved ones: • Help with getting up or going to bed • Personal Hygiene • Cleaning the home • Preparing Meals • Assist with medication • Overnight Care • Washing or Ironing • Shopping • Sightseeing or leisure activities • 24hr Live-in-care • Trips to see friends or relatives

MAIDSTONE | 01622 809528 | maidstone@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/maidstone_tonbridge ininand andaround around

733

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Loose Parish Council - Loose Neighbourhood Plan We invite YOU to design Loose! To shape the future development of Loose! Design Forum: Tues 21 to Thurs 23 October 2014 9.30am to 4pm each day Drop-in exhibition Tues and Wed 6 to 8pm Final presentation of draft concept plan 7.30 to 10pm Thurs. King George V Pavilion Dozens of people participated in the Loose Visioning evening on 10 September, to generate ideas for the next step of the Neighbourhood Plan. The next step is the Design Forum, where small groups will take the work forward. Loose residents and workers, from schools, associations, societies and businesses are all invited, to work together on the ideas generated on 10 September, into a viable draft concept plan. nb: the Loose Neighbourhood Plan is for the Loose Parish Council area and does not include North Loose which has its own Neighbourhood Plan. Book your 10 minutes now on Tuesday 21 October between 9.30am and noon to present your ideas as a group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; do a Powerpoint slideshow or read out a written statement. Individuals are invited to send in written statements. All are encouraged to come and listen to the ideas, and to participate whenever you can over the 3 days. Come along for a morning, an afternoon, a couple of hours to work with others on the aspects of Loose important to you.

For all details - contact - looseneighbourhoodplansec@gmail.com or 07944-056225 now.

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