Wye April 2017

118

The

village directory

April 2017

Delivered FREE to 4,000 homes in TN25 by Royal Mail

for the

Wye Area

Focused, capable AND

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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.

Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk May Issue Deadline 10th April 2017

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Oshens HairBoutique

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3

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

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what you’d like; you could save 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

The Garden

as sunflowers. Sowing the 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.

STABLES AND FIELD TO RENT Wye area / 20 minutes’ walk from village 3 stables plus tack room space Full utilities, Secure Fencing Price available on enquiry Call 07796332078 or 01233812544 T: 01233 428096 M: 07941 830035

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The Garden Tree Surgery & Freelance Climbing

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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.

We offer a full range of fencing services throughout Kent and the South-East for

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Garden, Agricultural, Equestrian, Gates and Security.

Additional services we can provide include chicken runs, pheasant pens, dog kennels and other animal runs.

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The Garden

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Open Weekend Dates for 2017 PLUCKLEY ROAD BETHERSDEN KENT

www.stonegreennurseries.co.uk Wholesale Nursery Open to the Public

14th, 15th, 16th & 17th April We grow our vast range of plants with passion and pride for garden designers, landscapers, local nurseries, farm shops and other horticulture outlets.

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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 seenot only being part of Easter but keeping the humans busy. It is hard work being a cat.

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 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 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 said that I think Josh

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made some rabbit ears at nursery. I might just go and find them…

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....

Mowgli

Montgomery Veterinary Clinic

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Pets

PETS

Four Strange Cat Behaviours Explained Cats are amusing and fun to be around, but sometimes their behaviour just seems downright bizarre. If you’ve ever wondered why your cat behaves in a certain way, from kneading its paws to eating plastic bags, we might be able to offer a little insight.

The Petite Poocherie Wye, Kent TN25

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Head butts - When your cat bumps its head against you, it means they’re trying to bond and is an expression of affection. They’re also demonstrating trust in you and marking you out as a ‘member of their club’.

Staring - Staring is a common trait in cats, if a little unnerving when you’re on the receiving end. They generally stare at their prey before pouncing, but in your case it could be a determined request for food or entertainment.

You should also rule out any potential medical reasons if their pupils are constantly dilated - it could be the result of an eye or other health issue.

Eating plastic - Eating non-food items such as plastic, paper, wool or even electrical cords may be a sign of ‘pica’. This is an eating disorder that can be caused by dietary deficiency, stress, boredom or in some cases an underlying health problem.

Kneading - When your cat sits on your knee and starts to knead, it’s a sign of contentment and is usually accompanied by a loud purring. They also have scent glands on the bottom of their paw pads, and may be kneading to leave their scent behind – effectively claiming you as their own. http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/ cat-behavior/6-strange-cat-behaviors-finallyexplained http://www.vetstreet.com/ our-pet-experts/10-strange-catbehaviors-explained http://www.sheknows.com/ pets-and-animals/ articles/994845/25random-catbehaviors-finallyexplained/page:2

By Ann Haldon

Pride & Groom All Breeds of Dogs Groomed Groomer with 24 yrs Experience Includes:

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Call Carol: 07985 933647 / 01233 714188 Located in Charing

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e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk 11

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.

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

barbecue and cleaning down your outdoor furniture ready for some outdoor entertaining.

After all, it’s not that long until summer…

– you just can’t beat that beautiful fresh smell.

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

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.

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

Above: Scandinavian cushion cover in tile print green, £15.50: Andshine, 07765 530607; andshine.co.uk.

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The Home

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15

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.

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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

Local Markets Local Food For Local People Wye Farmers Market is held around The Green in the centre of Wye, 1st & 3rd Sat of the month, 9am till noon.

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

www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk marketmanager@wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

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

¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

Unique professional intensive valet process Range & AGA specialist All ovens, hobs, extractor fans & microwaves Environmentally friendly, no toxic chemicals, no fumes Contact Richard at Ovenu Ashford 01233 380023 or 0800 1409800 See www.ovenu.co.uk for a video and more info Have you been cooking? Treat yourself to a clean oven!

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

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

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

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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 KendallTobias 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 homemade 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.

Sellindge and District Bowls Club will be holding open days if you would like to try bowling. Every Sunday in May at 10am just for a couple of hours, we can be found behind the tennis courts at the Sport and Social Club, Swan Lane. Bowling at Sellindge is for any one over the age of 13 (but anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult) and free coaching will be available, equipment will be provided but all we ask is that you wear flat smooth soled shoes. If you would like any more information please call 01303 230983 or 01303 268889 or just turn up, we look forward to welcoming you

WOODCHURCH BOOT FAIR

Every first Sunday in the month from 10am to 1pm at Woodchurch Scout & Guide Community Centre, Lower Road Woodchurch.

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First Sunday in the month April - December 9am - 12 noon Victory Hall/Field Food, Bargains, Toilets

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Beauty British Beauty

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

This month we’re celebrating British beauty brands, from boutique perfumers to global bestsellers.

The founders of Scottish skincare brand Ishga include a beauty therapist, a scientist and a seaweed specialist. So it’s perhaps no surprise that Ishga products harness the power of organic seaweed to deliver noticeable, lasting results. Along with Hebridean seaweed, key ingredients include thistle oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera. Ishga products are a real pleasure to use and the brand has built up a devoted fan base (which includes me). You’ll find the Ishga range in a number of five-star spas across the UK, as well as online.

If your skin has a tendency to feel dry and tight, try the Hebridean Marine Toner, £25. It’s really hydrating and packed with anti-oxidants; see www. ishga.co.uk.

Bradford born Leighton Denny is probably best known for his nail varnishes. There are now 101 of them, in pretty much every colour you could want.

But Leighton’s talent doesn’t stop there. His tanning products, lip colours and fragrances have attracted a league of fans in their own right. His perfume Light and Dark Lively, £43.50, beat numerous big brand top-sellers to be crowned Elle Magazine’s Readers’ Choice in the Fragrance Foundation UK awards last year. It’s a unisex fragrance that’s citrusy, woody and very wearable; see www. ld-boutique.com.

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Narynda Kumar first started experimenting with skincare when she developed stress-related dermatitis. Rather than resorting to steroid creams, she created a balm using the beeswax from hives in her garden. It was so successful that she made more for friends. As demand grew, Narynda decided to take the plunge and set up her own business. She created a range of skincare products using natural ingredients, such as beeswax, oat extracts and seed oils. To begin with, Narynda sold her skincare products at craft fairs and farmers’ markets, but they’re now available from online retailers such as notonthehighstreet.com and Love Lula, as well as from Narynda’s own website.

Try the Day Cream, £17.50. It’s gentle enough for even sensitive skin, but powerful enough to give your skin a real boost; see www.narynda.com.

Spanish-born Marina Barcenilla now lives in Glastonbury, where she’s been creating award winning fragrances for several years. One of her perfumes, India, was named Best New Independent Fragrance by the Fragrance Foundation UK. While I do like India, my favourite has to be Spring Rain, £70. With notes including bergamot mint, rosemary, geranium, rose, blood orange, lemon and Indian frankincense, it’s fresh, vibrant and unlike anything else on the market; see www.mbparfums.com.

Akamuti was launched by aromatherapist Lindsey Hedges back in 2003. Since then it’s developed a reputation for great quality, natural products.

Everything is handcrafted, using ethically sourced sustainable ingredients, such as seed and nut oils, organic shea butter and essential oils.

Every product I’ve tried feels really decadent – nourishing, soothing and a real joy to use. The

live happy! live

Fragrant Tranquillity Bath Salts, ÂŁ8.50, for instance, are a real treat at the end of a busy day.

They leave skin feeling super soft, and smell divine; see www. akamuti.co.uk.

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23

Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Wheezes and Sneezes: How to Tackle Hay Fever

Hay fever or seasonal allergies can be caused by the pollen of numerous trees, grasses or plants and it affects around 18 million people in the UK. DIAGNOSIS If you’re unsure it’s hay fever causing your symptoms, see your GP. They may refer you for an allergen test to determine whether you’re allergic to pollen or other organic material such as animal hair or dust mites.

A skin prick test only tests for the most common allergens, so it may be inconclusive. Your skin is pricked and exposed to a tiny dose of allergen - it should react if you’re allergic.

A blood test for the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, produced when you encounter pollen, may also be used.

Symptoms Symptoms can range from mild to life-impacting: • itchy and/or runny nose • sneezing • irritated, itchy, watery eyes TREATING HAY FEVER How you treat your hay fever will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms.

Research by Allergy UK in 2014 showed that 62% of sufferers found their current medication ineffective – yet they failed to seek better alternatives or didn’t use it properly (only 14% of steroid nasal spray users were using them

24

correctly in the study).

relieve eye itchiness too.

Ask a pharmacist for advice on the right medication and alternatives if it’s ineffective. Ensure you follow doctor’s, pharmacist’s and manufacturer’s instructions carefully. See your GP if over the counter treatments aren’t working, or you develop sinus or ear infections.

Antihistamine nasal sprays relieve an itchy nose and reduce sneezing.

Oral Medications (Tablets and Liquids) Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical triggered by allergen exposure, to reduce or stop your allergic reaction.

They may not relieve a blocked nose but are usually effective against other symptoms. As a preventative, they work best if taken regularly and started in advance of high pollen count periods. They can also be taken as required when symptoms begin.

Some older antihistamines (e.g. chlorpheniramine, known as Piriton) make you drowsy and can affect your ability to do your job or drive. However, most people now choose newer, non-sedating antihistamines (e.g. Loratadine).

Steroids are only usually used short-term if other medications aren’t working or if your hay fever causes or aggravates asthma. They reduce symptoms by reducing inflammation.

Nasal Sprays and Drops Decongestant nasal sprays unblock your nose but can cause rebound congestion after a few days, so only use them for occasional relief or as an additional treatment on days when symptoms are severe.

Steroid nasal sprays or drops prevent and reduce inflammation in the nasal lining and can help

Eyedrops Antihistamine eyedrops reduce itchiness and watering.

Inhalers and Injections If seasonal allergies cause or exacerbate asthma, you may be offered a steroid inhaler and/ or a ‘reliever’, such as salbutamol (‘Ventolin’). Injectable medications may sometimes be recommended if steroids aren’t adequate.

Monoclonal antibody treatments (‘mabs’) such as Xolair block a substance involved in allergic reactions.

Immunotherapy If your symptoms are persistent or severe, your doctor may suggest immunotherapy to progressively build allergen immunity. A specialist will gradually introduce your body to small amounts of allergen by injection or a sublingual tablet and monitor your reaction. Treatment is started three months before your trigger pollen season.

PREVENTION Reduce pollen contact by avoiding drying washing outside, showering before bed and closing windows. You can check the Met Office pollen forecast at www. metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/ pollen-forecast For more information: AllergyUK: www.allergyuk.org; Helpline: 01322 619898

For more information please visit

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25

Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

26

Leisure Clubs & Societies Wye Historical Society – meets monthly from

October to April in the Lady Joanna Thornhill School at 7.30pm. Subscriptions £10 per year; visitors welcome at £2 per meeting - no need to book. For more information see www.wyehistoricalsociety. org.uk.

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 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 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.

813451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com.

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 Enjoy Learning offers enjoyable adult classes in NEW ROMNEY, DYMCHURCH and HYTHE. We teach ART APPRECIATION & SPANISH CLASSES. The Spanish Classes are not for complete beginners, but if you have done a bit of Spanish in the past and would like to brush up your skills, the classes might be suitable. Cost £5 per week. For further details contact ANDREW and DEBBY on 01303 875542

Every Monday - Have fun and get fit with a mixed

group of friendly joggers with a sense of humour.

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 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 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. for any futher information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390.

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

27

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.

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.

So what do you need to become an amateur photographer?

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

28

appear on the final image. The lighter, less bulky ‘mirrorless camera’ (also known as a compact system camera) is becoming more popular.

There are many, many websites available to guide you towards the best purchase. 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.

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

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

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 online for sites that offer advice to beginners.

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?

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.

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?

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29

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) 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) 30

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

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

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35

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Useful Information Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden 101 Crimestoppers

0800 555 111 Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Samaritans 116123 www.samaritans.org Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG

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Doctors Surgery Willesborough 01233 621626 Wye 01233 884585 Veterinary Surgeons Barrow Hill Vets 01233 624687 Montgomery Vets 01303 813756 Parish Councils: Brabourne & Smeeth 01233 623902 Boughton Aluph & Eastwell 01233 720392 Brook 01233 750415 Challock 01233 740351 Hastingleigh 01233 750415 Wye & Hinxhill 01233 812459 Westwell 01233 623902 Ashford Borough Council 01233 331111 www.ashford.gov.uk Ashford Gateway 0845 8 247 247 info:ashfordgateway.co.uk www.ashfordgateway.co.uk Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185 CPRE Kent Volunteer Centre

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SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com NSPCC: Tenterden & District Mrs J Coombs 01580 763733 Pregnancy Sickness Support Kent and Sussex www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Contact: Denise Clifford deniseclifford@btinternet.com Royal Mail Residential Customer Services

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Cesspool Emptying Service

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Disclaimer: Every care is taken to ensure this directory is as accurate as possible but the publishers do not Disclaimer: Every care is taken to ensure this directory is as accurate as possible but the publishers do not accept responsibility for any lossloss or damage resulting from errors or omissions. accept responsibility for any or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

The Village Directory Coverage

Delivered by Royal Mail to 56,400 Homes & Businesses

PUZZLE ANSWERS Kid’s Corner: The Grid: (Column One) Butterfly, rabbit, lamb, chick. (Column Two) Chick, lamb, rabbit, butterfly. (Column Three) lamb, chick, butterfly, rabbit. (Column Four) rabbit, butterfly, chick, lamb.

Maze: You pick up 6 Easter eggs when taking the most direct route to the basket.

The word that can be unjumbled is ‘Spring’.

Sudoku: Word Ladder: FIRE hire here herd head HEAT

Crossword:

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