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village directory
The
for the Aldington Area
April 2016
Delivered FREE to 4,000 homes in TN25 by Royal Mail
BENSKO PEST CONTROL &
Chimney Sweeping Services
Fast, Effective Service for the DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL Removal of ALL Pests INDUSTRIAL WASPS ANTS FLEAS FLIES
RATS MICE MOLES SQUIRRELS COCKROACHES
Fully Insured Authority Approved
Brush and Vac Friendly, Clean, Reliable Every Type of Flue Swept Pots, Cowls & Bird Guards Fitted Stove Installations NAC’s Certificates Issued Fully Insured
Best Possible Prices on all Fires Weddings Attended All Areas Covered
A CLEAN CHIMNEY IS A SAFE CHIMNEY
Call: 01303M:221008 T: 01303 221008 07857 344770 M: 07857 344770
Family We are sincerely grateful for the loyal support www.benskoservices.co.uk e: bensko@talktalk.net Run Business of all of our customers - Thank you
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Welcome Hi everyone and welcome to the April Issue. Spring is here (at least it is today!) and I’m looking forward to getting out into the garden, which is a bit of a mess following the flooding we had a few months back. As I write I can hear my husband’s voice in my head questioning exactly what I do in the garden, other than relax. He does tend to do it all, I have to admit, but I am good at jet washing the patio and I’m not averse to a bit of re-pointing where needed! Largely it’s a therapeutic exercise to bring me out into the real world for a while rather than the digital one I spend so much of my time in .
Oshens HairBoutique 100 Bridge Street, Wye
For An Appointment Please Call
01233 811981 Closed Wednesday
DRESS MAKING & ALTERATIONS
QurnaNowCreations in Tenterden
Tel: 01580 764131
Email couch.hilary@gmail.com
NEEDLES & PINS
REPAIR AND ALTERATION SERVICE
Zips & Trouser / Skirt Shortening from £4.50 HAND SEWN CURTAINS FREE COLLECTION / DELIVERY SERVICE
Call Christina 01303 864280
I’d like to begin this month by congratulating Bensko on their 10 years in business, I cannot believe that when I first met Bruce, to organise their advertising, the magazine was just a year old, my how time flies. Do read Bensko’s article in this month’s magazine, I’m sure Emma (one half of the dynamic duo) will make you chuckle as she recounts the early days of her introduction to pest control. She will be following this up every couple of months and offering advice, tips and some insight into the world of Bruce and Emma.
C S Painting & Decorating Services
Lastly, please note that the monthly deadline for the magazine has now changed to the 10th of the month, from now on all of the magazines will be delivered during the first week of each month.
All Seasons Garden Services
Until next time, have a great time!
~ Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk May Issue Deadline 10th April
Interior & Exterior
15 years experience – Fully insured
Tel: 01233 668345 Mobile: 07807 294527
Please call for a free quote
Over 20 years experience All aspects of garden care undertaken Fully insured
T: 01233 665322 M: 07941 205 374 Email: rob@ashford-gardening.co.uk
Strim and Mow Please Ring 07712 615 115
No Job Too Small • Regular or One Off
Is Your Garden in Need of Some TLC? Let me do the work for you to enjoy. I also specialise in drives, patios & underground drainage.
T: 01303 814791
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the garden
Go On, Vertical Cover GrowWith Your Climbers Own! by Pippa Greenwood
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Enjoying a delicious meal which includes some home grown ingredients is a wonderful feeling – it fills you full of just the right sort of pride (and maybe even a little bit of smugness!). That meal might be a dinner party, a family supper or even a quick sandwich grabbed whilst you go about your daily work; it makes no difference, it simply feels good to indulge in a bit of Grow Your Own and then reap the rewards. If you’re a hardened vegetable grower you may well have been sowing and potting on for a while now, but if you’re a bit behind schedule or if you’ve simply not dared to venture into vegetable production to any extent before, don’t panic – there’s still time to grow just about any crop in your plot this year. If you want to raise some plants from seed yourself then most could be sown now, but there are a few that are likely to produce a much better yield if given an earlier start. I’d give seeds of crops such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilli peppers, melons and
aubergines a miss now, but buy in a few plants over the next month or so and you’ll be going great guns in no time at all. Some vegetables can be directly sown now (i.e. just sow the seed into a well-prepared area of garden soil in a suitable spot) in all but the coolest gardens – beetroot, lettuce, beans, peas, carrots, rocket, spinach to name but a few. Other slightly more tender crops such as sweetcorn, squash and courgettes would fare better if given a bit of extra heat when you are germinating the seeds. That’s where an electrically heated propagator comes into its own, and you will also find it really useful if you are trying to make up for lost time as it will speed up germination of many seeds by several days. The seedlings may then need pricking out and potting on until they are sturdy enough to live in the great outdoors. With these more tender crops, try to ‘harden off’ the young plants before you put them into their final positions: having been raised and grown on inside
(either in a greenhouse or on a warm, sunny windowsill) they will be a little ‘soft’ and tender, and easily damaged by cold, wind or rain. Hardening off isn’t difficult, just put the trays or pots of young plants outside on warm days once the weather has stabilised, and bring them back under cover at night. Do this for a week or so and then leave them outside, covering them with some fleece at night. The resulting plants will now have had the chance to acclimatise to ‘real’ conditions and will grow far better, whilst also being much less likely to suffer from weather damage. If you find seed sowing and the subsequent pricking out and potting on too much when juggling with a job or other commitments, then buying in some small plants is a great plan as it gets you past the high-input bit at the beginning and allows you to just get on with the growing on, maintaining…and eating! You will get a good range from seed merchants or garden centres, but if you like the idea a bit of at-your-elbow-
advice from me to ensure great results, don’t forget that you can still order gardenready plants, accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails specific to the vegetables you’ve chosen to grow. There are more details at www. pippagreenwood.com/growyour-own and if you use the code 12419-E7SPS at the checkout, you’ll also get £4.00 discount, whichever pack size you choose. Gardenready plants can be planted out as soon as you get them and, provided you follow the instructions, keep them wellwatered during drier weather and apply feed at regular intervals, it won’t be long until you will be harvesting crops such as climbing French and runner beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, sugar-snap peas,
peppers, chillies, onions, melons, butternut squash, beetroot and courgettes. Most vegetables need a good fertile soil and a sunny or only partly shaded spot if they are to perform well, so choose your growing area with care. If space is short or your garden is limited to a paved back-yard, patio or balcony, there is no need to go without the delights of Grow Your Own – most vegetables will do well in good sized containers (minimum 30cm x 30cm x 30cm) with goodquality compost. If you can manage even bigger pots, then maintenance will be easier as they will need watering slightly less frequently. But, whether you plant and sow vegetables in pots, tubs, greenhouses or open ground, the end result
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will be gorgeous tasting, superfresh vegetables to be enjoyed on your own or with company. So go on, get growing! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa (don’t forget your offer code 12419-E7SPS for a £4 discount), Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.
Open Weekend Dates for 2016 PLUCKLEY ROAD BETHERSDEN KENT
www.stonegreennurseries.co.uk Wholesale Nursery Open to the Public
15th, 16th, 17th & 29th, 30th April We grow our vast range of plants with passion and pride for garden designers, landscapers, local nurseries, farm shops and other horticulture outlets. We have a truly exquisite range to offer you from the tried and tested to the more unusual. You will be making your selection direct from our growing beds! You can’t buy fresher. Fantastic range and fair prices. Should you need help with your selection we also have knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions.
*Shrubs* Trees* Herbaceous Perennials * Climbers * Large Plants for Instant Impact* Pluckley Road Bethersden TN26 3ET Please Mention The
Future Open Weekends 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th May 15th, 16th, 17th May Fri 10am-5pm, Sat, Sun & BHM 9am-5pm More Dates to Follow.
Truly a Gardeners Paradise! Please remember we are only open on these dates. We accept most major credit cards
For detailed directions please see our website Follow day-glow signs from A20 at Charing and A28 at Bethersden
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BENSKO 10 Years in Business! Bensko is celebrating 10 years in business this year! When I say it out loud I can’t believe how far we’ve come. I remember the evenings spent watching my husband Bruce pace up and down our lounge, wearing out the carpet, contemplating whether to start our own business. With a gentle nudge, although he’d say a big shove, we took the leap of faith and did it, Bensko was born.
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I’ll never forget the early days of pest control; I remember the first time Bruce took me to a farm that had a serious rat infestation, he thought it would be good experience for me! I was on the first floor of the old barn and Bruce was on the ground floor. Once we were in position, he turned the lights on. I waited with anticipation, and it did not disappoint. There was nothing at first, then a steady stream of noise, squeaking and scurrying. I couldn’t work out where the noises were coming from, then I saw them, they were coming from everywhere, over beams along pipes and over bales of straw, the whole area seemed to come alive. Gripped with slight panic, I rapidly made my way to the exit, briefly glancing down at Bruce, who was grinning at me like a Cheshire cat. What I didn’t see was the large rat on the hand rail, which my hand ‘accidentally’ knocked into. Unfortunately for my grinning husband it fell straight into the hood of his jacket, and the grin immediately turned into fear as the rat thrashed about inside his hood. The rat escaped un-harmed as did Bruce, but the grin he once had now appeared on my face, as I doubled over with laughter.
From the un-known territory of rats to now, confidently tracking, baiting and protecting homes, I’ve come a long way. Even now Bruce tells people I did it on purpose, but I wouldn’t, would I? We all like to feed our birds in winter but, as pest controllers, it can be the biggest problem we face. But we all enjoy looking after our feathered friends, and we’re not going to stop, so avoid ground feeding and take care to use catch trays under the feeders, this will help to stop any excess seed falling onto the floor. This will help discourage rats taking up residence in our gardens. I know I’d rather be watching, Blue Tits and Goldfinches than furry rats hanging from the feeders.
Emma Bensko Pest Control & Chimney Sweeping Services T: 01303 221008 M: 07857 344770 There will be more from the world of Emma & Bruce aka Bensko in the June Issue. Emma will then be discussing wasps!
the garden
07514 720526 Leigh Mower Services
Bartlett Tree Experts
Located in Kennington, Leigh Mower Services offer competitive rates for the repair of all leading makes of petrol garden machinery. We also offer: • Servicing • Sales • Blade Sharpening
Collection and Delivery Available Contact Mark on 07514 720526 / 01233 663014 email leighmowerservices@gmail.com
E: INFO@STUMPOUT.NET W: WWW.STUMPOUT.NET T: 07969 678 781 7
Stephen Bailey Landscaping
Does your hedge look like this? Bartlett Tree Experts could help! Contact Adam Steggles for a free consultation 01959 525821 sevenoaks@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com Please Mention The
99Garden Landscaping FREE 99Rock Walling ESTIMATES 99Patios & Drives Reasonable 99Fencing & Decking rates together 99Turfing & Tree Work 99Clearance & Groundwork with a personal and friendly 99Hedge & Shrub Cutting 99Water Features service FULLY INSURED & ENVIRONMENT AGENCY REGISTERED
Home: 01303 266552 Mobile: 07747 707409
www.baileylandscaping.co.uk Higher National Diploma in Countryside Management
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the garden www. NATIONAL AWARD WINNER FOR 3 YEARS We Are a Local Company, Installing Block Paving, Natural Stone & Slabs Landscape Designs For Driveways, Patio & Garden Paths
Free Quote & Advice Tel: 01797 344266 Mob: 07836 298020 Email enquiries@terswinpaving.com
Cosy Warm
Is your solid fuel stove ready for winter? For minor repairs (Replacement glass, rope seal & re-spray)
Contact: Kevin 07973 249182 Stove accessories also available:
• Hotspot Flue Cleaner • Stove glass cleaner • Stove rope • Matt black paint 8
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IDEAL TO BURN IMMEDIATELY Full Load £190 / ½ Load £110 Premium Apple Logs £20 extra per load Prompt Reliable Delivery.
Tel:- 01233 732439 or 07793 028 859
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BENSKO Pest Control Services
DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL
Fast effective service for the removal of all pests. Family Run - Fully Insured. Authority Approved.
MICE MOLES SQUIRRELS COCKROACHES
WASPS ANTS FLEAS FLIES RATS
Tel: 01303 221008 Mobile: 07857 344770 e: bensko@talktalk.net www.benskoservices.co.uk
The Complete Landscape Service Professional Garden & Grounds Maintenance Country Estate Maintenance Paddock Maintenance: Mowing, Hedge Cutting, Spraying Wildflower Meadows Planting Plans & Garden Design Hard & Soft Landscaping Pond Renovation, Clearance & Maintenance Professionally trained & qualified 20+ Years of industry experience Call for a free quote today
Vernon Harris Bsc Hort M: 07563 580 775 O: 01233 770668 E: vern@bghorticulture.co.uk www.bghorticulture.co.uk
Paul Thompson Tree Surgery & Fencing
9 • Felling, Pruning & Shaping • Pollarding • Crown Reductions • Hedge Cutting • Garden Clearance
Tel: 01303 267267 Mobile: 07976 625330 e: info@thompsontreesurgery.co.uk w: www. thompsontreesurgery.co.uk
Professional Tree Work Fully Qualified & Insured Environment Agency Registered Council Approved Contractor Please Mention The
• Stump Grinding • Good Job For a Fair Price!
S easoned
LOGS A vailable
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Mowgli by Montgomery Vets
H T
ello everyone, Mowgli here. How are all of you? We are finally enjoying spring. Now I have written that though it is bound to snow..... he main news this month is about Ebony. She is doing quite well on her thyroid medication and has finally had surgery to remove the lump from her ear. Don’t know if you remember but it was only when Clive took bloods to check she was healthy before the anaesthetic that they found out she was hyperthyroid. Hyperthyroid cats are usually thin. Ebony is, um.... still far from thin..... Anyway, she has had her operation and is leaving her stitches alone so all is well. I of course have had to look after her a bit and do a few of her jobs- rabbit watching and making sure the food bowls are always empty......
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B
it of an excitement in the house this week with a shrew under the bed. Jane knows us so well that as soon as she woke up and saw us staring intently under the bed that Clive was sent to the kitchen to get a box to catch the shrew in. Unfortunately he is much better at catching these small creatures than we are so it was soon caught and put outside unharmed. I love shrews. One of the funniest games I have had with Clive was years ago when he hung a new door curtain. It was massive and very heavy with a big thick hem. I hid two shrews in the hem and I was so pleased about it that I refused to leave the curtain- I slept on it, rolled on it and climbed up it all the time. Unfortunately my weight tipped the curtain pole over the edge so the curtain kept falling down. Clive was mad with me for days- he kept fixing the curtain and pole back up and I would then pull the whole lot down again. Eventually the silly humans realised about the shrews. There was a lot of predictable ranting about new curtains, shrews and claw marks, and then the shrews were evicted and the curtain lost its appeal.
W
e are getting new sofas this week. There has been quite a bit of muttering about
this and apparently it is because Ebony and I have scratched the old ones to bits. So we are apparently getting leather sofas because we don’t scratch leather (I would like to add that so far we don’t scratch leather....). Our house is such a silly shape that even though the sofas are very small Clive has to take the doors and the door surrounds down to get the sofas into the house. Sounds like a good opportunity for DIY to me. I like to sit on the shoulder or neck of whoever does DIY and yowl my encouragement. Strangely enough it never seems to go down that well. Us cats are so unappreciated! Will let you know if the sofas fit into the house next month- a lot of measurements have been taken and apparently there are only a few millimetres in it! ~ Mowgli
AT THE EVEGATE CENTRE SMEETH, ASHFORD ‘We treat your pet as if it was our own’ Specialising in all pet animals including exotics & avian. Calm and friendly family run clinic.
Open 7 days a week Full emergency service Ample Free Parking
CALL 01303 813756
www.montgomeryvets.co.uk
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Haven
Boarding Kennels, Cattery & Small Animal Boarding Grooming Parlour (specialist in Handstripping )
Dogs exercised 3 times a day (including in the evening ) Viewings welcomed prior to booking, no appointment required 10am – 4pm Visit our website and video www.havenboardingkennels.com Laws Lane, Mersham, Ashford, TN25 7HG
Tel: 01233 720384 11
• Windows “A” Rated • Conservatories • Doors • Soffits & Facia • Door Canopies WEATHERMAN WINDOWS LIMITED 13 & 15 Bank Street, Ashford, Kent TN23 1DE
Established 1985
TEL: 01233 643242 www.weathermanwindows.co.uk Please Mention The
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From start to finish we offer a complete, professional package to suit your very own requirements and budget.
• • • •
KITCHEN FITTING BATHROOM FITTING BEDROOM FITTING DECORATING
• •
GENERAL BUILDING WORKS FLATPACK FURNITURE ASSEMBLY
Call Tony: 07979 220224 / 01233 610402 e: info@thornbys.co.uk www.thornbys.co.uk
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Mersham £599,995
Brabourne Lees £215,000
Four bed detached bungalow & two bed Three bed attached cottage in heart of detached annex, immaculate throughout. sought after village. Newly decorated and Backing onto open countryside. carpeted throughout. No chain.
Park Farm
East Brabourne
Brabourne Lees
An attractive period cottage set in a beautiful rural location enjoying views of open countryside.
Exceptional immaculate two bedroom house set in a quiet cul de sac within the heart of this most sought after village.
£479,995
This three bedroom detached house situated within a cul-de-sac on the popular Park Farm development has newly refurbished internal and external decoration together with new carpets.
£225,000
£259,995
Canterbury Two bed bungalow, newly refurbished, open plan kitchen and living room, bathroom and new double glazing throughout. Garden with summerhouse and long driveway.
£950 pcm
Maidstone
Brabourne Lees
This stunning character property provides deceptively spacious accommodation in immaculate order throughout.
Rarely available two bed semi detached house in lovely village location. This pretty cottage is stone built and dates back to around 1840. In excellent order..
£995pcm
£850pcm
LEES ROAD • BRABOURNE LEES • Nr ASHFORD • KENT TN25 6QB
SALES: 01303 812515 • LETTINGS:01303 812541 www.stevenjmooreestateagents.co.uk
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Call: 01233 226570
E: info@jlsblinds.co.uk W: www.jlsblinds.co.uk
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Home & Interiors Planning A Master Bedroom
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Your bedroom is a highly personal space, but if you are considering selling, or simply want to enhance your property’s value in the long term, you’ll also need to design it so it has general appeal, says Katherine Sorrell. Your first consideration when planning a master bedroom, large or small, should always be comfort. Zone the space according to how you use it – sleeping, dressing, exercising, checking your laptop, reading – and, if it helps, draw a scaled plan of the room so you can play around with the layout. It’s nice to have your bedhead opposite the window, for example, with
a bedside table each side; remember to allow enough space (experts recommend at least 450mm) around the bed to give you room to change the sheets. To create calm and order while minimising clutter, try to include as much storage as you can squeeze in. A whole wall of fitted wardrobes, with well thoughtout internal drawers and divisions, is a great option, and you can add free-standing pieces such as chests of drawers and blanket boxes for character and flexibility. Given enough floor space, it may also be possible to create a separate dressing area, using a tall bedhead, a bookcase or wide wardrobe as a partition. We can’t escape technology
By Katherine Sorrell
anywhere, and although watching TV is not necessarily conducive to a good night’s sleep it is still a lovely idea to include a TV in the bedroom – ideal for a languorous Sunday morning lie-in with croissants, coffee and a newspaper. If you don’t want to look at a blank screen the rest of the time, fitted furniture manufacturers can provide cupboards from which TVs pop up or slide out, while music specialists offer all sorts of sleek and good-looking speakers and sound systems. You will probably also want a place to connect and site a landline phone, a small desk on which to pop your computer, e-reader or tablet, and somewhere to plug in a charger for your mobile. Even in a bedroom, you can’t have too many plug sockets. Luxurious, wall-to-wall carpet is always a good idea for a master bedroom, and pure new wool has just the right warm, soft, snuggly-toe feel. Choose a high quality underlay for extra bounce and softness. That said, you could combine underfloor heating with engineered wooden boards and beautiful rugs for a more traditional look with plenty of character – and still enjoy warmth underfoot. The latter option, though only possible if you are undertaking major renovations, will also save the space that would have been otherwise taken up with a radiator. Well-designed lighting is an asset in any room, and the master bedroom is no different. A central pendant is fine for general, overhead light, but you
can be more creative elsewhere by adding wall-mounted reading lights beside the bed, a bright, adjustable light above your dressing table and perhaps a table lamp or two to create a gentle glow. Such layers of light will provide a pleasing ambience and give you great flexibility. Conversely, for restful darkness while you are sleeping, ensure your curtains have a good blackout lining, or else choose well-fitting shutters – which will help block out noise, too. The days of carefully matched bed linen and window treatments are long gone, yet it is still important to get this combination right. When the bed is plain, some pattern at the window is lovely, and vice versa – simply avoid two patterns that clash. Plain curtains can look absolutely beautiful if made from a generous amount of fabric, hung from a pole with
pretty finials at the ends, and finished with an edging of ruffles or a contrast border. If privacy is a problem, it may be necessary to add sheer or lace curtains, either full-length or covering the bottom half of the window only. Considering adding an en-suite? Once a luxury, these days they are virtually a necessity, and will certainly make your home more saleable – and may even add value, too. If you have enough room for a walk-in wardrobe, there’s probably enough space to convert to an en-suite, though if you want a proper bath you’ll need to allow a little more room. Alternatively, you could knock through and steal a little space from an adjacent room. When space is tight, compact fittings can be effective, but do make sure they are practical for regular use. While any arrangement is possible in theory, the least expensive place to install an
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en-suite bathroom is close to other plumbing, particularly the soil pipe. And, because the room leads directly off the bedroom, install low-noise sanitaryware and lights on dimmers, with a high-powered extractor fan that’s controlled separately from the light. IMAGE - Soft carpet, sumptuous curtains and a deeply buttoned headboard all add up to a sense of luxury. Huntington bed, £1,175, Sweetpea & Willow, tel 0345 257 2627; www.sweetpeaandwillow.com.
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Being lucky enough to be born and bred in the heart of the Kent Countryside I have childhood memories of great locally grown tasty fresh produce, in the days where Supermarkets were not in abundance and Food Markets and Village stores were a popular and regular place that we bought a lot of our foods.
tales finding the beauty of searching out more local fresh and interesting products, cooking has become more and more popular over the years with celebrity chefs showing us that it is not difficult to produce tasty economical meals even in 15 minutes and dining with others is a very entertaining pastime.
A once a week visit to the local Market and in my case it was Ashford was all most families needed to top up their weekly pantry. Most families were also growing lots of staples in their gardens too because life was different we had the time and skills to produce our own. Sadly things have changed over the years and Supermarkets have got a foothold on most of our lives for almost every product you need in the home, I have heard them described as large car parks with shops attached! Convenience for the faster paced life we lead has been a benefit on our time and perhaps pocket but not on our environment and local farming economy let alone to mention our health, several studies have proven that.
Through Food Fairs, Farmers Markets and Country Markets which are on the increase every month we can re-discover the beauty of REAL food, where it comes from, how it is produced, and what it looks and tastes like in its natural glory.
Food we need it, we love it but do we all really understand the importance of supporting our heritage and the providence of the foods we put on our plate? The Garden of England where we all live has local food and producers in abundance, they are just not widely known as much as they should be, but this is changing. The way in which most of us use and celebrate food is slowly turning around, we are looking back on our childhood memories and Grandparents
Each producer has a great story to tell of their forefathers and of how they may have adapted their farming methods over the years to exist or how just ordinary people with a passion and an idea have started producing products that only our older generations remember creating or buying in their local area. Local food has less far to travel so can be delivered and sold soon after it is picked. The food should be fresh and at its best. Producers also can select varieties for flavour rather than those that travel well or have a long shelf life. These might be heritage varieties or unusual. In each edition of the Village Directory I will endeavour to introduce you to some of the wonderful products and producers right here on your doorstep. Tell you their stories, introduce you to their products and tell you where you can buy them in your local area.
Local Markets
Rhubarb
April/May crop season can go right through to June. Best way to keep for longer is to freeze it. It is the first Fruit of Spring but really is a vegetable. Great for all sorts of pies, deserts and preserves.
Recorded in the 17th century as being used
Ashford Farmer’s Market First Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm in the lower High Street. Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall
in cooking even before sugar was available! it’s usage peaked through 2 World wars.
Hamstreet Victory Hall every third Sunday 10-12pm Contact 01797 344437
In Chinese medicine it has been used as a laxative
Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April)
In Season:
Rye Market Every Thursday at the Cattle Market Car Park. Early till around 3pm (depending on the
April
weather)
Fruit
Salad
Apples Pears Rhubarb
Lettuce
Vegetables Asparagus Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Chicory Greens Kale Rocket Swede Sorrel Turnips Winter Greens
Fish Cockles Cod Crab Halibut Herring John Dory Mackerel Plaice Salmon Sea Bass Sea Trout
Meat & Game Beef Guinea fowl Hare Lamb Mutton Pork Rabbit Veal Venison Wood Pigeon
Rye Country Market Formerly WI Market Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill. Every Friday 10am -11.30am Tenterden Country Market Every Friday 9.30am -11.00am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road. Tenterden High Street Market Friday’s – 0830 – 1400 Wittersham Market Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01797 270757 Wye First and third Saturday of every month on the Village Green in Wye. Tel: 07804 652156 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk
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Cake and Bake Rhubarb & Coconut Meringue Cake There’s plenty of field grown rhubarb about this time of year and it’s perfect for pies, puddings and cakes. When buying choose firm plump stalks of rhubarb – avoid any that are floppy or bruised.
Ingredients:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C, fan 160C, Gas 4. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Grease a 20cm round springform cake tin and line the base with baking paper.
20 • 100g butter, softened
• 100g light soft brown sugar • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 50g self-raising flour • 50g ground hazelnuts • Zest of 1 orange • 300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped • 2 tbsp caster sugar
2. To make the base, place the butter and brown sugar in a bowl and beat together until pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs then sift over the flour and fold in. Gently fold in the ground hazelnuts. Spread the mixture in an even layer in the base of the prepared tin. Arrange the rhubarb over the top and sprinkle over the 2 tbsp caster sugar and orange zest.
3. To make the topping place the egg whites in a clean grease-free bowl and, using an electric hand held mixer, whisk until stiffly peaking. Whisk in the caster sugar until glossy then fold in the coconut.
FOR THE TOPPING • 2 medium egg whites • 50g caster sugar • 75g desiccated coconut • Whipped cream or Greek yoghurt, to serve
Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes
4. Spread the coconut meringue over the top of the rhubarb. Place the tin on the hot baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the topping is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or Greek yoghurt.
TIP
Placing the cake tin on a hot baking sheet will help to ensure that the hazelnut sponge base is cooked through.
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21
What’s On Lambing Live 2016 Saturday 9 April, Agricultural
Museum, Brook, 1pm. See the newborn lambs and calves from Wye Community Farm. BBQ, Beer Tent, Food stalls Museum open, Country crafts, Welly wanging, nail banging, and other country sports. Adults £5, under 16’s free of charge. All proceeds towards WCF’s educational work.
Ashford Decorative & Fine Art Society Tues 12th April, a visit to The Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, for a private tour of their storeroom, then entry to the exhibition “Recording Britain”. Onto the surrealist Farley Farm House for a guided tour. Includes coffee, lunch & coach from Ashford. Call Ruth on 01233 720718. Tues 19th April, Aldington Village Hall, 10.30 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Bringing back the needle, the story of an Obelisk”. The story of the extraordinary journey of Cleopatra’s Needle from the Nile to the Thames. Tues 17 May, Aldington Village Hall, 10.30 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Great Tarts in Art: high culture and the oldest profession”. A combination of art-historical analysis and scandalous anecdote, this lecture looks at attitudes to sexual morality down the ages, as reflected in artistic portrayals. Call Christine on 01233 720241.
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Stanford with Postling WI meet in the Committee
Room at the rear of Lympne Village Hall on the 3rd Monday of every month, excluding August, at 7-30pm. We are a very small but friendly group who would love to welcome some new members. at the next meeting our guest speaker will be Kate Lumley April 18th Agatha Christie, Rosemary Piddock For any further information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona 01303 238390. Stanford with Postling WI Jumble Sale to be held in Sellindge Village Hall on Sat 23rd April from 1 to 3pm Jumble may be left outside the hall from 9am on the day, no electrical items, books, cassettes or videos please.
L i v e Ja z z April /May 16
T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b At T h e To we r To B o o k C a l l : 0 1 3 0 3 2 7 7 1 7 5 April 7th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE CLARK TRACEY QUINTET £10 April 14th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE MICK FOSTER SEXTET £12 April 21st Bernie Stringle & The FJC Present JAZZIN’ JOLSON £12 April 28th Modern Jazz at it’s Best PETER KING & MORNINGTON LOCKETT WITH THE DAVE BARRY TRIO £12 May 3rd BIG BAND JAZZ AT THE FJC The Christ Church University 16pc Big Band Directed by Steve Waterman £12 May 12th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ GEORGINA JACKSON & KAREN SHARP with THE CHRIS INGHAM TRIO £12 May 19th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ LOUISE MARSHALL WITH THE DEREK NASH BAND £12 May 24th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE ALAN BARNES - - BRUCE ADAMS QUINTET £10
Brabourne Sponsored Walk May 14th 2016. Start Friday 1 April Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ from Smeeth church between 9am and 10am for a Society will be meeting in the Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm, for the Annual Spring Show (staging from 6.30 until 7.20 pm) followed by a light hearted quiz. Friday 29 April Alison Marsden will be making a return visit giving a presentation on “Making the Most of Your Front Garden”Visitors will be made most welcome. For further information contact Wendy on The Hythe and Romney Marsh R.A.F. Association 01303 813 451 or e: brabournewendy@gmail.com . is holding a fund raising coffee morning at the New Romney Methodist church hall on Saturday 14th Saturday May 14th - Brabourne Area Sponsored March, 10am until 2pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits are Walk or Cycle. A chance to explore the countryside free but a donation in our collecting boxes would be and villages surrounding Brabourne and Smeeth appreciated ! There will be various stalls including with a choice of a 7 mile or 10 mile walk or a 17 mile cycle. Pick up a route map and checkpoint card from home made cakes, books, bri-a-brac etc. beautiful 10 mile circuit through the villages around Brabourne. Proceeds go to Brabourne School and Church. Either mail hesterfenwick@hotmail.com for more details and a sponsorship form or turn up and pay to join (£5 for adults, £3 for children).
the Oak Room near Smeeth church between 9 and 10am and follow the route at your leisure, including a lunch at The Black Horse, Monks Horton for added energy. Entry free with sponsorship (form available from Hesterfenwick@Hotmail.com) or £5 for adults/£3 for children on the day. All proceeds to Brabourne CEP School and The Friends of Brabourne Church. For further information, call 01303 814432
BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH
Plain Road, Brabourne Lees, Kent TN25 6QN Pastor Tim Simpson Tel:01303 813257 Ladies Breakfast; Come along for a cooked breakfast
and good company on Saturday April 9 at 8.45am. Bring a friend! Guest Speaker; Pam Barr will talk about her recent visit to Malawi where she worked in a refuge for trafficked children. She will also be selling handmade tote bags to raise money for mosquito nets. A contribution of £4 per person is requested on the day. Please phone Val 01303 813152 or Tim 01303 813257
Art Club We will meet on Tuesday April 12 from
10am – 12noon. We will be doing our own work but Vi will be available if anyone wants help or advice with their own project. Further details from Mike on 01303 812484
Art Exhibition On Saturday April 23 10am - 4.30pm.
Presented by the members of Brabourne Baptist Church Art Club. All are welcome to come and see our exhibition of drawings, paintings and other art work. Further details from Mike on 01303 812484
MP’S Surgery: Our MP Damian Collins, will be holding
his monthly surgery at Brabourne Baptist Church from 3.45pm to 4.30pm on Friday April 15. If you have any questions, complaints or comments, please book an appointment by e-mailing your name, post code, subject and message to: shepwayconservatives@ btconnect.com or telephone 01303 253 524
Café Wednesday; The Café is open every Wednesday
from 10am to 11.30am. Pop in for a warm friendly chat, caring atmosphere, tea coffee and biscuits. Choice of books available. Café Wednesday Extra; We are also open every second Wednesday of the month from 12 noon for soup and rolls, coffee or tea followed by a short reflection. Cost is still only £1. All welcome! Church Bookings If you wish to book the church hall for a meeting or function, please phone Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152
Sunday Services: There is a regular service at 10.30am every week. Morning Worship is followed by refreshments in the side hall.
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Hobbies Hallelujah! Why Joining A Choir Is Something To Celebrate By Kate McLelland
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It’s my first session with my local community choir but we’ve spent the past twenty minutes doing physical exercises, learning breathing techniques and attempting tongue twisters. I’m wondering when I will actually get the chance to sing? As if he could read my mind, Graham - the Choir Director - launches into an explanation of why it’s so important to spend time warming up both our bodies and our voices. At the end of a two-hour session, during which we tackle songs ranging from “All That Jazz” from the musical Chicago to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, my new choir buddies and I are all excited and elated. We are already discussing the possibility of taking part in a local festival. Back at home, reflecting on my first ever choral session, it occurred to me that there’s a lot more to joining a choir than just enjoying a good sing-along, and this view is backed up by a number of high profile experts in the world of the arts, education and medical science. Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London has extensively studied the developmental and medical aspects of singing. He claims that the health benefits are both physical and psychological.
“Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting.” He believes that singing is also important for mental health: “reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system, which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being.” He also believes that there are psychological benefits from the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour that comes from choral singing. Choirs come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important to find one that suits you: CLASSICAL CONCERT CHOIRS OR CHORAL SOCIETIES Large choirs that stage several concerts throughout the year, sometimes with an orchestra. They may perform concert works such as Mozart’s Requiem or Handel’s Messiah. CHURCH CHOIRS Depending on the type of worship practised by the congregation, you could find yourself singing traditional sacred music, gospel songs or modern hymns that sound more like pop hits.
COMMUNITY CHOIRS AND OTHER SINGING GROUPS Depending on what’s available in your local area you might find choirs that sing rock and pop, songs from the shows, folk songs or even beatbox and rap. Generally speaking any group that describes itself as a ‘community choir’ is less likely to require you to audition or read music. When looking for a choir to join you can either do some research on the internet (try www.choirs. org.uk) or ask around locally. The arts page in your local newspaper will tell you which choirs are performing in your area. Most choirs are happy to welcome new members so get in touch with the Choir Director to ask about the standard expected of new members. Do you need to audition? Is reading music a requirement? How much does it cost to join and what is the commitment? Being in a choir provides an opportunity to sing songs you love with like-minded people, and to share your love of music with others through performance. If that doesn’t persuade you to join, then the health and wellbeing aspects of choral singing certainly should.
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the home All Aboard! Learn to Sail at Conningbrook Lakes With the warm spring weather fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to learn how to sail with the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club's Sailing School (RCPYC Limited) at Conningbrook Lakes Country Park. Starting this month RCPYC Sailing School is offering Stage 1 and 2 courses in dinghy sailing for youngsters aged 8 to 18. A two-day course costs £45 per day and participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement upon passing. All workshops are led by qualified Royal Yachting Association instructors with safety boat on hand. After passing Stage 1 and 2 youngsters have acquired the skills to sail in most weather conditions safely and can take part in open events. Adults looking to learn how to sail can sign up to a Level 1 Dinghy Sailing course this spring. The course of six afternoon sessions cost £35 per session and participants must attend at least four to pass. Adults and children who have attended a beginner’s course, or who have sailed before, are welcome to join weekly Sunday sailing afternoons. The sessions run every Sunday from 2pm to 5pm and start on 13th March. A boat and sailing kit is provided, subject to availability, or participants are welcome to bring their own kit. East Kent Yachting Association Chairman, Helen Hofmann, said: “Conningbrook Lakes Country Park provides the perfect setting to learn how to sail. We aim to make sailing both safe and fun, enabling people of all ages to develop an enjoyment for the sport.” Conningbrook Lakes Sailing is run by the Sailing School of the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, and is supported by Ashford Borough Council. If you would like more information about the sailing training courses, please call 079101 23259, or email sailingschool.rcpyc@gmail.com For further details on the country park and current opening times visit the website at www.ashford.gov.uk/conningbrook-lakes Conningbrook Lakes is sited next to the Julie Rose Stadium on Willesborough Road, Ashford.
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25
health & beauty
Beauty Spring Is In The Air by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
Spring is a great time to clear out the makeup bag (or overflowing cupboard in my case) and treat yourself to a few new goodies.
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How pretty is this new palette from Paul & Joe? Teaming an eye shadow duo with a powder blush, the palette is available in two shades: Papillons de Printemps and Floral Nectar (pictured). Retailing at £28 each, they’re not cheap, but the colours are easy to apply and you’ll be the envy of the other bathroom mirror hoggers on a night out. If you really want to splash out, Paul & Joe have also released some new lipsticks, in three vibrant spring shades. Many people find that they need to buy a new foundation for spring/summer, their skin loses its winter hibernation paleness. (Or that’s my excuse anyway.) The new Aqua Glow
as
Serum Foundation by Stila combines foundation with a treatment serum. It gives great, natural looking coverage, while hydrating and softening skin. 94% of testers reported dramatically improved skin tone. If you can’t wait to take your makeup off at the end of the day because your face feels dry and uncomfortable, you need to try this foundation. It contains hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that help to keep skin hydrated for up to 12 hours after applying it. Available in 10 shades, the Aqua Glow Serum Foundation retails at £34.50. If your hair is looking a little ‘meh’, but there’s still weeks to go until your next trip to the salon, try a KC Color Mask. Available in 14 shades, including platinum, golden copper, plum and coffee, these masks revitalise coloured hair. A small amount helps to maintain the hair colour and add brightness, while a larger amount can deepen the colour intensity. Just apply to freshly washed hair, comb through, leave for up to ten minutes and wash out. They’re particularly useful for toning down brassy tones in blonde hair, and giving depth
to darker shades. The masks also contain Pro-Vitamin B5 and keratin derivative, to help repair the cuticle. Prices start from under £5. Spring demands a lighter, fresher fragrance, and Yardley London has just released the perfect one. English Daisy is reminiscent of a wildflower meadow – floral, but not too sweet. It’s unashamedly girly, with notes including hyacinth and white rose, warmed with sandalwood and musk. And, at just £19.99 for 50ml, it’s a bit of a bargain. Team it with the English Daisy body lotion, £6.50 and embrace the warmer weather.
health & beauty
means it’s a lot easier to drag the kids out for a walk (although it’ll be a while before we’re out of our wellies I reckon). Along with wet wipes and plasters, the one thing I always take with me is Pure & Light Organic’s Essential Family on-the-Go Cream. It’s packed with plantderived vitamins, and helps to treat everything from insect bites and bruises to eczema. The 18 natural active ingredients include soothing calendula, hydrating shea butter and nourishing avocado. Priced at £15, it’s available from www. pureandlightorganic.eu and www.lovelula.co.uk.
I’m finding that the sun’s reappearance
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Aldington WI on 3rd Mon every month. All ladies
welcome, 7 for 7.30 at The Walnut Tree, Aldington. The Get Together Club meet second Wednesday of the month in the Durling Hall, Sellindge from 2pm to 4pm. new members welcome. Stanford & Postling WI meet in the comittee room at the rear of Lympne Village Hall on the 3rd monday of every month. we are a small but friendly group who would love to wlecome new members. Our speakers at the next few meetings are: March 21st Porchlight, Kate Lumley, April 18th Agatha Christie, Rosemary Piddock. for any futher information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390. East Kent Morris Men Do you like dancing, beer, socialising, music, having fun? Why not try Morris Dancing? We are recruiting for new members. Weekly Wednesday dance practices start on September 9th at Mersham Village Hall, 8pm to 10pm; afterwards we practise drinking in the pub opposite! No experience required. Why not give it a try? Details from www. ekmm.org.uk or 01795 536 262 Sellindge Gardening Association meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Durling Hall Sellindge (next to the main hall) at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Our programme includes speakers, a summer show, social events, day trips and an annual holiday. For further details contact Linda on 01303 813288. Bilsington Ladies meet in Bilsington Village Hall 2nd Thursday of the month at 2.15pm. Interesting speakers and a warm welcome awaits. Call Jan on 01233 641820. Smeeth W.I. We meet on the second Monday of the Month at 7.30 pm in the Brabourne & Smeeth village hall for further information do contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165” Sellindge Table Top Sale the 1st Saturday of each month in the village hall Sellindge. Tables booked in advance are £5. 00 Each and on the day
Clubs & Societies (If available) £8. 00. Telephone for more information 01303 813475. Refreshments are available and home made cakes. A New Quilting Group held in the Oak Room, Smeeth TN25 6SA. If you are interested in quilting or patchwork why not come along and learn new skills and share your expertise with like minded people. Beginners and advanced levels are welcome. Bi-monthly meetings, for further information contact Marion on 01233 750319
Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society
We meet on the last Friday of the month at Brabourne & Smeeth Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm. New members and visitors will be made very welcome. For further info call Wendy Sanders 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com.
Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the
month in the Aldington Village Hall at 7.45 pm for 8.00. We have a varied programme of talks, shows and social events. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further details please contact Jean Evans on 01233 720618 or colin.e123@ btinternet.com Ashford Soroptimists Second Tues of the month, 7.15pm, except August, in Tesco Crooksfoot Community Room. We are part of a global organisation whose aims are to improve the lives and status of women and girls through education. In addition we also have fun, with a programme of social activities. If you think you may be interested in joining us do please give us a call. Contact Sue Wood 01233 623902 Ashford Radio Aeromodellers, we have a field at Sellindge for flying seven days a week, and fly indoors in Ashford Market on various Thursday evenings during the Autumn, Winter, & Spring, please visit www.araclub.co.uk for more details, or phone Iain on 07956501510, or myself (Roger) 01233 627694.
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Puzzle Time
Word Ladder
Sudoku Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition! That’s all there is to it, you solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic there’s no maths involved and no adding up. It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s addictive!
Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.
C O O L
©Puzzlepress.co.uk
30 Across 7. Sight (6) 8. Female relative (6) 9. Largest continent (4) 10. Fit and healthy (8) 11. Beetles, ants etc (7) 13. Animal furs (5) 15. Invoices (5) 17. Considers (7) 20. Taking small bites (8) 21. Solely (4) 23. Distributed (6) 24. A capital city (6) Down 1. Fasteners (4) 2. Buccaneer (6) 3. Young children (7) 4. Sailing boat (5) 5. Involuntary action (6) 6. Menacing (8) 12. Loudest (8) 14. Harshly (7)
W A R M
Crossword 1
2
3
4
6
8
7
10
9
11
5
12
13 14
15
16
17
18
19 21
20
23
16. Hard work (6) 18. Drenches (6)
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19. Feathered friends? (5) 22. Stolen goods (4)
the home
Plumbing & Heating Services
All plumbing work undertaken no job too small! Burst pipes, Blockages, Taps, Pumps, Radiators & Drainage work. Bathroom & Shower Installation
Call: Michael on 01233 733779 or 07515 651 717 No Call Out Charge. 24hr Service
Derek Hales
MASTER TILER
Specialist in all Forms of Wall and Floor Tiling
Clean, friendly and reliable For your free quotation call Derek
Please Mention The
07905 700 142 Mersham Based
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31
Finance
By Ann Haldon
Don’t be Taken In By The Pension Scammers
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Since new pension regulations were introduced in 2015, conmen have been using the new freedoms to target people approaching retirement. One of the scams involves telling those under the age of 55 that a ‘legal loophole’ allows them access to their full pension, with no requirement to pay tax on the money withdrawn (in reality, a rate of up to 55%). Pension monies are then moved into an alternative scheme run by the fraudsters, with savings either being stolen or severely diminished after extortionate charges are made for the ‘service’. To make matters worse, HM Revenue and Customs has been sending out bills to reclaim tax on the amounts withdrawn, leaving victims of the scam with no pension savings and in large-scale debt in some cases. HOW CAN THE CONMEN OPERATE SO EFFECTIVELY? Although younger people are a clear target for pension scammers, those aged 55 and over are also under threat. With no restrictions on how pension savings can be used, unscrupulous individuals and criminal groups are taking advantage of a lack of regulation within the industry, plus an uncertainty about how best to invest such a large amount of money.
Inefficient systems also form part of the problem, enabling conmen to set up these rogue pension schemes. HM Revenue and Customs are not pension regulators, but having introduced a ‘fit and proper person’ test in 2014, they have at least attempted to control the potential for fraudulent activity. HMRC has the power to deregister or refuse to register a new pension scheme, but some have said they should take more responsibility for what is happening to victims, rather than chasing them for tax payments. PROJECT BLOOM TASKFORCE A new taskforce has been set up by the government and the National Crime Agency to combat the problem of pension fraud. A ‘perfect storm’ of new pension regulations, lack of awareness about where to reinvest, and the fact that large sums of money are involved, has enabled scammers to get away with too many sophisticated cons. It’s hoped that Project Bloom will bring awareness to the issue, however, and specific advice is offered to anyone concerned about their pension. You need to be wary of: • Anyone offering a ‘free pension review’ or access to your pension pot if you’re under the age of fifty-five • Offers of help to obtain a pension statement, or to provide a tracing service for lost pensions The Pensions Advisory Service provides free advice if you’re worried about potential scams, or to discuss your pension options in general. A SOPHISTICATED APPROACH One of the problems is that
scammers set up sophisticated systems and procedures that include glossy brochures and polished, well-rehearsed speeches. This makes the entire con appear legitimate unless you’re aware that this type of fraud is taking place. Bringing awareness of what’s happening is key to combating crimes like this, and hopefully Project Bloom will help to prevent more people suffering the devastating loss of their retirement income. WATCH OUT FOR FAKE WEBSITES Fraudsters are even setting up fake websites with names very similar to legitimate bodies offering free advice. They may be able to gain access to your personal information in this way, and then contact you directly via phone or email. It pays to check the web address you’re typing in very carefully, to ensure that the site is legitimate and not part of the fraudsters’ arsenal of tricks. http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/ money/investing-pensions/pensionliberation-scam-victims-facinghuge-tax-bills-11364036908047 http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/pensions/article-3419232/ Should-pension-scam-victims-lettax-bills.html http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/pensions/article-3397828/ Three-tell-tale-signs-dupedpension-fraudsters.html
the home HRB Installations
Jakeman & Jakeman Homecare Steve Jakeman
Handyman Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Decoration and Maintenance
01233 625442 07910591393
Agricultural & Commercial Electrical Services 13 Years Experience
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Lympne 01303 470243 info@hrbinstallations.com
219 Canterbury Road, Kennington, Ashford, Kent TN24 9QH
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Call: 01233 665107
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Established ELECSA Part P Registered Electrician All types of work undertaken including: • Lighting, sockets and rewires, garden electrics • Fault finding and repairs • Test and Inspect certification • 3 phase installations
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Contact Phil Manning
Tel: 07739018050 / 01303 813132
Email: philmanning@gemmashay.co.uk
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www.stanfordconservatories.co.uk All Work Fully Insured Start & Completion Times Guaranteed
• Conservatories - Advice, design & CAD • General building & renovations • General Maintenance & Repairs • Paths, patios, driveways, block or paving • Decking and Car Ports Please Mention The
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J.A.G.E.R
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www.gpelectricalandplastering.co.uk Friendly, Professional Service - Free Estimates, Fully Insured Plastering Artex Covering Walls and Ceilings Renovations & more...
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Office: 01233 820400 James: 07912 030 574 Elliott: 07891 175 422
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PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES BATHROOM SUITES BLOCKAGES & BURST PIPES TAPS BALL VALVES HOT & COLD TANKS INSTALLATIONS
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the home MINI DIGGER & OPERATOR FOR HIRE MICK ATTWELL
mickattwell@aol.co.uk
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Oil Heating & Oil Cookers R-OAK Services M. Oakley & O.Stanley - Oil-fired Specialists Breakdowns & Servicing • Boiler Installation • Power Flushing AGA, Rayburn, Alpha, Stanley, Worcester, Tel: 01233 770138 www.ohoc.co.uk Grant, Boulter, Potterton, Trianco and more... 35
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The Village Directory Coverage
Delivered by Royal Mail to 56,400 Homes & Businesses
PUZZLE ANSWERS Kid’s Corner: There are 11 shiny coins on the page.
Sudoku: Word Ladder: COOL word wool ward wood WARM
Crossword:
s ’ r he
is F BobGarage
motoring You may be surprised what a small country garage can offer today’s motorist! A personal friendly service on your door step at affordable prices.
SELLINDGE
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• Servicing • Mechanical Repairs • Tyres
Tel: 01303 814131 www.bobfcars.co.uk
• Body Repairs & Paint Work • Batteries & Exhausts
Also a Good Selection of Quality Small Used Cars
ANDREWS garage The Plain • Smeeth • Ashford • Kent • TN25 6RA
A family run business for over 55 years
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MOT Testing Centre
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Tel: 01303 814860 m: 07725 124891 Please Mention The
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37
useful information Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch
Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden
Crimestoppers
Contact Mike Wharrad
101 0800 555 111
Out of Hours Doctor 0845 4349655 William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331
Samaritans
www.samaritans.org Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG
08457 90 90 90
0845 770 8090 0800 783 8866 0800 111 999 Details on tank
01233 730190 01303 812180
Parish Councils: Aldington & Bonnington
38
01233 721757
E: clerk@ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk www.ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Brabourne & Smeeth Mersham & Sevington
St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 www.eastkentstrokes.org
SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com
Royal British Legion CPRE Kent
01233 620 167 01233 714540
Royal Mail Residential Customer Services
08457 740740
National Train Enquiries
Doctors Surgery Hamstreet Surgery Sellindge Surgery
01233 623520
01233 623902 01233 720816
Ashford Borough Council 01233 331111 W: www.ashford.gov.uk
Ashford Gateway 0845 8 247 247 Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185 Brabourne and Smeeth Community Warden: Graham Kingston 07813 712805
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Bus Enquiries Arriva Bus Enquiries Stage Coach East Kent (Timetable) (Customer Services)
0844 800 44 11 0871 200 22 33 08456 00 22 99
Village Halls Aldington Brabourne & Smeeth Bilsington Hamstreet Mersham Smeeth Stowting Sellindge Sellindge Spts & Soc. Club
01233 720213 01303 813234 01233 720818 01233 732568 01233 503192 01303 814977 01303 863520 01303 813250 01303 812437
Veterinary Surgeons Montgomery Vets
01303 813756
Ashford Volunteer Centre 01233 665 535 Age UK Ashford 01233 668 765 www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com CARM E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com W: Www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk
High Pressure Jetting Service & Repair to Sewage treatment plants Soakaway Testing
Macmillan Cancer Support W: www.forget-me-nots.co.uk
Cesspool Emptying Service
01233 840624
Disclaimer: Every care is taken to ensure this directory is as accurate as possible but the publishers do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions.
Safe & Reliable Car, Minibus and Coach Hire Since 1980
www.amb-travel.co.uk
Day Trips & Excursions
We operate our own brochure with pick-ups (via two small feeder routes) including Ashford, Charing, Dover, Folkestone, Hamstreet, Hothfield, Hythe, Lydd, Maidstone, New Romney, Sellinge to some of the best destinations in South East England, in London and local Europe. Historic houses, museums, gardens, battlefield tours, exhibitions, theatres and shows - you'll be spoilt for choice and there's something for everyone!
EARLY BIRD OFFER SAVE UP TO £5 Get £5 off per person, per excursion when you book online (or £3 off when you book with our office). Offer ends 30th April 2016 T&C’s apply see brochure for details.
Our NEW 2016 BROCHURE is out NOW!
Request a copy via our website or call our office ADULT SNR CHILD APRIL 2016 Sat 9th Kennet and Avon Cruise with Cream Tea £43 £42 £38 Wed 13th Boulogne or Le Touquet £30 £29 £25 Sat 16th Brighton Free Time £21 £20 £15 Sat 16th Brighton Pavilion £35 £33 £30 Wed 20th Afternoon Drive with Cream Tea £20 £19 £15 Wed 27th Sissinghurst Castle via Tunbridge Wells £27 £26 £22
May 2016 Sat 7th Ostende and PJ’s with Tram Ride Tue 10th Hastings or Eastbourne Thur 19th Bletchley Park Thur 19th Milton Keynes Sat 21st Royal Windsor and River Cruise Sat 21st Royal Windsor Free Time Sat 28th IWM Duxford Sat 28th Cambridge Tue 31st Brick Lane Music Hall 60’s Show
£37 £35 £32 £21 £20 £15 £39 £38 £28 £25 £24 £20 £28 £27 £23 £21 £20 £16 £38 £37 £26 £25 £24 £20 £64 £63
Our new brochure details excursions right through until March 2017
View our excursions via our website and book securely online, you can even choose your seats, or for more information call our team
www.amb-travel.co.uk
01233 626 952
39
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