Wye April 2016

The 107

village directory

April 2016

for the

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

Wye Area

Chopra & Associates DENTAL SURGERIES

ARE ACCEPTING ALL NEW NHS PATIENTS

NHS 225 Faversham Road Kennington Ashford Kent TN24 9AF

Tel: (01233) 637018 Our other practices which also accept NHS Patients are Canterbury (01227) 453416 Sittingbourne (01795) 477224 and Swanscombe (01322) 386688

www.chopradental.com

info@chopradental.com

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Welcome Hi everyone and welcome to the April Issue.

Spring is here (at least it is today!) and I’m looking forward to getting out into the garden, which is a bit of a mess following the flooding we had a few months back. As I write I can hear my husband’s voice in my head questioning exactly what I do in the garden, other than relax. He does tend to do it all, I have to admit, but I am good at jet washing the patio and I’m not averse to a bit of re-pointing where needed! Largely it’s a therapeutic exercise to bring me out into the real world for a while rather than the digital one I spend so much of my time in .

I’d like to begin this month by congratulating Bensko on their 10 years in business, I cannot believe that when I first met Bruce, to organise their advertising, the magazine was just a year old, my how time flies. Do read Bensko’s article in this month’s magazine, I’m sure Emma (one half of the dynamic duo) will make you chuckle as she recounts the early days of her introduction to pest control. She will be following this up every couple of months and offering advice, tips and some insight into the world of Bruce and Emma.

Lastly, please note that the monthly deadline for the magazine has now changed to the 10th of the month, from now on all of the magazines will be delivered during the first week of each month.

Until next time, have a great time!

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

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3

the garden

Go On, Grow Your Own!

by Pippa Greenwood

4

Enjoying a delicious meal which includes some home grown ingredients is a wonderful feeling – it fills you full of just the right sort of pride (and maybe even a little bit of smugness!). That meal might be a dinner party, a family supper or even a quick sandwich grabbed whilst you go about your daily work; it makes no difference, it simply feels good to indulge in a bit of Grow Your Own and then reap the rewards.

If you’re a hardened vegetable grower you may well have been sowing and potting on for a while now, but if you’re a bit behind schedule or if you’ve simply not dared to venture into vegetable production to any extent before, don’t panic – there’s still time to grow just about any crop in your plot this year.

If you want to raise some plants from seed yourself then most could be sown now, but there are a few that are likely to produce a much better yield if given an earlier start. I’d give seeds of

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crops such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilli peppers, melons and aubergines a miss now, but buy in a few plants over the next month or so and you’ll be going great guns in no time at all.

Some vegetables can be directly sown now (i.e. just sow the seed into a well-prepared area of garden soil in a suitable spot) in all but the coolest gardens – beetroot, lettuce, beans, peas, carrots, rocket, spinach to name but a few. Other slightly more tender crops such as sweetcorn, squash and courgettes would fare better if given a bit of extra heat when you are germinating the seeds. That’s where an electrically heated propagator comes into its own, and you will also find it really useful if you are trying to make up for lost time as it will speed up germination of many seeds by several days. The seedlings may then need pricking out and potting on until they are sturdy enough to live in the great outdoors. With these more

tender crops, try to ‘harden off’ the young plants before you put them into their final positions: having been raised and grown on inside (either in a greenhouse or on a warm, sunny windowsill) they will be a little ‘soft’ and tender, and easily damaged by cold, wind or rain. Hardening off isn’t difficult, just put the trays or pots of young plants outside on warm days once the weather has stabilised, and bring them back under cover at night. Do this for a week or so and then leave them outside, covering them with some fleece at night. The resulting plants will now have had the chance to acclimatise to ‘real’ conditions and will grow far better, whilst also being much less likely to suffer from weather damage.

If you find seed sowing and the subsequent pricking out and potting on too much when juggling with a job or other commitments, then buying in some small plants is a great plan

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as it gets you past the highinput bit at the beginning and allows you to just get on with the growing on, maintaining… and eating! You will get a good range from seed merchants or garden centres, but if you like the idea a bit of at-your-elbowadvice from me to ensure great results, don’t forget that you can still order garden-ready plants, accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails specific to the vegetables you’ve chosen to grow. There are more details at www.pippagreenwood.com/ grow-your-own and if you use the code 12419-E7SPS at the checkout, you’ll also get £4.00 discount, whichever pack size you choose. Garden-ready plants can be planted out as soon as you get them and, provided you follow the instructions, keep them wellwatered during drier weather and

apply feed at regular intervals, it won’t be long until you will be harvesting crops such as climbing French and runner beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, sugar-snap peas, peppers, chillies, onions, melons, butternut squash, beetroot and courgettes.

Most vegetables need a good fertile soil and a sunny or only partly shaded spot if they are to perform well, so choose your growing area with care. If space is short or your garden is limited to a paved back-yard, patio or balcony, there is no need to go without the delights of Grow Your Own – most vegetables will do well in good sized containers (minimum 30cm x 30cm x 30cm) with good-quality compost. If you can manage even bigger pots, then maintenance will be easier as they will need watering slightly less frequently. But, whether

the garden

you plant and sow vegetables in pots, tubs, greenhouses or open ground, the end result will be gorgeous tasting, super-fresh vegetables to be enjoyed on your own or with company. So go on, get growing!

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa (don’t forget your offer code 12419-E7SPS for a £4 discount), Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.

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5

the garden

6

Located in Kennington, Leigh Mower Services offer competitive rates for the repair of all leading makes of petrol garden machinery.

07514 720526 Leigh Mower Services We also offer: Servicing Sales

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Collection and delivery available

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Located in Kennington, Leigh Mower Services Powerbase - Rhyas - Sanli - McCulloch - Q Garden - Draper - Gardencare - Hayter - Einhel offer competitive rates for the repair of all leading makes of petrol garden machinery. We also offer: • Servicing • Sales • Blade Sharpening

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7

the garden

BENSKO 10 Bensko is celebrating 10 years in business this year! When I say it out loud I can’t believe how far we’ve come.

I remember the evenings spent watching my husband Bruce pace up and down our lounge, wearing out the carpet, contemplating whether to start our own business. With a gentle nudge, although he’d say a big shove, we took the leap of faith and did it, Bensko was born.

8

I’ll never forget the early days of pest control; I remember the first time Bruce took me to a farm that had a serious rat infestation, he thought it would be good experience for me! I was on the first floor of the old barn and Bruce was on the ground floor. Once we were in position, he turned the lights on. I waited with anticipation, and it did not disappoint. There was nothing at first, then a steady stream of noise, squeaking and scurrying. I couldn’t work out where the noises were coming from, then I saw them, they were coming from everywhere, over beams along pipes and over bales of straw, the whole area seemed to come alive.

Gripped with slight panic, I rapidly made my way to the exit, briefly glancing down at Bruce, who was grinning at me like a Cheshire cat.

What I didn’t see was the large rat on the hand rail, which my hand ‘accidentally’ knocked into. Unfortunately for my grinning husband it fell straight into the hood of his jacket, and the grin immediately turned into fear as the rat thrashed about inside his hood. The rat escaped un-harmed as did Bruce, but the grin he once had now appeared on my face, as I doubled over with laughter.

From the un-known territory of rats to now, confidently tracking, baiting and protecting homes, I’ve come a long way. Even now Bruce tells people I did it on purpose, but I wouldn’t, would I? We all like to feed our birds in winter but, as

Years in Business!

pest controllers, it can be the biggest problem we face. But we all enjoy looking after our feathered friends, and we’re not going to stop, so avoid ground feeding and take care to use catch trays under the feeders, this will help to stop any excess seed falling onto the floor. This will help discourage rats taking up residence in our gardens. I know I’d rather be watching, Blue Tits and Goldfinches than furry rats hanging from the feeders.

Emma Bensko Pest Control & Chimney Sweeping Services T: 01303 221008 M: 07857 344770

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the garden

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9

BENSKO

Chimney Sweeping Services Brush and Vac Friendly, Clean, Reliable Service Every Type of Flue Swept Does your hedge look like Pots, Cowls & Bird Guards Fitted Stove Installations Bartlett Tree Experts could NAC’s Certificates Issued Fully Insured Best Possible Prices on all Fires

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Mowgli

by Montgomery Vets

H T

ello everyone, Mowgli here. How are all of you? We are finally enjoying spring. Now I have written that though it is bound to snow..... he main news this month is about Ebony.

She is doing quite well on her thyroid medication and has finally had surgery to remove the lump from her ear. Don’t know if you remember but it was only when Clive took bloods to check she was healthy before the anaesthetic that they found out she was hyperthyroid. Hyperthyroid cats are usually thin. Ebony is, um.... still far from thin.....

Anyway, she has had her operation and is leaving her stitches alone so all is well. I of course have had to look after her a bit and do a few of her jobs- rabbit watching and making sure the food bowls are always empty......

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B

it of an excitement in the house this week with a shrew under the bed. Jane knows us so well that as soon as she woke up and saw us staring intently under the bed that Clive was sent to the kitchen to get a box to catch the shrew in. Unfortunately he is much better at catching these small creatures than we are so it was soon caught and put outside unharmed.

I love shrews. One of the funniest games I have had with Clive was years ago when he hung a new door curtain. It was massive and very heavy with a big thick hem. I hid two shrews in the hem and I was so pleased about it that I refused to leave the curtain- I slept on it, rolled on it and climbed up it all the time.

Unfortunately my weight tipped the curtain pole over the edge so the curtain kept falling down. Clive was mad with me for days- he kept fixing the curtain and pole back up and I would then pull the whole lot down again. Eventually the silly humans realised about the shrews.

There was a lot of predictable ranting about new curtains, shrews and claw marks, and then the shrews were evicted and the curtain lost its appeal.

W

e are getting new sofas this week. There has been quite a bit of muttering about

this and apparently it is because Ebony and I have scratched the old ones to bits. So we are apparently getting leather sofas because we don’t scratch leather (I would like to add that so far we don’t scratch leather....). Our house is such a silly shape that even though the sofas are very small Clive has to take the doors and the door surrounds down to get the sofas into the house. Sounds like a good opportunity for DIY to me. I like to sit on the shoulder or neck of whoever does DIY and yowl my encouragement. Strangely enough it never seems to go down that well. Us cats are so unappreciated! Will let you know if the sofas fit into the house next month- a lot of measurements have been taken and apparently there are only a few millimetres in it! ~ Mowgli

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PETS

Does Your Pet Have An Allergy?

It’s not just unwanted visitors that make your pet scratch. Allergies are common in most domestic pets, and scratching is just one sign that something’s not right.

You might notice a loss of fur if your dog has dermatitis, and is constantly scratching to relieve the itch. Potential triggers include new shampoos, a different type of food, or a seasonal allergy, as these affect animals just as much as humans.

General signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction Here are one or two signs to look out for so you can treat your pet as quickly as possible: • Cats: lesions, lumps and bumps on their skin – these are often felt rather than seen, and may be accompanied by bald patches around the base of the tail or underside of the body.

• Dogs: frequently shaking its head – look for signs of redness in the ears, as it could be the start of an allergen-based infection.

• Rabbits: flaky skin or soreness in the ears can be caused by an allergy to mites.

Bee stings are particularly dangerous A puppy’s natural inquisitive and playful nature invariably leads it into dangerous situations, but if it chews or swallows a bee, the resulting reaction can be severe.

It could cause their face to swell, with breathing problems developing from a narrowed airway, and you’ll need to get emergency help from your vet in such cases. They may prescribe an EpiPen so you’re prepared if it happens again. http://www.petplan.co.uk/allergies.asp http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/ healthypets/archive/2012/06/22/ pets-seasonal-allergies. aspx

By Ann Haldon

11

Home & Interiors Planning A Master Bedroom

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Your bedroom is a highly personal space, but if you are considering selling, or simply want to enhance your property’s value in the long term, you’ll also need to design it so it has general appeal, says Katherine Sorrell.

Your first consideration when planning a master bedroom, large or small, should always be comfort. Zone the space according to how you use it – sleeping, dressing, exercising, checking your laptop, reading – and, if it helps, draw a scaled plan of the room so you can play around with the layout. It’s nice to have your bedhead opposite the window, for example, with

a bedside table each side; remember to allow enough space (experts recommend at least 450mm) around the bed to give you room to change the sheets.

To create calm and order while minimising clutter, try to include as much storage as you can squeeze in. A whole wall of fitted wardrobes, with well thoughtout internal drawers and divisions, is a great option, and you can add free-standing pieces such as chests of drawers and blanket boxes for character and flexibility. Given enough floor space, it may also be possible to create a separate dressing area, using a tall bedhead, a bookcase or wide wardrobe as a partition.

We can’t escape technology

By Katherine Sorrell

anywhere, and although watching TV is not necessarily conducive to a good night’s sleep it is still a lovely idea to include a TV in the bedroom – ideal for a languorous Sunday morning lie-in with croissants, coffee and a newspaper. If you don’t want to look at a blank screen the rest of the time, fitted furniture manufacturers can provide cupboards from which TVs pop up or slide out, while music specialists offer all sorts of sleek and good-looking speakers and sound systems. You will probably also want a place to connect and site a landline phone, a small desk on which to pop your computer, e-reader or tablet, and somewhere to plug in a charger for your mobile.

Even in a bedroom, you can’t have too many plug sockets.

Luxurious, wall-to-wall carpet is always a good idea for a master bedroom, and pure new wool has just the right warm, soft, snuggly-toe feel. Choose a high quality underlay for extra bounce and softness. That said, you could combine underfloor heating with engineered wooden boards and beautiful rugs for a more traditional look with plenty of character – and still enjoy warmth underfoot.

The latter option, though only possible if you are undertaking major renovations, will also save the space that would have been otherwise taken up with a radiator.

Well-designed lighting is an asset in any room, and the master bedroom is no different.

A central pendant is fine for general, overhead light, but you

www.stellineinteriors.com

can be more creative elsewhere by adding wall-mounted reading lights beside the bed, a bright, adjustable light above your dressing table and perhaps a table lamp or two to create a gentle glow. Such layers of light will provide a pleasing ambience and give you great flexibility.

Conversely, for restful darkness while you are sleeping, ensure your curtains have a good blackout lining, or else choose well-fitting shutters – which will help block out noise, too.

The days of carefully matched bed linen and window treatments are long gone, yet it is still important to get this combination right. When the bed is plain, some pattern at the window is lovely, and vice versa – simply avoid two patterns that clash. Plain curtains can look absolutely beautiful if made from a generous amount of fabric, hung from a pole with

pretty finials at the ends, and finished with an edging of ruffles or a contrast border. If privacy is a problem, it may be necessary to add sheer or lace curtains, either full-length or covering the bottom half of the window only.

Considering adding an en-suite?

Once a luxury, these days they are virtually a necessity, and will certainly make your home more saleable – and may even add value, too. If you have enough room for a walk-in wardrobe, there’s probably enough space to convert to an en-suite, though if you want a proper bath you’ll need to allow a little more room.

Alternatively, you could knock through and steal a little space from an adjacent room. When space is tight, compact fittings can be effective, but do make sure they are practical for regular use. While any arrangement is possible in theory, the least expensive place to install an

the home

en-suite bathroom is close to other plumbing, particularly the soil pipe. And, because the room leads directly off the bedroom, install low-noise sanitaryware and lights on dimmers, with a high-powered extractor fan that’s controlled separately from the light.

IMAGE - Soft carpet, sumptuous curtains and a deeply buttoned headboard all add up to a sense of luxury. Huntington bed, £1,175, Sweetpea & Willow, tel 0345 257 2627; www.sweetpeaandwillow.com.

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Older, But Not Always Wiser The main characters of these books may be in their twilight years, but they certainly aren’t content to sit back and spend their pensions on Werther’s Originals and bingo nights. With amateur sleuths, explosive experts and adventurers amongst them, they’ll keep you reading well past a sensible bedtime.

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Elizabeth is Missing – Emma Healey 82-year old Maud is determined to solve the mystery of where her best friend Elizabeth has disappeared to. While she’s at it, she’d also like to figure out what happened to her sister, who went missing more than 60 years ago.

The problem is that Elizabeth has been getting a bit forgetful lately, and the clues keep getting muddled in her head. With twists and turns aplenty, you’ll be left guessing until the end. Definitely a ‘just one more chapter and then I’ll go to sleep’ kind of book.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper – Phaedra Patrick Arthur Pepper likes the quiet life, but that all changes when he discovers a charm bracelet hidden away in his late wife’s things. Arthur’s cross-country quest to discover the meaning of each of the charms sees him uncovering a side to his wife he never knew existed. But will his new found knowledge help him come to terms with her death, or forever taint his memories of her? A thoroughly enjoyable read, with great characters and a pageturning storyline, this is Phaedra Patrick’s debut novel, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see her on the bestseller lists very soon.

The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81 – J.B. Morrison Being run over by a milk float wasn’t on Frank’s to-do list for

the day, and he sure as heck isn’t going to let some interfering home-help try to baby him. Nope, he’s quite content on his own, with his cat Bill, his DVDs and a series of cold callers trying to sell him things he doesn’t need.

But home-help Kelly Christmas proves rather more likeable than he expected, and he starts to realise that life can indeed begin again at 81. With his biting sense of humour, Frank will keep you laughing all the way through this immensely entertaining book.

George’s Grand Tour – Caroline Vermalle When George tells people he’s going to do the Tour de France, some are rather concerned. He is, after all, 83. However, George has a slightly less taxing plan in mind; he’s going to do the Tour by car, with a friend. Agreeing to check in with his granddaughter, Adele, by text along the route, he sets off across the country. In the end, the journey may prove as life-changing for Adele as it is for George, as she starts to really appreciate the man who, until now, has just been a name on her birthday cards.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry – Rachel Joyce Staid, reliable Harold lives with his wife Maureen in Devon. When Harold receives a letter from an old friend, Queenie, telling him she’s terminally ill, he pens a short reply and sets off to the post box.

But his walk to the end of the road

turns into a somewhat longer trip, as he decides to deliver the letter in person, and on foot. As he travels the long road north, both Harold and Maureen are given the time to look back on their long marriage, and figure out whether it can be saved. Beautifully written, and at times extremely poignant, this book is highly recommended.

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonasson Allan has just about had enough of his care home, with its condescending manager, rubbish food and endless rules.

So on his 100th birthday he makes his escape, in his slippers.

After stealing a suitcase full of money, Allan begins a dash across country, picking up new friends as he goes (including an elephant called Sonya). As we learn of his extraordinary life, it becomes clear that there’s rather more to this centenarian than meets the eye, including a passion for explosives…

the home

HOMEPLUSFURNITURE HOMEPLUSFURNITURE HOMEPLUSFURNITURE Un beata b le p rice matc h promise Un beata b le p rice matc h promise HOMEPLUSFURNITURE HOMEPLUSFURNITURE Un beata b le p rice matc h promise HOMEPLUSFURNITURE HOMEPLUSFURNITURE HOMEPLUSFURNITURE Un beata b le p rice matc h promise Un beata matchhpromise promise Un beatabble le p price rice matc HOMEPLUSFURNITURE Un beata b le p rice matc h promise HOMEPLUSFURNITURE Un beata b le p rice matc h promise P

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Canterbury Bedroom solid oak available in standard or mini sizes

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Canterbury Bedroom solid oak available in standard or mini sizes Danube Rustic Dining, all solid reclaimed oak

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Available in Cream or French Grey

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Cotswold Distressed Pine Ripon Painted OakGenuine Bedroom Available in assorted fabrics Leather all in stock & leather Full Reclining Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses Black, Cream, Red, N N Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2 E E Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 all in stock NW N W Mocca Manhattan 3+2 EI E ‘AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ I WN W AvailableDELIVERY’ in Rustic, Cream, French Grey and N ‘AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE Pocket sprung, foam, coil sprung mattresses IN IN Black, Cream, Red, Duck memory Egg Available in Cream or Bellisimo French3+2, Grey Available inBlue Rustic, Cream, French Grey and Novella 3+1+1 ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME MAIDSTONE all in stock N NCHATHAM Mocca Manhattan 3+2 Blue Available in Cream or French Grey ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME MAIDSTONE E E . Chatham . ME4 4NX Duck Egg N NCHATHAM Beaver Red, Road .‘A Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre TheIMMEDIA Brook Home Plus Furniture W Black, Cream, W E E V AILABLE FOR TE DELIVERY’ Beaver Road . Ashford Available in Dockside Outlet Centre . Chatham . ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture assorted Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 The Brook W WGenuine TN23 3+2 7RR Chatham .fabrics ME4 3ED In the big blue building on French Grey and IMocca IN Manhattan Available Cream, NLeather TN23 7RR Chatham ME4 3ED In the in bigRustic, blue building on &Available leather Full Reclining.fabrics in assorted 01634 880699 St Peters Street . ME16Cream, 0ST Genuine Leather IN IN 01634 880699 Available in Rustic, French Grey and St Peters Street . ME16 0ST Duck Egg Blue Available in Cream orMARITIME French Grey ASHFORD CHATHAM CHATHAM MAIDSTONE & leather Full Reclining 01233 633928 01634 891306 ‘A V AILABLE FOR (on IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ system opposite 01233 633928 01634 891306 (on the the one one.way way system. opposite Black, Cream, Red, Duck EggPlus Blue Available in Cream or French Grey Beaver Road .

Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The Brook Chatham ME4 4NX Home Furniture 01622 609519 Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 (next to The Range) Gala Bingo) (next to to Ashford International) 01622 609519 N N Gala Bingo) (next to The Range) Mocca Manhattan 3+2 (next Ashford International) TN23 7RR Chatham .

ME4 3ED In the big blue building on E E Available in assorted fabrics ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME CHATHAM MAIDSTONE Genuine Leather 01634 880699 W W Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses St Peters Street .

ME16 0ST & leather Full Reclining ‘A VAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TEfoam, DELIVERY’ Available in assorted fabrics 633928 01634 891306 Pocket sprung, memory coil sprung mattresses IN Beaver01233 INsystem the one way Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The(on Brook . Chatham . opposite ME4 4NX Plus Furniture Available in Rustic, Cream, French Grey and Genuine Leather all inHome stock 01622 609519

www.homeplusfurniture.com www.homeplusfurniture.com all inMAIDSTONE stock CHATHAM 01634 880699 01634 891306 Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses 01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com all in 01634 880699 Pocket sprung, memory stock foam, coil sprung mattresses 01233 633928 01634 891306

& leather Full Reclining (next.to TheFrench Range) (next to Ashford International) TN23 7RR Chatham ME4 3ED Available in Cream or Grey ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME

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TN23 7RR Genuine (next Leather to Ashford International)

Dockside Outlet Centre .fabrics ME4 3ED Available (next in Chatham assorted to The Range)

Gala Bingo)

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(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

In the big blue building on Duck Egg Blue St Peters Street . ME16 0ST Home Plus Furniture In the big blue building on St Peters Street . ME16 0ST

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& leather Full Reclining Black, Cream, Red, Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2 Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 (next to The Range) Mocca Manhattan 3+2to Ashford International) (next

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

all in stock

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‘AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY’ ‘AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses

Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2

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Beaver Red, Road .‘A Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre TheIMMEDIA Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture Black, Cream, VAILABLE FOR DELIVERY’ Beaver Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX TEHome Plus Furniture Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 TN23 3+2 7RR Chatham . ME4 3ED In the big blue building on Mocca Manhattan TN23 7RR Chatham . ME4 3ED In the big blue building on St Peters Street . ME16 0ST 01634 880699 St Peters Street . ME16 0ST ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME CHATHAM MAIDSTONE ‘A V AILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ (on the one way system opposite 01233 633928 01634 891306 (on the one. way system. opposite Black, Cream, Red, Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre Chatham ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture Price Promise Guarantee Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 The Brook Gala (next to The Range) (next toBeaver Ashford International) 01622 609519 (next to The Range) Gala Bingo) Bingo) Mocca Manhattan 3+2 (next to Ashford International) TN23 7RR Chatham . ME4 3ED In the big blue building on 01634 880699 St Peters Street . ME16 0ST ‘A VAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ 633928 01634 891306 the one way system. opposite Beaver01233 Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The(on Brook . Chatham ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture 01622 (next.to The Range) Gala Bingo) (next to Ashford International) TN23 7RR Chatham ME4 3ED In the big609519 blue building on

01233 633928

01634 891306

01634 880699

01622 609519

www.homeplusfurniture.com www.homeplusfurniture.com CHATHAM MARITIME CHATHAM MAIDSTONE 01634 880699 01233 633928 01634 891306 01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com 01634 880699 01233 633928 01634 891306 ASHFORD

CHATHAM MARITIME

CHATHAM

ASHFORD

Sept15 Working File.indd 11 Dockside Outlet Centre

Beaver Road . Ashford TN23 7RR

(next to Ashford International)

Chatham . ME4 3ED (next to The Range)

The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

MAIDSTONE

St Peters Street . ME16 0ST

Home Plus Furniture In the big blue building on St Peters Street . ME16 0ST

01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com

(next to Ashford International)

(next to The Range)

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

www.homeplusfurniture.com

Please Mention The

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08/08/2015 09:44:43

15

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 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 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 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.

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ASHFORD AND TEN

16

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Clubs & ocieties theShome For further info call Wendy Sanders 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com.

Ashford Soroptimists Second Tues of the month, 7.15pm, except August, in Tesco Crooksfoot Community Room. We are part of a global organisation whose aims are to improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment or enabling opportunities and to be a global voice for increasing access to education and leadership for women and girls. We support local, national and international projects which have The Flooring Specialists the same aims. 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 Stanford & Postling WI meet in the comittee room at the rear of Lympne Village Hall on the 3rd monday of every month. we are a small but friendly group who would love to wlecome new members. Our speakers at the next few meetings are: March 21st Porchlight, Kate Lumley, April 18th Agatha Christie, Rosemary Piddock. for any futher information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390.

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17

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18

Being lucky enough to be born and bred in the heart of the Kent Countryside I have childhood memories of great locally grown tasty fresh produce, in the days where Supermarkets were not in abundance and Food Markets and Village stores were a popular and regular place that we bought a lot of our foods.

tales finding the beauty of searching out more local fresh and interesting products, cooking has become more and more popular over the years with celebrity chefs showing us that it is not difficult to produce tasty economical meals even in 15 minutes and dining with others is a very entertaining pastime.

A once a week visit to the local Market and in my case it was Ashford was all most families needed to top up their weekly pantry. Most families were also growing lots of staples in their gardens too because life was different we had the time and skills to produce our own.

Sadly things have changed over the years and Supermarkets have got a foothold on most of our lives for almost every product you need in the home, I have heard them described as large car parks with shops attached! Convenience for the faster paced life we lead has been a benefit on our time and perhaps pocket but not on our environment and local farming economy let alone to mention our health, several studies have proven that.

Through Food Fairs, Farmers Markets and Country Markets which are on the increase every month we can re-discover the beauty of REAL food, where it comes from, how it is produced, and what it looks and tastes like in its natural glory.

Food we need it, we love it but do we all really understand the importance of supporting our heritage and the providence of the foods we put on our plate?

The Garden of England where we all live has local food and producers in abundance, they are just not widely known as much as they should be, but this is changing. The way in which most of us use and celebrate food is slowly turning around, we are looking back on our childhood memories and Grandparents

Each producer has a great story to tell of their forefathers and of how they may have adapted their farming methods over the years to exist or how just ordinary people with a passion and an idea have started producing products that only our older generations remember creating or buying in their local area.

Local food has less far to travel so can be delivered and sold soon after it is picked. The food should be fresh and at its best. Producers also can select varieties for flavour rather than those that travel well or have a long shelf life.

These might be heritage varieties or unusual.

In each edition of the Village Directory I will endeavour to introduce you to some of the wonderful products and producers right here on your doorstep. Tell you their stories, introduce you to their products and tell you where you can buy them in your local area.

Local Markets

Rhubarb

April/May crop season can go right through to June. Best way to keep for longer is to freeze it. It is the first Fruit of Spring but really is a vegetable. Great for all sorts of pies, deserts and preserves.

Recorded in the 17th century as being used

Ashford Farmer’s Market First Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm in the lower High Street.

Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall

in cooking even before sugar was available! it’s usage peaked through 2 World wars.

Hamstreet Victory Hall every third Sunday 10-12pm Contact 01797 344437

In Chinese medicine it has been used as a laxative

Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April)

In Season:

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

April

weather)

Fruit

Salad

Apples Pears Rhubarb

Lettuce

Vegetables Asparagus Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Chicory Greens Kale Rocket Swede Sorrel Turnips Winter Greens

Fish Cockles Cod Crab Halibut Herring John Dory Mackerel Plaice Salmon Sea Bass Sea Trout

Meat & Game Beef Guinea fowl Hare Lamb Mutton Pork Rabbit Veal Venison Wood Pigeon

Rye Country Market Formerly WI Market Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill.

Every Friday 10am -11.30am Tenterden Country Market Every Friday 9.30am -11.00am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road.

Tenterden High Street Market Friday’s – 0830 – 1400 Wittersham Market Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01797 270757 Wye First and third Saturday of every month on the Village Green in Wye. Tel: 07804 652156 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

19

Cake and Bake Rhubarb & Coconut Meringue Cake There’s plenty of field grown rhubarb about this time of year and it’s perfect for pies, puddings and cakes. When buying choose firm plump stalks of rhubarb – avoid any that are floppy or bruised.

Ingredients:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, fan 160C, Gas 4. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Grease a 20cm round springform cake tin and line the base with baking paper.

20 • 100g butter, softened • 100g light soft brown sugar • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 50g self-raising flour • 50g ground hazelnuts • Zest of 1 orange • 300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped • 2 tbsp caster sugar

2. To make the base, place the butter and brown sugar in a bowl and beat together until pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs then sift over the flour and fold in. Gently fold in the ground hazelnuts. Spread the mixture in an even layer in the base of the prepared tin. Arrange the rhubarb over the top and sprinkle over the 2 tbsp caster sugar and orange zest.

3. To make the topping place the egg whites in a clean grease-free bowl and, using an electric hand held mixer, whisk until stiffly peaking. Whisk in the caster sugar until glossy then fold in the coconut.

FOR THE TOPPING • 2 medium egg whites • 50g caster sugar • 75g desiccated coconut • Whipped cream or Greek yoghurt, to serve

Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes

4. Spread the coconut meringue over the top of the rhubarb. Place the tin on the hot baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the topping is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or Greek yoghurt.

TIP

Placing the cake tin on a hot baking sheet will help to ensure that the hazelnut sponge base is cooked through.

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21

What’s On Lambing Live 2016 Saturday 9 April, Agricultural

Museum, Brook, 1pm. See the newborn lambs and calves from Wye Community Farm. BBQ, Beer Tent, Food stalls Museum open, Country crafts, Welly wanging, nail banging, and other country sports.

Adults £5, under 16’s free of charge. All proceeds towards WCF’s educational work.

Ashford Decorative & Fine Art Society Tues 12th April, a visit to The Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, for a private tour of their storeroom, then entry to the exhibition “Recording Britain”. Onto the surrealist Farley Farm House for a guided tour. Includes coffee, lunch & coach from Ashford. Call Ruth on 01233 720718. Tues 19th April, Aldington Village Hall, 10.30 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Bringing back the needle, the story of an Obelisk”. The story of the extraordinary journey of Cleopatra’s Needle from the Nile to the Thames. Tues 17 May, Aldington Village Hall, 10.30 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Great Tarts in Art: high culture and the oldest profession”. A combination of art-historical analysis and scandalous anecdote, this lecture looks at attitudes to sexual morality down the ages, as reflected in artistic portrayals. Call Christine on 01233 720241.

Stanford with Postling WI meet in the Committee

Room at the rear of Lympne Village Hall on the 3rd Monday of every month, excluding August, at 7-30pm. We are a very small but friendly group who would love to welcome some new members. at the next meeting our guest speaker will be Kate Lumley April 18th Agatha Christie, Rosemary Piddock For any further information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona 01303 238390. Stanford with Postling WI Jumble Sale to be held in Sellindge Village Hall on Sat 23rd April from 1 to 3pm Jumble may be left outside the hall from 9am on the day, no electrical items, books, cassettes or videos please.

L i v e Ja z z April /May 16

T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b At T h e To we r To B o o k C a l l : 0 1 3 0 3 2 7 7 1 7 5 April 7th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE CLARK TRACEY QUINTET £10 April 14th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE MICK FOSTER SEXTET £12 April 21st Bernie Stringle & The FJC Present JAZZIN’ JOLSON £12 April 28th Modern Jazz at it’s Best PETER KING & MORNINGTON LOCKETT WITH THE DAVE BARRY TRIO £12 May 3rd BIG BAND JAZZ AT THE FJC The Christ Church University 16pc Big Band Directed by Steve Waterman £12 May 12th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ GEORGINA JACKSON & KAREN SHARP with THE CHRIS INGHAM TRIO £12 May 19th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ LOUISE MARSHALL WITH THE DEREK NASH BAND £12 May 24th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE ALAN BARNES - - BRUCE ADAMS QUINTET £10

Brabourne Sponsored Walk May 14th 2016. Start Friday 1 April Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ from Smeeth church between 9am and 10am for a Society will be meeting in the Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm, for the Annual Spring Show (staging from 6.30 until 7.20 pm) followed by a light hearted quiz.

Friday 29 April Alison Marsden will be making a return visit giving a presentation on “Making the Most of Your Front Garden”Visitors will be made most welcome. For further information contact Wendy on The Hythe and Romney Marsh R.A.F. Association 01303 813 451 or e: brabournewendy@gmail.com . is holding a fund raising coffee morning at the New Romney Methodist church hall on Saturday 14th Saturday May 14th - Brabourne Area Sponsored March, 10am until 2pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits are Walk or Cycle. A chance to explore the countryside free but a donation in our collecting boxes would be and villages surrounding Brabourne and Smeeth appreciated ! There will be various stalls including with a choice of a 7 mile or 10 mile walk or a 17 mile cycle. Pick up a route map and checkpoint card from home made cakes, books, bri-a-brac etc. beautiful 10 mile circuit through the villages around Brabourne. Proceeds go to Brabourne School and Church. Either mail hesterfenwick@hotmail.com for more details and a sponsorship form or turn up and pay to join (£5 for adults, £3 for children).

the Oak Room near Smeeth church between 9 and 10am and follow the route at your leisure, including a lunch at The Black Horse, Monks Horton for added energy. Entry free with sponsorship (form available from Hesterfenwick@Hotmail.com) or £5 for adults/£3 for children on the day. All proceeds to Brabourne CEP School and The Friends of Brabourne Church. For further information, call 01303 814432

Ashford Flower Club - Our monthly meeting

will take place Tuesday, 19th April at Furley Hall, Quantock Drive, with a demonstration entitled ‘Bursting Full of Colour’ by Graham King. Programme starts at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome - entrance £3.00.

Enquiries: 01233 628278.

Kings Head, Wye April Events 2nd: Broncante & Vintage Fair – 9am – 12.00 and also Wye farmers Market 6th: Fee Music Night with Phoebe Warden 7.30pm – 10-.30pm 13th – Quiz Night – arrival 7pm, starts 7.30pm £10 gets you dinner and dessert, enters you into the prize pot, and £1 goes to our chosen charity.

Teams of 6 or less, booking recommended so contact us to reserve your space.

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slimmingworld.co.uk 20th: Free Jazz Night with Swing Noir – 7.30pm – 0344 897 8000 10.30pm - Bringing the music this April are Swing Noir, who take you back to the early 20th century, with music from the 1930’s, through to the 1960’s.

Playing swing, jazz and early popular music, with a gypsy jazz style influence, they, bringing a smooth sound, rich with vocal harmonies.

27th: 5 Tasting Menu £30 – 7.30pm- using all ingredients from around us ie: Perry Court Farm, Ripple farm Organics, Money Tree Farm, Quailty Meats Jamie’s Tamworth Pigs) and Canterbury Good Shed

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All Aboard! Learn to Sail at Conningbrook Lakes With the warm spring weather fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to learn how to sail with the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club's Sailing School (RCPYC Limited) at Conningbrook Lakes Country Park.

Starting this month RCPYC Sailing School is offering Stage 1 and 2 courses in dinghy sailing for youngsters aged 8 to 18. A two-day course costs £45 per day and participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement upon passing. All workshops are led by qualified Royal Yachting Association instructors with safety boat on hand.

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After passing Stage 1 and 2 youngsters have acquired the skills to sail in most weather conditions safely and can take part in open events.

Adults looking to learn how to sail can sign up to a Level 1 Dinghy Sailing course this spring.

The course of six afternoon sessions cost £35 per session and participants must attend at least four to pass.

Adults and children who have attended a beginner’s course, or who have sailed before, are welcome to join weekly Sunday sailing afternoons.

The sessions run every Sunday from 2pm to 5pm and start on 13th March. A boat and sailing kit is provided, subject to availability, or participants are welcome to bring their own kit.

East Kent Yachting Association Chairman, Helen Hofmann, said: “Conningbrook Lakes Country Park provides the perfect setting to learn how to sail.

We aim to make sailing both safe and fun, enabling people of all ages to develop an enjoyment for the sport.”

Conningbrook Lakes Sailing is run by the Sailing School of the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, and is supported by Ashford Borough Council.

If you would like more information about the sailing training courses, please call 079101 23259, or email sailingschool.rcpyc@gmail.com For further details on the country park and current opening times visit the website at www.ashford.gov.uk/conningbrook-lakes Conningbrook Lakes is sited next to the Julie Rose Stadium on Willesborough Road, Ashford.

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25

Hobbies Hallelujah! Why Joining A Choir Is Something To Celebrate

By Kate McLelland “Circle your shoulders … shake out your whole body … move your mouth as if you’re chewing a toffee …”

It’s my first session with my local community choir but we’ve spent the past five minutes doing physical exercises. “He always does this,” whispers a fellow choir member at my side, referring to Graham, the Choir Director. “He says it’s important to get rid of tension.”

The activity changes to breathing exercises and tongue twisters and I’m wondering when I will actually get the chance to sing. As if he could read my mind, Graham launches into an explanation of why it’s so important to spend time warming up both our bodies and our voices. “You are your instrument,” he tells us.

“Preparation is everything if you really want to sing well.”

As the session progresses I learn how to breathe from deep down in my ribcage rather than taking shallow breaths that use only a third of my lungs’ capacity. I also find out how to control my breathing, counting in-breaths and out-breaths and releasing air in a steady stream rather than letting it all go at once.

Finally we get to sing, and by this time my head is buzzing with all the extra oxygen I’ve taken on board. The real bonus is that my singing voice suddenly seems louder and more tuneful than usual simply because I’ve been using my lungs to their full capacity.

At the end of a two-hour session, during which we tackle songs ranging from “All That Jazz” from the musical Chicago to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, my new choir buddies and I are all excited and elated. The sound we created together was impressive and we are already discussing the possibility of taking part in a local festival.

Back at home, reflecting on my first ever choral session, it occurred to me there’s a lot more to joining a choir than just enjoying a good singalong, and this view is backed up by a number of high profile experts in the world of the arts, education and medical science.

Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London has extensively studied the developmental and medical aspects of singing.

He claims that the health benefits are both physical and

psychological. “Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting.”

He believes that singing is also important for mental health: “Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system, which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone, because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour.”

No wonder, then, that joining a choir has become such a popular hobby. Gareth Malone, who has started a number of choirs on TV, encourages singers to “Get out there and find what’s right for you”. On his website www.garethmalone.com he advises applicants to have an initial chat with the Choir Director to ask if they will need to read music and whether they will have to audition, adding the following reassurance: “What usually happens is that you take a piece which you know to sing to the choir director. It is

nothing like the X-Factor!”

Choirs come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important to find one that suits you: CLASSICAL CONCERT CHOIRS OR CHORAL SOCIETIES Large choirs that stage several concerts throughout the year, sometimes with an orchestra. They may perform concert works such as Mozart’s Requiem or Handel’s Messiah.

CHURCH CHOIRS Depending on the type of worship practised by the congregation, you could find yourself singing traditional sacred music, gospel songs or modern hymns that sound more like pop hits.

COMMUNITY CHOIRS AND OTHER SINGING GROUPS Depending on what’s available in your local area you might

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find choirs that sing rock and pop, songs from the shows, folk songs or even beatbox and rap. Generally speaking any choir that describes itself as a ‘Community choir’ is less likely to require you to audition or read music.

When looking for a choir to join you can either do some research on the internet (try www.choirs. org.uk) or ask around locally.

Look at the arts page in your local newspaper to find out which choirs are performing in your area or visit your local library for a list of community groups.

It may not offer instant fame like X-Factor or The Voice, but being in a choir provides an opportunity to sing songs you love with like-minded people, and to share your love of music with others through performance. If that doesn’t persuade you to join, then the health and wellbeing aspects of choral singing certainly should.

Many choirs offer a ‘taster’ session where you can sing with the group, chat to current members and also find out the costs involved (which can vary enormously, from £5 per session to £100 per term, depending on the size and profile of the choir).

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health & Lifestyle

Beauty Spring Is In The Air

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Spring is a great time to clear out the makeup bag (or overflowing cupboard in my case) and treat yourself to a few new goodies.

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How pretty is this new palette from Paul & Joe? Teaming an eye shadow duo with a powder blush, the palette is available in two shades: Papillons de Printemps and Floral Nectar (pictured). Retailing at £28 each, they’re not cheap, but the colours are easy to apply and you’ll be the envy of the other bathroom mirror hoggers on a night out. If you really want to splash out, Paul & Joe have also released some new lipsticks, in three vibrant spring shades.

Many people find that they need to buy a new foundation for spring/summer, their skin loses its winter hibernation paleness. (Or that’s my excuse anyway.)

The new Aqua Glow

as

Serum Foundation by Stila combines foundation with a treatment serum. It gives great, natural looking coverage, while hydrating and softening skin.

94% of testers reported dramatically improved skin tone. If you can’t wait to take your makeup off at the end of the day because your face feels dry and uncomfortable, you need to try this foundation. It contains hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that help to keep skin hydrated for up to 12 hours after applying it.

Available in 10 shades, the Aqua Glow Serum Foundation retails at £34.50.

If your hair is looking a little ‘meh’, but there’s still weeks to go until your next trip to the salon, try a KC Color Mask. Available in 14 shades, including platinum, golden copper, plum and coffee, these masks revitalise coloured hair. A small amount helps to maintain the hair colour and add brightness, while a larger amount can deepen the colour intensity. Just apply to freshly washed hair, comb through, leave for up to ten minutes and wash out.

They’re particularly useful for toning down brassy tones in blonde hair, and giving depth

to darker shades. The masks also contain Pro-Vitamin B5 and keratin derivative, to help repair the cuticle. Prices start from under £5.

Spring demands a lighter, fresher fragrance, and Yardley London has just released the perfect one. English Daisy is reminiscent of a wildflower meadow – floral, but not too sweet. It’s unashamedly girly, with notes including hyacinth and white rose, warmed with sandalwood and musk. And, at just £19.99 for 50ml, it’s a bit of a bargain.

Team it with the English Daisy body lotion, £6.50 and embrace the warmer weather.

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The 18 natural active ingredients include soothing calendula, hydrating shea butter and nourishing avocado. Priced at £15, it’s available from www. pureandlightorganic.eu and www.lovelula.co.uk.

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Puzzle Time

Word Ladder

Sudoku Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition! That’s all there is to it, you solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic there’s no maths involved and no adding up.

It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s addictive!

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

C O O L

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Across 7. Sight (6) 8. Female relative (6) 9. Largest continent (4) 10. Fit and healthy (8) 11. Beetles, ants etc (7) 13. Animal furs (5) 15. Invoices (5) 17. Considers (7) 20. Taking small bites (8) 21. Solely (4) 23. Distributed (6) 24. A capital city (6) Down 1. Fasteners (4) 2. Buccaneer (6) 3. Young children (7) 4. Sailing boat (5) 5. Involuntary action (6) 6. Menacing (8) 12. Loudest (8) 14. Harshly (7)

W A R M

Crossword 1

2

3

4

6

8

7

10

9

11

5

12

13 14

15

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16. Hard work (6) 18. Drenches (6)

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19. Feathered friends? (5) 22. Stolen goods (4)

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             

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Finance Don’t be Taken In By The Pension Scammers By Ann Haldon advantage of a lack of regulation within the industry, plus an uncertainty about how best to invest such a large amount of money.

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Since new pension regulations were introduced in 2015, conmen have been using the new freedoms to target people approaching retirement. One of the scams involves telling those under the age of 55 that a ‘legal loophole’ allows them access to their full pension, with no requirement to pay tax on the money withdrawn (in reality, a rate of up to 55%).

Pension monies are then moved into an alternative scheme run by the fraudsters, with savings either being stolen or severely diminished after extortionate charges are made for the ‘service’.

To make matters worse, HM Revenue and Customs has been sending out bills to reclaim tax on the amounts withdrawn, leaving victims of the scam with no pension savings and in largescale debt in some cases.

HOW CAN THE CONMEN OPERATE SO EFFECTIVELY? Although younger people are a clear target for pension scammers, those aged 55 and over are also under threat.

With no restrictions on how pension savings can be used, unscrupulous individuals and criminal groups are taking

Inefficient systems also form part of the problem, enabling conmen to set up these rogue pension schemes. HM Revenue and Customs are not pension regulators, but having introduced a ‘fit and proper person’ test in 2014, they have at least attempted to control the potential for fraudulent activity.

HMRC has the power to deregister or refuse to register a new pension scheme, but some have said they should take more responsibility for what is happening to victims, rather than chasing them for tax payments.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE NEW PENSION FREEDOMS? There’s no longer a requirement to buy an annuity with your pension savings in order to fund retirement, although it is still an option. Some people choose a staged income drawdown, which involves purchasing stocks and shares and cashing them in over a period of time.

Others prefer to invest in property at home or abroad, earning an income from renting out their investment, and benefiting from the increase in its capital value. People searching for the best return on their pension savings are now more vulnerable to conmen, however, especially in an industry with such complex products.

WATCH OUT FOR THESE

COMMON PHRASES USED BY THE SCAMMERS Specific phrases have been used by conmen to garner interest in their schemes, and to motivate their victims into taking action.

They include: • ‘legal loophole’ to avoid paying tax on pension withdrawals if you’re under 55 • ‘sophisticated investor’ • suggesting you invest in an ‘alternative’ area or those ‘not traditionally available’ • ‘free pension review’ or a ‘free transfer of your pension pot’ By telling you about a free pension or government review, scammers may be attempting to obtain personal and financial information. ‘Guaranteed level of investment’ is also a phrase to watch out for, as are time-limited offers and any form of pressure to make you sign quickly, i.e. before you’re able to access other professional advice.

PROJECT BLOOM TASKFORCE A new taskforce has been set up by the government and the National Crime Agency to combat the problem of pension fraud. A ‘perfect storm’ of new pension regulations, lack of awareness about where to reinvest, and the fact that large sums of money are involved, has enabled scammers to get away with too many sophisticated cons.

It’s hoped that Project Bloom will bring awareness to the issue, however, and specific advice is offered to anyone concerned about their pension. You need to be wary of: • Anyone offering a ‘free pension

the home review’ or access to your pension pot if you’re under the age of fifty-five • Offers of help to obtain a pension statement, or to provide a tracing service for lost pensions • An alternative investment product for your pension pot that seems too good to be true The Pensions Advisory Service provides free advice if you’re worried about potential scams, or to discuss your pension options in general.

A SOPHISTICATED APPROACH One of the problems is that scammers set up sophisticated systems and procedures that include glossy brochures and polished, well-rehearsed speeches. This makes the entire con appear legitimate unless you’re aware that this type of fraud is taking place.

Bringing awareness of what’s happening is key to combating

crimes like this, and hopefully Project Bloom will help to prevent more people suffering the devastating loss of their retirement income.

Those involved in Project Bloom include the National Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, The Pensions Regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

WATCH OUT FOR FAKE WEBSITES Fraudsters are even setting up fake websites with names very similar to legitimate bodies offering free advice. They may be able to gain access to your personal information in this way, and then contact you directly via phone or email.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/ money/investing-pensions/ pension-liberation-scamvictims-facing-huge-taxbills-11364036908047 http://www.thisismoney. co.uk/money/pensions/ article-3419232/Should-pensionscam-victims-let-tax-bills.html http://www.thisismoney. co.uk/money/pensions/ article-3397828/Three-tell-talesigns-duped-pension-fraudsters. html

It pays to check the web address you’re typing in very carefully, to ensure that the site is legitimate and not part of the fraudsters’

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www.stanfordconservatories.co.uk All Work Fully Insured Start & Completion Times Guaranteed

• Conservatories - Advice, design & CAD • General building & renovations • General Maintenance & Repairs • Paths, patios, driveways, block or paving • Decking and Car Ports Please Mention The

01303 812889 • 07710 077711

village directory When Responding to Adverts

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 www.samaritans.org

08457 90 90 90

Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG

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

Doctors Surgery Willesborough 01233 621626 Wye 0844 387 8419 Veterinary Surgeons Barrow Hill Vets 01233 624687 Montgomery Vets 01303 813756

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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

Age UK Ashford

Macmillan Cancer Support www.forget-me-nots.co.uk

Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch

Contact Mike Wharrad 01233 623520 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 www.eastkentstrokes.org

SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com 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

08457 740740 Bus Enquiries Arriva Bus Enquiries 0844 800 44 11 Stage Coach East Kent:

0871 200 22 33 (Timetable)

08456 00 22 99 (Customer Services) National Train Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk Wealden Wheels: 01233 840000 Village Halls: Boughton Lees Brook Challock Westwell Wye

01233 714540 01233 665 535

High Pressure Jetting Service & Repair to Sewage treatment plants Soakaway Testing

01233 668 765

www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com

CARM E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk

01233 623639 01233 812803 01233 740504 01233 712107 07504 839 858

Cesspool Emptying Service

01233 840624

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

Safe & Reliable Car, Minibus and Coach Hire Since 1980

www.amb-travel.co.uk

Day Trips & Excursions

We operate our own brochure with pick-ups (via two small feeder routes) including Ashford, Charing, Dover, Folkestone, Hamstreet, Hothfield, Hythe, Lydd, Maidstone, New Romney, Sellinge to some of the best destinations in South East England, in London and local Europe. Historic houses, museums, gardens, battlefield tours, exhibitions, theatres and shows - you'll be spoilt for choice and there's something for everyone!

EARLY BIRD OFFER SAVE UP TO £5 Get £5 off per person, per excursion when you book online (or £3 off when you book with our office).

Offer ends 30th April 2016 T&C’s apply see brochure for details.

Our NEW 2016 BROCHURE is out NOW!

Request a copy via our website or call our office ADULT SNR CHILD APRIL 2016 Sat 9th Kennet and Avon Cruise with Cream Tea £43 £42 £38 Wed 13th Boulogne or Le Touquet £30 £29 £25 Sat 16th Brighton Free Time £21 £20 £15 Sat 16th Brighton Pavilion £35 £33 £30 Wed 20th Afternoon Drive with Cream Tea £20 £19 £15 Wed 27th Sissinghurst Castle via Tunbridge Wells £27 £26 £22

May 2016 Sat 7th Ostende and PJ’s with Tram Ride Tue 10th Hastings or Eastbourne Thur 19th Bletchley Park Thur 19th Milton Keynes Sat 21st Royal Windsor and River Cruise Sat 21st Royal Windsor Free Time Sat 28th IWM Duxford Sat 28th Cambridge Tue 31st Brick Lane Music Hall 60’s Show

£37 £35 £32 £21 £20 £15 £39 £38 £28 £25 £24 £20 £28 £27 £23 £21 £20 £16 £38 £37 £26 £25 £24 £20 £64 £63

Our new brochure details excursions right through until March 2017

View our excursions via our website and book securely online, you can even choose your seats, or for more information call our team

www.amb-travel.co.uk

01233 626 952

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GTP

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