Aldington April 2017

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village directory

The

April 2017

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Welcome Hi everyone welcome to the April edition.

Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies is. The bird is on the wing, no, that’s absurd, the wing is on the bird! My dad used to recite this poem (often) while I was growing up, now when the first signs of spring appear it’s the first thing that pops into my mind.

The next thing that comes to mind is “What will we do this year to make the most of the great outdoors, and at the same time create some great memories? Although Easter is on the way, it’s still very early to count on the weather, but as soon as the sun shines I’ll be out there lapping it up.

Last year we invested in a gas BBQ for a big family get together. We couldn’t wait to try it out, so we arranged for my brother and sisterin-law to help us! We had a drink or two while the food cooked, then we ate until we were full and turned the BBQ off. An hour or so later we felt peckish again, so we turned the BBQ back on and did the same again. Then even later still, the BBQ was turned on yet again. It was then that I fully understood the advantage of a gas BBQ, the ability to turn it on at a moment’s notice and immediately prepare your food (if there’s any left!). What was planned as a BBQ practice run turned into a 12 hour BBQ Marathon. Needless to say we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! If the weather allows, I know what I’ll be doing this Easter weekend!

Keep your fingers crossed for some great weather and have a wonderful Easter.

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Flower Power

by Pippa Greenwood

Blooming Hollyhock Flower

You can grow a huge range of flowers from seed at home.

It’s amazingly inexpensive and surprisingly easy too. If you’re after some long-term residents for your flower borders then rather than paying several pounds for each and every plant you buy, why not be a bit more adventurous and grow your own from seed?

Just about every perennial flower - that’s those that last for years and don’t have to be replaced on an annual basis - is available to grow from seed, and although you’ll have to wait until the plants have put on plenty of growth before they start to perform, once they have reached flowering size, they’ll just keep on and on performing! There are lots to choose from, including lupins, silene, Echinaceae, geranium, perennial poppies, delphiniums, gaillardia, hollyhocks, rudbeckia and salvia. Pay a visit to your local garden centre or study the pages of some seed catalogues and start plotting and planning what you’d like; you could save

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yourself a fortune, and all from a packet or two of seed.

To get started, all you need are some containers into which you can sow the seed – I like to use half-sized seed trays, RootTrainers or smaller individual cells. You will also need some good quality compost and your chosen seeds. The job will be all the easier and better if you have something to tamp down the compost too, plus labels, a permanent marker, a dibber and some vermiculite (for covering seeds that need some light to germinate well).

Compost often has a fair number of lumps in it, so sieving it through a compost sieve (which has much larger holes than a kitchen sieve) will allow you to remove the larger lumps, leaving fine compost perfect for seed sowing. If you sieve it straight into the pots, cells or trays, make sure you collect up any that falls on the surface below.

Once the compost is in the

tray or pot, firm it down so that there are no large gaps beneath the surface, as you don’t want subsidence later on. Levelling it off will make it easier to ensure the seeds are all sown evenly and at the same depth. You can make your own tamper using a piece of wood with a small block of wood nailed to it to make a ‘handle’.

When it comes to sowing the seed, it is worth remembering that it is easier to look after the seedlings later on if the seed has been sown in rows, rather than randomly scattered.

Straight rows are easily made using a plastic plant label.

Check the seed packets for the precise depths at which the seed needs to be sown as this will differ from variety to variety. If you are sowing seeds in small cells then it is easier to make the holes using a dibber. If you don’t have one, a pencil works perfectly well!

RootTrainers are particularly useful for larger seeds such as sunflowers. Sowing the

The Garden seed thinly along the drills in a seed tray makes life easier later on. Sown too densely, the seedlings that emerge will need more thinning out, and will be more likely to become drawn, leggy and weak, whereas given a bit more space they tend to be a lot sturdier.

Once in place, just cover the seed with compost.

If you are sowing larger seed into cells, just pop the seeds in to the prepared holes and cover to the required depth.

The ideal sowing depth will be stated on the seed packet – it is not too exact a science, but it is best to get it about right!

When all the seeds are sown, use a watering can with the rose attached to water the compost thoroughly. If the seed sown was quite small

then it is best to water the compost by standing the tray in a shallow tray or bowl of water, and allow the compost to absorb the water from below – this way the seeds are less likely to be displaced.

Finally, don’t forget to label your seed trays clearly, ideally with a permanent marker. You may think you’ll remember what is in each tray, but seedlings don’t always resemble the full-grown plants that closely. Many perennials need heat for the seed to germinate reliably. Put the trays, pots or cells into a propagator, standing each on moist capillary matting. Once the seedlings appear, gradually lower the temperature and then prick each one out into its own pot. Allow them to

grow on, keeping them fed and watered as necessary. In just a few weeks or months you can have some great plants ready for the garden.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls for leather jackets, vine weevils and other pests, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

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For all your fencing needs ...

Woodchurch Fencing are a family run business and offer a friendly and reliable service. We aim to cover all our customers' needs whether it be fencing repairs or a new installation.

We pride ourselves on our high quality workmanship and attention to detail and only use the best quality materials. We have an excellent local reputation and will continue to provide a consistent level of service to all our clients, old and new. We aim to leave our customers not just feeling that they have had a product erected or installed, but that they have received a highly professional service with a very personal touch.

Owner, Timothy Thomson, started the business when he looked to move away and diversify from Agriculture. Tim has over ten years experience in fencing and is also a farmers son and, as such, has been involved in all types of agriculture and equestrian fencing all his life.

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Garden, Agricultural, Equestrian, Gates and Security.

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Mowgli

by Montgomery Vets

H

ello everyone, Mowgli here.

Unbelievably it is nearly Easter already!

Ebony and I quite enjoy Easter. What do you other cats think of it? Traditionally of course Easter is a time for rabbits and chicks.

Ridiculous of course for cats to be left out so I make sure that I am at the forefront of many Easter activities to underline the point that cats are part of Easter too! In our house the humans bring in some twigs and get Josh to hang tiny wooden decorations on the twigs.

I probably don’t need to tell you how much I enjoy both the twigs and the decorations. I rearrange them at least daily. I also modify the decorations if possible. Josh has a whole herd of little wooden rabbits whose ears regularly get glued back on. At least once a day someone can be heard to shout ‘Moo’s done it again!’ (I think you all know my nickname by now…..) and Josh goes rushing off to sort out his display. You see- not only being part of Easter but keeping the humans busy. It is hard work being a cat.

hoard of my things….

I

was talking to Jane about Easter and she told me that in America there is a movement to make cats part of Easter. People dress their cats up in rabbit ears and post photos of them. Go on- google it….. Ridiculous I think.

As if cats’ ears could be improved. Who would want to look like a rabbit anyway? Having

I

also like a good Easter egg hunt. My favourite is when the humans are foolish enough to use the really small eggs. These are easy to carry in my mouth and amazing to bat around a wooden floor. Josh wanders around the house t slowly putting them into a basket. Meanwhile I have usually managed to appropriate over half of them for myself. I carry or bat them to the kitchen and have a wonderful time posting them under the boot room door. In the old house I posted things under the dresser. In this house over time I have graduated to posting things under the boot room door. For some reason (known only to the door itself ) it has a bit of brushing on the bottom. I can poke my paws through it and post things in a very satisfying way.

Whenever one of the humans opens the boot room door there on the top step is a lovely

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The Home

said that I think Josh made some rabbit ears at nursery. I might just go and find them…

Haven

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Footnote: the whole cat in ears thing didn’t go too well. They were just too tempting. I will see if Jane can send you all a photo...

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Mowgli

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Home & Interiors Refresh Your Home For Spring away; don’t let worn out, unusable and unnecessary items take up much-needed space. Let go of them and you’re bound to feel better: it’s like therapy for your interior.

As our gardens start to grow and blossom fills the trees, it’s time to think about refreshing and reenergising our homes ready for a stylish spring.

Clear the clutter There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned tidy up to make your home feel re-booted. Heavy winter duvets, furry throws and cable-knit hot water bottles can all be stored out of the way, while at the same time this is a good opportunity to go through shelves and cupboards and get rid of anything you no longer need. Give it to charity, hold a car boot sale, sell it in on Ebay – whatever works best. If it’s broken, mend it or throw it

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Clean house Now that you have lots of lovely clear space, you will probably notice that some of your house could do with an extra-special deep clean. How good will you feel when you have washed down your front door, wiped all your shelves and light fittings, shampooed your rugs, washed your loose covers and curtains and taken your duvets to the launderette?

To say nothing of cleaning your mirrors and windows – there’s nothing like a bit of scrunched-up newspaper and white vinegar for giving them a wonderful sparkle.

Have a brush with paint Take a long hard look at your paintwork. Be honest: has some of it seen better days? Perhaps windows need sanding and repainting, or door frames need touch-ups where they’ve had knocks and bashes over the years? Or maybe a whole room could do with a makeover? You simply can’t beat the spick-andspan look of a newly painted space; it’s a relatively quick and inexpensive DIY job that creates

By Katherine Sorrell an overall impression going above and beyond the effort involved.

Introduce colour Now’s the time to ditch dark, heavy and gloomy winter shades and get fresh with spring-like colour. Yellow, blue and green are all traditionally associated with spring – and it just so happens that Pantone’s colour of the year is gorgeous ‘Greenery’, described as ‘a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew’. Use liberally with plenty of bright white for a really clean, fresh look for the season.

Include a dash of pattern Your clean, clear backdrop of pale spring colours is perfect for adding pops of pattern to make an impact. Chevrons are still having a moment, as are triangles and geometrics in general (especially if they have a tribal feel), as well as tropicals, textures (think chunky knits or grassy weaves), graphic botanicals such as ferns and leaves and the natural patterns of marble and stone.

Up your game with accessories Out with the old and in with the new: replace accessories that have seen better days with

The Home on-trend items such as cushions and throws, duvet covers, vases, prints, small storage containers, mirrors, clocks, table lamps and plants (quick tip: grab a succulent, a cactus or an air plant for fashion-forward houseplant style). You really don’t have to spend a fortune to overhaul your look dramatically.

summer…

Add some scent We all want a beautifully scented home – but instead of artificial air fresheners, whether spray or plugin, use scented candles, avoiding paraffin-based ones in favour of natural wax. Alternatively, try reed diffusers with essential oils, or simply arrange locally sourced, scented flowers (the ones imported from abroad don’t tend to smell so good). And one last thing – if possible, try to dry your laundry in the sunshine outdoors – you just can’t beat that beautiful fresh smell.

Left Bottom: Ceramic door knob with gold-painted edge, £4.99: Ian Snow, 01271 858649; iansnow. com.

Image Top Left: Artificial bulb jar £5; faceted vase (set of three) £12; short botanic herb jug £12 (small) and £25 (large); green glass tea light holder £5 (large) and £4 (small); fern glass tea light holder £10.50: all from The Contemporary Home, 02392 469400; tch.net.

Bring the outdoors in Now the warmer weather is here, open the windows as much as possible, and get some air circulating around your home. It might even be warm enough to sit outside in a patch of sunshine – so think about pressure washing your patio, scrubbing up your barbecue and cleaning down your outdoor furniture ready for some outdoor entertaining.

After all, it’s not that long until

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Mersham

Sellindge

Brabourne Lees

Seven bedroom detached village property, offering flexible accommodation and far reaching countryside views.

Surprisingly spacious three bedroom property with excellent ground floor accommodation comprising of lounge, quality fitted kitchen, dining room, family bathroom and conservatory.

Situated in the heart of the most sought after village, this three bed semi-det. bungalow offers spacious accomodation with surprisingly large rooms, incl 18’ x 14’ lounge/diner.

£575,000

£370,000

£310,000

Smeeth

Sellindge

Ashford

Spacious individual detached bungalow, standing on a slightly elevated plot in the heart of the sought after village.

A rare opportunity to purchase an individual three bed detached bungalow with fields to side and rear on the edge of this popular village.

Arranged over three floors this very well presented property offers excellent space, making a practical and attractive family home.

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Brabourne Lees

A rarely available two bedroom semidetached village bungalow. This property is tucked away in a small pedestrian area to the rear of the large village green.

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Brabourne Lees

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Willesborough

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Don’t Just Leave Your Care To The Kids

by Kate McLelland A debate about how we will fund social care - now and in the future - is currently raging, with politicians blaming each other for the looming crisis.

These days the media is full of stories about vulnerable older people let down by fifteenminute home care visits. Added to this, the Guardian recently reported that the country has lost almost 1,500 residential care homes in the past six years.

All this may leave you wondering what quality of care we can expect in the coming years. If you have children, it may be tempting to ignore the negative headlines, in the hope that your offspring will look after you when the time comes. But given the way lifestyles are changing and new working patterns are emerging, this could be a risky strategy: you would be wise to put an alternative plan in place.

Blame the economy Nowadays, economic pressures are forcing families to live further apart. Research carried out by the WRVS found that a reduction in job security, coupled with changes in the labour market, has driven many families to live elsewhere. 82 per cent of adults who moved away from their parents did so for work reasons, with the result that 10 per cent of

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older people now live more than an hour’s drive away from their nearest child.

We’re all living longer Thanks to improvements in health care, older people are now living longer. Parents are also waiting longer before having their first child – statistics gathered last year showed that first-time mums in their thirties and forties now outnumber those giving birth at age 20 and under.

With the state pension age due to rise again from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, our working lives are getting longer, too. It’s likely that you will start to need care just as your children are working through their final years before retirement. Even after retirement it’s entirely possible that – exhausted by years of work and parental responsibility – your children may be reluctant to swap full-time work for the job of fulltime carer.

Thinking ahead If you are intending to downsize, then consider moving to a property that can be modified as your needs change, with a toilet - and ideally a shower room - on the ground floor, and a reception room that can be adapted into a bedroom if you become unable to climb the stairs. If the property is close to shops and good transport

links, so much the better.

As you grow older, you should continue to discuss your situation with your children.

It may be that you all agree to move into a property with a ‘granny flat’, or compromise by moving separately to an area where there is a good residential care home nearby, so you can still maintain close contact with your loved ones if your health deteriorates.

Finally, keep an eye on options for funding your long-term care.

There are some excellent sources of advice available, including the Money Advice Service (www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk).

None of us can predict what will happen in the future. In the bestcase scenario you could remain fit and healthy throughout your old age, but if that isn’t the case, considering your options now may make life a little easier for yourself, and your family, as you grow older.

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17

Cake and Bake Chocolate & Orange Hot Cross Buns

Give the classic hot cross bun a delicious twist with the addition of chocolate chips, orange zest and piped chocolate crosses!

Ingredients:

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and stir in the salt, mixed spice, orange zest,

• 500g strong white plain flour, plus extra for dusting

2. Bring the milk almost to the boil in a small pan then stir in the butter until

sugar and dried yeast. Make a well in the middle.

melted. Leave the liquid to cool until it’s just hand hot. Pour the liquid into the well with the beaten egg and mix with a round- bladed knife to make a soft and slightly sticky dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

• 1/2 tsp salt • 2 tsp ground mixed spice • Zest of 1 orange

3. Place the dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover with oiled cling film. Leave the bowl in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

• 50g caster sugar • 1 x 7g sachet easyblend or fast-action dried yeast

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, flatten out with the

palms of your hands and scatter over the dried fruit and chocolate chips. Fold and knead the dough until the fruit and chocolate chips are incorporated. Divide and shape the dough into 12 even-sized buns and place on a large greased baking sheet.

• 300ml hand-hot milk • 55g butter, cubed • 1 large egg, beaten

5. Cover loosely with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place until the

buns have risen by at least half again and are almost touching each other - this will take about 45-60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, Gas Mark 6.

• 75g dried mixed fruit • 50g dark chocolate chips

FOR THE GLAZE AND CROSSES • 1-2 tbsp warmed golden syrup • 50g dark chocolate, melted

Makes 12 Ready in 2 hours, 45 minutes 18

6. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until risen and

golden brown. Leave on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Brush with the warmed golden syrup whilst the buns are still warm.

7. When the buns are cold, spoon the melted chocolate into a small

disposable piping bag, snip off the end and pipe a cross on each bun.

Leave until set then serve.

TIP

These buns are best eaten on day they’re made, but if you have some left over the next day simply split and toast and serve with butter or chocolate spread.

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19

Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Serves 4

Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes

This recipe is a great way to turn chicken fillets into something special. You can prepare them a couple of hours in advance and keep covered in the fridge, then simply cook when needed.

Ingredients: • 75g ricotta cheese • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest • 4 large skinless chicken breast fillets • 12 thin-cut rashers streaky bacon • 5 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar • 1tsp Dijon mustard • Pinch of sugar • 100g baby spinach leaves • 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

TIP

Instead of ricotta you could use low-fat soft cheese such as Philadelphia or a mild and creamy goats’ cheese.

20

Use a sharp knife to make a deep pocket in each chicken fillet, making sure not to cut right the way through. Place the ricotta cheese in a bowl and stir in the thyme leaves and the lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Place one-quarter of the ricotta mixture in the pocket of each chicken fillet. Use the back of a knife to stretch the bacon rashers. Wrap 3 rashers around each chicken fillet and secure with a metal skewer.

Preheat the oven to 180C, 160C Fan, Gas Mark 4.

Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken fillets over high heat for 2-3 minutes until the bacon is browned, turning once. Transfer to a roasting tin and cook for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Cover and leave in a warm place to rest for 10 minutes.

To make the dressing, whisk the remaining oil with the vinegar, mustard and sugar in a small jug and season to taste. Slice each chicken fillet into 6 pieces and arrange on the salad leaves. Scatter over the toasted pine nuts and spoon over the dressing.

Serve immediately.

Food & Domestic Services

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We have 20 stalls at our market, selling fresh, healthy food and hand-made gifts, all produced within 30 miles of Wye.

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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 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) Rye Market Every Thursday at the Cattle Market Car Park. Early till around 3pm (depending on the weather)

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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21

L i v e Ja z z 2016/17

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 All gigs start at 8pm ~ All gigs £12 admission Seat Bookings 01303 277175 Email twinklewood@btinternet.com Info on website www.towertheatrefolkestone. co.uk THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ April 4th / £12 The Music of Oscar Peterson By this award winning Quartet THE CRAIG MILVERTON QUARTET April 13th / £12 From The Ronnie Scott Orchestra GEORGINA JACKSON & PETE LONG With THE CHRIS INGHAM TRIO April 20th / £12 The Great Music of JJ & K GORDON CAMPBELL & ROBBIE HARVEY QUINTET April 27th / £12 The song’s & music of Al Jolson from London’s West End JAZZIN’ JOLSON With an ALL STAR CAST May 2nd / £12

Big Band in The Jazz Club

THE CHRISTCHURCH UNIVERSITY BIG BAND Directed by Steve Waterman May 11th / £12 THE CLARK TRACEY QUINTET

The Brit Jazz Award Winning drummer with his amazing Young Guns May 16th / £12 THE XENOPOULOS / PRICE

QUARTET International Jazz at it’s Best

May 25th / £12 THE MICK FOSTER SEXTET

( Play the authentic Gerry Mulligan ) T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b i s a n o n p r o f i t m a k i n g j a z z c l u b. R u n b y & fo r p e o p l e w i t h a l i k e m i n d e d i n t e re s t i n OUR KIND OF MUSIC D e r i c k Wo o d l a n d 0 1 3 0 3 2 6 0 3 3 0

22

W h a t’s O n

SEWING ROOM SALE Saturday 8th April 10am - 12noon Victory Hall Hamstreet Sale of unwanted fabrics, wools, trimmings and craft pieces. Turn out your excess pieces and buy some more! 01233 732684 Little Chart Spring Flower Show will be held Saturday 8th April in the Parish Hall at 3pm .

Entries welcome . Schedules available from Julie Lilwall at julielilwall@hotmail.uk [for setting up times see schedule] . Come along and enjoy the show even if you do not wish to make entries.

Smeeth W.I. will meet on Monday 10th April, at the Brabourne and Smeeth Village Hall at 7.30 pm. when our speaker will be Helen Kendall-Tobias when she will confirm what we do already know “Diamonds - A girls Best Friend”. It will be fun. Any lady visitor will be most welcome to join us and for any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Joy Taylor on 01303 812165 or Margaret Garrett on 01303 813932 Ashford Flower Club is hosting a floral art demonstration Tuesday 18th April by Helen Hare entitled ‘East to West’. It takes place at Furley Hall, Maidstone Road, Ashford TN24 8TX, starting at 7.30pm. We welcome anyone interested in flower arranging - visitors tickets £3.00 at the door.

Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society will meet in the village hall Friday 28th April 7.15 for 7.30 pm when a Tulip Show will be held with staging from 6.45pm until 7.15pm. This will be followed with a presentation by Rachel Castle on “The Auricula”, which will cover a journey through time to learn about the plants’ long and turbulent history and a guide to successful growing techniques. Visitors will be made most welcome. For further enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com.

The Five Church Walk Monday 1st May. The walk starts at 10am from Chilham, Godmersham, Boughton Aluph, Challock or Molash church.

You can start when and where you like. This is a sponsored walk in aid of the churches, Kent Air Ambulance and the Pilgrims Hospices. Funds raised are distributed according to your wishes.

Those without sponsors are welcome and are asked to make a minimum donation of £5.

The churches also have loos and home-made refreshments to offer while you take a welcome break. For more info or for entry and sponsorship

forms, contact any of the churches, charities or go to www.thefivechurchwalk.co.uk or phone 01233 641913.

Woodchurch Art Society will be holding their popular annual Art Exhibition at the Woodchurch Memorial Hall Friday 26th May 7 - 9pm, Saturday 27th May 10am -4pm and Sunday 28th 10am - 4pm. Over 200 paintings on display, artist in residence. Have a go Joe’ for the children, raffle, cards and tombola. Delicious home made cakes and refreshments. Everyone welcome, FREE ENTRY

The Old School House Restaurant - Hamstreet -

Sunday April 30th A Night of Music with

Andy Crust as Frankie Valli & Friends

• Popadoms & Chutneys • Starter • Main & Side Dish • Pilau Rice or Nann Bread £24.95

T: 01233 733350 23

Clubs & Societies 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 Aldington Corner Quilters is a long established group of friendly ladies meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Aldington Village Hall, 7.00pm - 9.00pm. We have a mix of beginners and experienced ladies who share their latest projects and ideas. We always welcome new members so if you are interested come along one evening and meet us. For more information contact Julie Coney - quirkyjules@gmail.com or call 01303 813944 (eve).

Aldington WI on 3rd Mon every month. All ladies welcome, 7 for 7.30 at The Walnut Tree, Aldington.

Ashford Model Railway Club - We meet on Wednesday evenings at the barn café at Willesborough Windmill. between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, and the club would welcome new members. Club members are currently building a model of Rye in 00 gauge in the SR period. Contact John White on 01233 733416 for more information 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.

Ashford Decorative & Fine Arts Society (part of NADFAS). A great way to expand your knowledge of the arts, with inspiring monthly lectures given by some of the countries top experts, together with days of special interest and arts visits. All lectures are in Aldington Village Hall, usually on the third Tuesday of each month, from September to June.

Membership is open to all. See www.ashforddfas. org.uk 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.

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.

East Kent Morris Men Do you like dancing, beer, socialising, music, having fun? Why not try Morris

24

Dancing? We are recruiting for new members. Weekly Wednesday dance practices 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 Lympne Short Mat Bowling Club meets every Monday and Thursday 7 00 pm. to 9 30 pm September to May in Lympne Village Hall. We currently have vacancies for new members. It is a small, friendly, sociable club. Do come along and try your hand at an enjoyable, skilful game. The first three weeks are free. There is no need to buy any bowls as the club has a selection which can be used until you have decided whether you are going to enjoy the game. All you need is a pair of carpet slippers or smooth soled flat shoes If you decide to become a member the Annual Subscription is £20 and the green fees are £2 per evening. Do come along you will be made most welcome. For further details pcall : Joyce Groom Match Secretary on 01303 230983 / 0750 652 5971 or email trevor_groom@sky.com 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. Bimonthly meetings, for further information contact Marion on 01233 750319 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.

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 (If available) £8. 00. Telephone for more information 01303 813475. Refreshments are available and home made cakes.

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 Stanford & Postling WI meet in the committee 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.

For any further information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390.

The Get Together Club meet second Wednesday of the month in the Durling Hall, Sellindge from 2pm to 4pm. new members welcome.

For more information please visit

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25

Hobbies The Sky’s No Limit For Amateur Photographers

By Kate McLelland Ever since the BBC launched its ‘Weather Watchers’ feature in November 2015, the work of the UK’s amateur photographers has enjoyed unparalleled public exposure, with images contributed by keen volunteers appearing on our TV screens morning, noon and night.

a step further, using different techniques and technologies to create even better images. If this sounds like you, you might consider taking up photography as a hobby.

According to the BBC’s Head of Weather, Liz Howell, the goal of Weather Watchers – launched as part of the BBC’s flagship Make it Digital initiative - was to create a new, crowdsourced weather club that would “enable people across the UK to help tell the story of the great British weather”. While it has definitely achieved that aim, it has also showcased the talent of Britain’s amateur photographers in an unexpected way.

Talent vs. technique While there are a number of tips you can follow to improve your photographic skills, nothing can really teach you how to capture a fantastic image. The camera may provide the means to take the shot, but the inspiration must come from you.

We’re all photographers now Since digital cameras were first introduced, our attitude towards photography has changed.

Taking pictures nowadays requires little forethought or effort – simply point and shoot and in a few minutes your images can be shared with a worldwide audience.

While the fluid, quick-fire nature of this kind of photography works well for many people, there are others who want to take their photographic work

26

So what’s required to turn an interest in photography into a serious hobby?

You need creativity and imagination to take great photographs. Start by looking at the work of the world’s best photographers and you’ll begin to understand that an unforgettable image is not just the result of an interesting subject, great composition and good lighting: it’s the ability to use a visual medium to convey emotion and meaning.

Talent is more important than technique, although there’s certainly no harm in providing yourself with skills and equipment that can make it easier to achieve those once-in-alifetime shots.

Which camera?

When you start to shop for cameras, you may be confused by terms such as ‘SLR’ or ‘DSLR’ and ‘mirrorless cameras’.

‘SLR’ stands for ‘single lens reflex’.

‘DSLR’ is, of course, used for a digital single lens reflex camera.

Both types use a mirror between the lens and the film (or digital image sensor), which means the image you see through the viewfinder or display screen is the same as the one that will appear on the final image. Mirrorless cameras (also known as compact system cameras) dispense with the mirror and viewfinder in order to keep the size and weight of the camera down. Other benefits include quiet operation and ease of handling.

There are many, many websites available to guide you towards the best purchase, including whatdigitalcamera.com and amateurphotographer.co.uk.

If you are still finding it hard to make a decision after your research, you could drop into your local camera shop for some face-to-face advice.

What subjects excite me?

Before you stock up on expensive equipment, it may be helpful to decide on the kind of photography that really interests

Health & Fitness you. Wildlife shots? Portraits of people? Urban and rural landscapes? Macro images?

Once you’ve decided, you’ll be able to focus on the specific items of equipment you need – for example, would a tripod be useful for shooting in low light without flash? Will you need a telephoto lens for long distance shots? How about a wide-angle lens, for photographing a high building or an expansive landscape?

Final finish You may also want to think about how your images will be used. Will you print them as hard copies and create a portfolio of your work, or maybe share them online, using an image hosting website such as Flikr?

If you decide to go digital rather than use film, you will probably need to download some photo

editing software. Just as a good darkroom technician can bring out the best from a negative, editing can make a big difference to a digital image. Most people think of image editing in terms of altering and manipulating photographs, but it’s also useful for basic tasks, such as cropping, lightening a dark image and correcting the colour balance.

Photo editing software can be expensive, but don’t worry if you can’t afford products at the top end of the market. You can download free software such as GIMP, Paint.NET or Photoscape that perform most of the functions you’ll need, without adding to your budget.

online for sites that offer advice to beginners.

Of course, it may be some time before you feel confident enough to share your work with a wider audience. Then it will be up to you whether you become a BBC Weather Watcher, an entrant for ‘Amateur Photographer of the Year’ or someone who simply loves to share their work with family and friends.

How do I learn?

There are many ways to develop the skills you need. You could take an adult education course, join a local camera club, buy a ‘how to’ book or simply look

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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.

F I R E

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

H E A T

Crossword Across 7. Type of hat (6) 8. Assault (6) 9. Not pretty (4) 10. Exciting (8) 11. Style of writing (7) 13. Cold (5) 15. Freshwater fish (5) 17. Loosening (7) 20. Fruit trees are grown here (8) 21. Legend (4) 22. Mixes together (6) 23. Writer (6)

30

Down 1. Zero (6) 2. Remain (4) 3. Foretell (7) 4. Boring (5) 5. Evenly (8) 6. Economise (6) 12. Chuckling (8) 14. Uncommon (7)

16. Seldom (6) 18. Idea (6)

19. Squash (5) 21. Dumb (4)

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Call: 01233 665107

E: laureng@tbelectrical.org.uk

FREE Quotations!

Installations • Repairs • Pumps & Radiators Specialist Powerflushing and De-Scaling Service

Telephone: 01303 812148 Mobile: 07738907717 www.plumbing-masters.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES BATHROOM SUITES BLOCKAGES & BURST PIPES TAPS BALL VALVES HOT & COLD TANKS INSTALLATIONS

REPAIRS PUMPS & RADIATORS SPECIALIST POWER FLUSHING & DE-SCALING SERVICE NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES OAP DISCOUNT ALL WORK GUARANTEED

NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Noel @ Dial-a-Plumber

01233 642233 33

MINI DIGGER & OPERATOR FOR HIRE MICK ATTWELL

mickattwell@aol.co.uk

07979 881 873 01303 862079

40 years experience - CPCS Registered Call for a competitive rate

GemmaShay Electrical Services 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

Free estimates

Contact Phil Manning

Tel: 07739018050 / 01303 813132

Email: philmanning@gemmashay.co.uk

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...

34

Jakeman & Jakeman Homecare Steve Jakeman

Handyman Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Decoration and Maintenance

01233 625442 07910591393

219 Canterbury Road, Kennington, Ashford, Kent TN24 9QH

Jakeman-homecare@ntlworld.com

At last, a company with a team of electricians you can rely on to provide a great service.

All electrical work undertaken from changing a light bulb to a commercial project.

Contact us on: 01303 812400 / 1 E-mail: larkinelec@btinternet.com

DARREN CHAPPELL

QUALIFIED INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECORATOR City and Guilds

• Public Liability Insured • Over 20 years experience • General Handyman work also undertaken • No job too small • Professional Service • Please call for a free quotation T: 01233 501663 M: 07912 789896 E: darrenchappell312@btinternet.com

Derek Hales MASTER TILER SPECIALIST IN ALL FORMS OF WALL AND FLOOR TILING CLEAN, FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE

For your free quotation

Call Derek on 07905 700 142 JMP Electrical are a friendly and reliable family run business offering All Domestic & Commercial Electrical Works Whether you need a light replacing or a complete rewire, we are here to help.

All work undertaken.

Please call James for a FREE quotation

T: 01233 626081 M: 07976 616756 E: james@jmpelectrical.com W: www.jmpelectrical.com 35

BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH

Lively Discussions! Home groups meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evernings. Everyone Plain Road, Brabourne Lees, Kent TN25 6QN is welcome to come and join us! We are very informal and friendly. Please phone David on Enquiries: Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152 or Babs 01303 814437 or geoff on 01303 813152.

Ruck 01303 813743 Easter Celebrations!! Everyone welcome Maundy Thursday: April 13th at 7pm, communion service and reflection Good Friday: April 14th at 10am, Good Friday Cafe with coffee and hot cross buns followed by a time of reflection for any who wish to stay.

Easter Sunday: April 16th at 10.30am, Easter Service with Guest Speaker Chris Voke.

Art Club Our next meeting is on Tuesday April 11th from 10am - 12noon. Further details from Mike on 01303 812484. New members will be made very welcome.

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 21st. 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 253524.

Meeting Point: Thursday April 27th. Please contact Cathy on 01303 814132 for details.

Ladies Breakfast on Saturday June 3rd at 8.45am.

Linda Trew from Ellenor Childrens Hospice will tell us about their different approach to care for sick children. Please phone Val on 01303 813152 for details.

Mens Breakfast on Saturday July 22nd at 8.15am.

The speaker will be Brian Flood from the Dover Transport Museum. further details from Mike on 01303 812484.

Cafe Wednesday The cafe is open every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am at Brabourne Baptist Church. Drop in for cofee, biscuits, company and a warm friendly atmosphere. Choice of books available. Everybody welcome! Please note: Cafe Wednesday will be on Good Friday instead of Wednesday 12th April.

Church Bookings: if you wish to book the chruch hall for a meeting or function, please phone Geoff Thorpe on 01303 813152.

Sunday Services: There is a regular service at 10.30am every week. Morning worship is followed by refreshments in the side hall.

36

The Big Knit Report The Big Knit finally began on Thursday 2nd March. We are very grateful for all the support we have received in the last few weeks.

We have had donations of wool, 4 inch knitted squares and people willing to sew the squares into blankets. Thank you.

However if we are to achieve our aim of making 40 blankets in the 40 days of Lent we still need more help! If you can donate wool, knit squares, or help sewing the squares into blankets we would love to hear from you.

The finished blankets will be displayed in Smeeth Church, Oak Room, on Monday April 10th from 3p.m. until 6p.m. Please come and have a look and say hello.

If you see the board on display outside the Oak Room knitting and sewing will be taking place. Pop in and see how many blankets have been finished. You will be welcome .

To knit, donate wool or to learn more contact Di 01303 813398, Mary 30013 813762, Anne 0233632716 or you can email: thebigknit2017@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook at The Big Knit 2017.

Advertise Here for ÂŁ33 pm plus vat

10% Discount & A FREE Editorial for 6 month bookings

Tel: 01233 720488

e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

HIGHCLERE

Motoring

CONSTRUCTION

The Ashford Building Contractors All Types of Building, Restoration & Maintenance Work Undertaken

Call John Cameron on

All quotations will of course be free of charge!

or 01233 624093

Qualified Tradesmen at Sensible Prices

TINA FRANCIS DOMESTIC ELECTRICIAN

07740 150 274

Lancaster Builders (Kent) Ltd BEST MIX - Ready Mix Concrete/Screed

New Installations Re-wires Additional or replacement Lights, sockets etc Mobile 07761 695101 Email – tinafrancis1@aol.com

Newchurch, Romney Marsh, TN29 0DH

GP

Mixed on site: Pay only for what you need from 0.5metres Supply to Domestic / Building Contractors No Waste - No Danger to Environment Barrow Service Available Available 7 days a week

Electrical & Plastering 07803 417098

www.gpelectricalandplastering.co.uk Friendly, Professional Service - Free Estimates, Fully Insured Plastering Artex Covering Walls and Ceilings Renovations & more...

Electrical Work Consumer Unit Changes Full Rewires Outhouses / Exterior & more...

0785 011 5218 / 0756 842 9497

01233 720889

STANFORD ROOFING

99 99 99 99 99

New Roofs & Repairs Slates, Tiles, Kent Pegs Leadwork Repointing Guttering, Fascias

99 Flat Roofs 99 Public Liability Insurance

e: info@stanfordroofing.co.uk

FREE ESTIMATES Over 25 yrs Experience

Tel: 01303 814860 m: 07725 124891

www.stanfordroofing.co.uk Pound Lane, Smeeth TN25 6RJ 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

www.samaritans.org

0845 770 8090 0800 783 8866 0800 111 999 Details on tank

01233 730190 01303 812180

Parish Councils: Aldington & Bonnington

01233 721757

E: clerk@ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk www.ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Brabourne & Smeeth Mersham & Sevington

www.eastkentstrokes.org

SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc.

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

St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com

Samaritans 116123 Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG

01233 623520

01233 623902 01233 750415

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 01233 720213 Brabourne & Smeeth 01303 813746 David Smith, keen.smith@btinternet.com Bilsington 01233 720818 Hamstreet 01233 732568 Mersham 01233 503192 Smeeth 01303 814977 Stowting 01303 862819 Sellindge 01303 813250 Sellindge Spts & Soc. Club 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.

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