Ashford August 2016

The 35

village directory

Aug / Sept 2016 Delivered FREE to 20,000 homes in TN23 & TN24 by Royal Mail

for

Ashford

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the summer to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Ashford North Study Centre 01233 664190 Ashford, Park Farm Study Centre 01233 885920 kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

NHS NHS NHS NHS

Chopra&&Associates Associates Chopra Chopra & Associates DENTAL SURGERIES DENTAL SURGERIES

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DENTAL SURGERIES

ARE ACCEPTING ALL NEW NHS PATIENTS ARE ACCEPTING ALL NEW NHS PATIENTS

07/12/2009 07/12/2009

11:42 11:42

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ARE ACCEPTING ALL NEW NHS PATIENTS 225 Faversham Road Kennington Ashford Kent TN24 9AF

Tel: (01233) 637018 225 Faversham Kennington 225 Faversham RoadRoad Kennington

Ashford Kent 9AFaccept NHS Patients are Ashford Kentwhich TN24TN24 9AF Our other practices also Canterbury (01227) 453416637018 Sittingbourne (01795) 477224 Tel: (01233) Tel: (01233) 637018 and Swanscombe (01322) 386688

Our other practices which also accept NHS Patients are: Our other practices which accept NHS Patients other practices which also also accept NHS Patients are are(01322) 386688 Canterbury (01227)Our 453416 Sittingbourne (01795) 477334 and Swanscombe Canterbury (01227) 453416 Sittingbourne (01795) 477224

CanterburyRoad (01227)Kennington 453416 Sittingbourne (01795) 477224 225 Faversham www.chopradental.com info@chopradental.com and Swanscombe (01322) 386688 www.chopradental.com info@chopradental.com and Swanscombe (01322) 386688

Ashford Kent TN24 9AF

www.chopradental.cominfo@chopradental.com info@chopradental.com www.chopradental.com Tel: (01233) 637018

In In South South East East Kent Kent there there is is only only one one company company to turn to your double glazing and Our accept NHS Patients are to other turnpractices to for for which youralso double glazing and Canterbury (01227) 453416 Sittingbourne (01795) 477224 conservatory requirements conservatory requirements and Swanscombe (01322) 386688 “ ” • • Windows A Rated Windows • Windows www.chopradental.com • ••Conservatories Conservatories Conservatories • • Doors Doors Doors & Facia • ••Soffits Soffi & Soffits ts & Facias Facias • •Door Canopies

WEATHERMAN HOME WEATHERMANWINDOWS HOME IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS WEATHERMAN LIMITED

15 Bank Street, Ashford, Kent TN23 1DE 15 & Bank Street, Ashford, Kent Kent TN23TN23 1DE 1DE 13 15 Bank Street, Ashford,

info@chopradental.com

Established 1985

TEL: TEL:01233 01233643242 643242 www.weathermanhome.co.uk www.weathermanwindows.co.uk www.weathermanhome.co.uk 2

Welcome It’s August, and as I write the sky is blue and the warm summer sun is pouring in through the window – wonderful!

School children everywhere are now enjoying the freedom of their summer holidays, hopefully they’re making the most of the great outdoors, but I suspect many will be absorbed in their virtual worlds provided by various games consoles and technology. When my son was young it was a real challenge to sell him the virtues of the outside world when all he wanted was to race cars on his Playstation.

These days he’s hardly ever in the house but the Playstation is still an important part of his social life. Maybe that’s a good thing, in September it will be his companion in the early days of his new University life, and may help him to make friends.

If only school holidays were more like one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five novels, full of adventure and exploration and void of the serious threats present in this modern age. It was heart-warming earlier in the year to follow the news story of the group of Surrey children that formed a human arrow in a field to help police find a couple of burglary suspects. How proud must their parents be!

Anyway treasure these precious summer days, before we know it Autumn will be knocking on our doors.

See you next time

~ Debbie

T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk Next Deadline 10th September

FURNITURE FARM FOR ALL Secondhand Furniture & Effects

at WILLOWBED FARM, Kingsnorth TN23 3JG

Call 01233 621326

www.furniture-farm.co.uk

N & E Window Cleaning Services Water-fed Pole / Traditional Window Cleaning Fascia / Gutter / Patio Cleaning / Solar Panels Please contact Nathan Turner for a free quote

07764 193492 n_eturnercleaning@yahoo.com

Make Do And Mend Sewing Services

Curtains, Blinds and Cushions Clothing Repairs, Alterations, Zips & Hems,School Uniform Repairs Call Paulette 01233 331 994 M: 07932 903864

NEEDLES & PINS

REPAIR AND ALTERATION SERVICE

Zips & Trouser / Skirt Shortening from £4.50 HAND SEWN CURTAINS FREE COLLECTION / DELIVERY SERVICE

Call Christina 01303 864280

KILBYS PEST CONTROL • All Rodents and Insects • WASP NEST SPECIALIST • SAME DAY SERVICE

• 7 days a week • Fully Insured • Est 1983

01233 840948

07756007428

KILBYS CHIMNEY SWEEP

• Pots/Cowls/Birdguards Fitted Brush and Vac • Certificates Issued • Fully Insured • ICS Registered • Family Run, Est 1983

01233 840948 07756007428

T: 07776 453886 allengardensolutions.co.uk

Lawn Care Turfing Garden Maintenance Hedges/ Borders Cut & Cleared

Advertise Here

£19 per month plus vat 10% Discount on 6 month Bookings

Tel 01233 720488 3

Plan Your Planting

by Pippa Greenwood

Many gardens are now looking a little tired, as summer flowers try hard to put on a reasonable show despite the tougher conditions and the fact that their season is drawing to a close. It is not a good time for planting shrubs or trees, as the soil tends to be fairly dry, so you can’t even make things look better with a shrub or two.

So, do what you can to perk up flower beds and borders and then start to plan ahead for spring - right now garden centres are starting to take delivery of huge quantities of fabulous bulbs, just ready for planting, and a sure fire way to get your garden looking fabulous in those first few months of next year, and indeed for years to come. Get down to the garden centre sooner rather than later, so that you can have the pick of the bunch.

Many bulbs will actually start to put down roots at the back end of summer and into autumn, giving them a head start and ensuring a fabulous display in spring, so prompt planting is advisable. The only thing you need to delay is the planting of tulips; these are best planted in October to help them avoid a nasty infection called tulip fire.

Don’t forget that many mail

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order catalogues are available and these have an even bigger array of bulbs, often including many of the more unusual varieties, so send off for a few of these to ensure you have something particularly special to enjoy - and to show off to your friends and neighbours!

If ordering from catalogues you will need to get a move on, however, so send off for a few as soon as possible.

Then enjoy putting your feet up with a cuppa and a pile of catalogues, ready to choose some delightful bulbs ready for planting in the next month or so.

Before you set off to the garden centre, take a look at your borders - and indeed anywhere else in the garden - and decide where you can cram in a few bulbs. Remember, the great thing is they are often in flower before the rest of the garden gets going, and so they can be used to under-plant existing trees, shrubs and herbaceous flowers. Bulbs are an excellent way to make the most of every square metre of garden soil, and to ensure that your garden looks lovely as early as possible in the year.

Many bulbs do really well in containers, so if you have a permanently planted up

container this too can be under-planted with several layers of spring flowering bulbs. Use a transplanting trowel to plant in these tight spaces and that way you’ll minimise damage to the existing plants’ roots.

If you are new to using bulbs and feel unsure of what goes together, don’t feel frightened to experiment. Alternatively, many catalogues and even some garden centres offer mixed selections of bulbs for specific purposes and there are also some lovely packs of bulbs following colour themes. These usually represent good value for money too.

Have you got a dull patch of lawn? Brighten it up in the early months by planting some small bulbs. Things like crocus or miniature narcissus are particularly useful, as once the flowers have faded you don’t have too much deteriorating foliage to cope with.

In larger areas, consider planting up drifts of full-sized daffodils, but make sure that the grass beneath these trees or shrubs is not something you want to keep regularly mown, as you will have to wait for at least six weeks after flowering before you can safely remove

The Garden the leaves of the daffodils.

When choosing bulbs, always make sure they are in good condition before you buy.

With a quick look through the packaging (bulbs are often hidden by large quantities of sawdust or wood shavings) you should be able to find the bulbs itself. Avoid any which are showing even the slightest signs of deterioration such as sunken brown spots, excessive softness or the presence of patches of bluish mould on their surface. Larger bulbs generally seem to do better than smaller versions of the same variety so, if possible, choose really good sized plump ones.

If you want to buy large quantities of the same variety, then it may be possible to buy a net of bulbs from your

garden centre or direct from a mail order specialist nursery.

Ideally bulbs should be planted promptly, but if this isn’t possible make sure that you keep them in a cool and well ventilated spot before planting, as this is essential to reduce the risk of them deteriorating.

Next month I’ll be looking at novel ways to make the best use of the gorgeous array of available bulbs, so plant some now and then treat yourself to a few more for September planting!

Visit Pippa’s website www.

pippagreenwood.com for Pippa’s ‘Winter thru’ Spring’ collection of vegetables for planting next month, a really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including Nemaslug to control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, ladybirds to control greenfly, pull-out mini tunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

SJH Pest Control

Helpful advice and control of rats, moles and all public health Tel: pests. BPCA/RSPH award 01303 875282 in pest management.

Mobile: Fully insured.

07933 712442 Free callout.

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01233 349 012 07496542362       

Patios Driveways Block Paving Car Parks Sports Courts Fencing Artificial Grass

Kent surfacing specialise in Patios, driveways, block paving, artificial grass, footpaths, private roads, forecourts and sports court surfacing. We offer a wide range of high quality materials from many different suppliers.

    

Footpaths Driveway Repairs Driveway Extensions Concrete Pads Groundwork

www.kentsurfacingcontractors.

Contact us now to arrange a free site visit and no obligation written quotation. We ensure to provide an efficient, reliable and friendly service in order to maintain our high standard of work to guarantee each client is 100% satisfied.

01233 349 012 07496542362

 Patios Footpaths • Artificial Grass • Patios  Driveways • Footpaths  Driveway Repairs • Driveways • Repairs • Block Paving  Block Paving Driveway Driveway Extensions • Driveway Extensions • Car Parks  Car Parks  Concrete Pads • Sports Courts • Concrete Pads  Sports Courts Groundwork • Groundwork • Fencing  Patios  Fencing  Footpaths t: 01233 349 012 m: 079496 542362  Artificial Grass  Driveways  Driveway Repairs www.kentsurfacingcontractors.co.uk

01233 349 012 07496542362

6

 Block Paving  Car Parks

 Driveway Extensions

www.kentsurfacingcontractors.co  Concrete Pads

The Garden

Arches And Pergolas

Bartlett Tree Experts

10% off

Orders over ÂŁ200

Bulk Buy Garden Fencing Garden & Driveway gates

10%

Arches And Pergolas

Stock Fencing Security Fencing Decking & Accessories

OFF

Offer Ends 30. 08. 16

Garden Sheds Play Equipment Fixing & Sundries Fencing Tools

your hedge look oes yourDoes hedge look like this? like could this? help! artlett Tree Experts Does your hedge look like this?

Bartlett Tree Experts Bartlett Tree Experts could help! hedge look like this? could help!

ee Experts could help!

Contact Robert Cosgrove for a free consultation 01959 525821 sevenoaks@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

01233 626 188

Order online: www.chartfencing.co.uk

Chart House, Dencora Way, Ashford, kent TN23 4FH Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm Sat 8.30am - 12.00pm

7

AGF Tree Services Tree care that does care AGF Tree Services

Tree care that does care AGF Tree Services

BENSKO

www.agftreeservices.co.uk

www.agftreeservices.co.uk

Tree care that does care

www.agftreeservices.co.uk

Pest Control Services

DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL

Fast effective service for the removal of all pests.

A professional service, with a reliable and friendly A professional service, with aapproach reliableto

tree care. Our aim is tofriendly provide a service that our customers and approach toboth treeapproach care.

Our A professional service, with a reliable and friendly to and AGF Tree Services canabeservice proud of.that both aim is to provide tree care. Our aim is to provide a service that both our customers

Family Run - Fully Insured.

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our customers and AGF Tree and AGF Tree Services can be proud of. can be proud of.

Crown Reduction Crown Reduction Stump Grinding

MICE MOLES SQUIRRELS COCKROACHES

Felling

Pollard

Hedging Bracing Garden Maintenance

Site Clearance Formative Pruning

Garden Maintenance Formative Pruning All quotes are free and with no obligation.

Tree free work is done to BS3998 All All quotes with obligation quotesare are free and and with nono obligation.

Tree work is done to BS3998 Tree work is done to BS3998

Fully Insured and NPTC Qualified

Tel: 01303 487401 Mobile: 07857 344770 e: bensko@talktalk.net www.benskoservices.co.uk

Fully Insured and NPTC Qualified

Fully Insured and NPTC Qualified Landline: 01233 662658 | Mobile: 07792 204917

Email:662658 agftreeservices@gmail.com Landline: 01233 | Mobile: 07792 204917 Landline: 01233 662658 | Mobile: 07792 204917 Email: agftreeservices@gmail.com Email: agftreeservices@gmail.com

PLUCKLEY ROAD BETHERSDEN KENT

Open Weekend Dates for 2016

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

26th to the 29th August 9.00-5.00 daily We grow our vast range of plants with passion and pride for garden designers, landscapers, local nurseries, farm shops and other horticulture outlets.

We have a truly exquisite range to offer you from the tried and tested to the more unusual. You will be making your selection direct from our growing beds!

You can’t buy fresher. Fantastic range and fair prices.

Should you need help with your selection we also have knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions.

*Shrubs* Trees* Herbaceous Perennials * Climbers * Large Plants for Instant Impact* Pluckley Road Bethersden TN26 3ET 8

Crown thin

Crown Crown thin Felling DeadLift wooding Epicormic Growth

Stump Grinding Dead wooding Epicormic Growth Planting Hedging Bracing Site Clearance Planting Pollard

WASPS ANTS FLEAS FLIES RATS

Crown Lift

Services

Truly a Gardeners Paradise!

Please note that we are only open on these dates.

We accept most major credit/debit cards For detailed directions please see our website Follow day-glow signs from A20 at Charing and A28 at Bethersden

The Garden

GMC

Glenn Mackett Construction Top quality materials. Top quality service.

Supply + Install. FREE QUOTATIONS. T : 01233 877 521 | M : 07710 179 600 enquiries@woodchurchfencing.co.uk www.woodchurchfencing.co.uk

Driveway specialists Patios Drainage Extensions Fully qualified Tel: 07775 925589 or: 01233 690270 www.gmconstructionkent.co.uk

9

Will your dog take the plunge?

PETS

Although swimming is one of the best exercises for your dog, as well as being a fun activity, not all dogs take well to swimming, and some are literally unable to swim due to their physiology.

• Try to find a gentle slope down into the water, so your dog doesn’t fall in unexpectedly.

The short muzzle on bulldogs and pugs, for example, makes it very difficult to keep their nose and mouth above water and they are forced to take on an almost vertical position in order to stay afloat.

• Take some new or favourite floating toys, plus treats for when they come out.

Other breeds such as Labradors take to the water with a little too much enthusiasm at times, and it can seem impossible to get them out.

Encouraging your dog to swim But if you have a reluctant swimmer on your hands, how can you persuade them to take the plunge?

calm water with no waves or currents.

• Make sure they know how to get back out again, to avoid panic.

If you can paddle alongside your dog, they’ll find it comforting at first, and of course plenty of treats will help. Although good exercise for your dog, swimming is also meant to be fun, so if they don’t take to it quite as enthusiastically as you’d hoped, it might be advisable to stay in the shallows and just let them paddle. http://talentedanimals.com/blog/helping-yourdog-learn-to-love-to-swim/

By Ann Haldon

• Choose a warm day, and

Safe, loving care for your pet while you are away.

Call Becky on:

07736 393267

www.bumblespetboarding.co.uk

The Grooming Room All Dog Grooming Available

Ashford based ~ Collection & Drop-off Available Microchipping available

T: 07792 046 343

E: emma@thegroomingroom.co.uk

Advertise Here

£19 per month plus vat 50% Off a 4 month Booking

Tel 01233 720488

Advertise Here

50% OFF

4 month Booking ( £22 pm plus vat)

Tel: 01233 720488

e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk 10

SMART DOGS GROOMING SERVICE

• • • • • • • •

Collection Service Handstripping Clipping Dematting Doggy Day Nursery Cat Grooming Microchipping Dog Walking Locally

Voucher

£5 Off for New Customers -

01233 732505

Ashford

www.smartdogs-kent.co.uk Marsh Rd Hamstreet,TN26 2JE

The Home

Quality, Made to Measure Blinds at Affordable Prices FREE HOME DESIGN SERVICE

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Roller Blinds Roman Blinds Vertical Blinds Venetian Blinds Wooden Blinds Pleated Blinds Shutters Conservatory Blinds Commercial Blinds

■■ 1 Year Product Guarantee ■■ 3 Year Installation Guarantee

We Also Sell Curtains & Awnings For more information or to book an appointment

Call: 01233 226570 QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

E: info@jlsblinds.co.uk W: www.jlsblinds.co.uk

A new look for your old kitchen this Summer

20% off until * end of August

EST.

1999

Before

• From a simple door swap to a complete kitchen refit • Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks & taps • Installed by local skilled tradesman • Free planning & design service CALL CRAIG, FELICITY OR KATHY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE:

01892 440004 dreamdoors.co.uk

®

Visit our showroom: 48 Cinque Ports Street, Rye TN31 7AN *Terms & conditions apply

11

Home & Interiors Come Back To Carpet

By Katherine Sorrell

although carpet won’t scratch, scuff or splinter, it may stain and wear. Regular vacuuming is the only maintenance it needs, but accidental spills can be a nightmare to deal with, and it’s unlikely to last longer than stone, tiles or wood.

No longer a dull or dated option, modern carpet can be both practical and fashionable, offering an almost unlimited choice of colour and pattern and, perhaps surprisingly, an enormous range of textures, too.

WHY CHOOSE CARPET? Wood floors are timeless and durable, tiles practical and laminates and vinyls inexpensive.

So why opt for carpet? Well, carpet is, indisputably, soft and comfortable underfoot – especially in a bedroom or if there are small children crawling around. It absorbs sound – which helps if you have teenagers who are prone to clattering up and down the stairs. And it is non-slip and forgiving if you have a fall, and it is insulating against heat loss and draughts. On the downside,

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CHOOSING A CARPET Deciding which carpet to buy can be a complex and confusing business. As a general rule, the deeper the pile and the more luxurious the finish, the greater care the carpet will need. The shorter and denser the pile, the better it is likely to wear – if you fold the carpet back and part the pile, you should not be able to see the backing. So your final choice will probably involve trading off softness and comfort against durability and resilience.

Standard carpet descriptions are for light, moderate, general, heavy and extra heavy domestic use, which will give you a good indication of how suitable a carpet will be for each room.

Obviously, a carpet in a hallway will need to be very tough – perhaps a high-end 80:20 twist classified for heavy domestic use, while in a living room (general domestic) you’ll probably require a combination of a luxury look with a robust performance, such as a loop or velvet, and a spare bedroom could be much more delicate – a velvet or Saxony classified for light domestic, for example. If you choose a carpet that is suitable for general use, you can lay it throughout to create a seamless look that pulls a decorating scheme together.

Carpets are inadvisable in kitchens, and best avoided in bathrooms, though if you insist, there are splash-proof types available.

When it comes to choosing a carpet style, ask your retailer for samples and take them home where you can see them in your own environment and your own light. If you are redecorating from floor to ceiling, it’s a good idea to choose the carpet first and ensure that the rest of the scheme co-ordinates with its colour and pattern – remember, the floor is the largest area you will see in a room, so it’s important to get it right. When you are doing building work, however, always install the carpet last, to protect it from splashes and spills. Last, but by no means least, when you work out your budget don’t forget the cost of underlay and fitting.

Get your room professionally measured to ensure that you don’t over- or under-order and when replacing a carpet, always buy new underlay. Not only will it ensure that your new carpet sits properly and wears evenly, but it could prolong its life by up to 40 per cent.

IMAGE - Padstow candy spot carpet, £69.99 per square metre, Brintons, tel 0800 505055, www. brintons.co.uk.

The Home

CARPET FIBRES

CARPET PILE

Wool: Naturally flame-retardant and resilient to compression, wool is warm, soft, durable and does not soil easily. 100% wool is a sumptuous choice. The best wools come from Britain and New Zealand.

Loop: Pile tufts are left uncut and can either feel smooth or are like natural flooring such as sisal and Loop: The pile tufts are left uncut and can either feel smooth or may replicate the appearance of natural flooring such as sisal and coir. Not a good idea if you have pets, as animal claws and loop piles do not mix.

Nylon: Extremely hard-wearing, nylon has the greatest abrasion resistance of all fibres. It takes dye and stainresistance treatments well.

Polypropylene: Inherently resistant to stains and abrasions, polypropylene wears well and is value-formoney. It is used mainly in plain twists, loop patterns and saxonies.

Polyester: Stain-resistant, light and bulky, polyester has a lustrous appearance and is mainly used in plain, thick saxonies.

Mixes: In order to enhance performance, give a particular feel or reduce price, the four fibres may be blended together. Pure wool, for example, is very expensive, so cheaper options mix a synthetic fibre with wool. The most common blends are 80% wool with 20% nylon (often recommended as the ideal combination of softness and strength); 80% wool with 10% nylon and 10% polyester; and 50% wool with 50% polypropylene.

Cord: The loops are pulled tight against the backing, giving a very low pile.

Saxony: A deeper pile with a soft, sensuous feel and appearance. Very popular in bedrooms.

Shag: Extra-long pile – watch out for high heels.

Twist: A loop pile that uses yarn with a higher twist than usual to give a coarse, rugged surface. The best types twist two yarn ends tightly together for a very hard-wearing carpet.

Velvet: A sheared, short pile with a smooth, luxurious finish.

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Aldington War Memorial Campaigner Searches for Missing Kent Families for New Village Memorial After 66 years of campaigning, one man’s ambition to see a war memorial in the village of Aldington, has finally come to fruition.

For the last six decades, local resident David Hughes, 73, has worked tirelessly to bring about a tribute to the many men and women of Aldington, Bonnington and Hurst who gave their lives during the World Wars. Forty-nine local men and one woman were lost to the conflicts and, ever since he was a young child, David has dreamed of a memorial that will recognise their sacrifice.

On July 2 this year, a new war memorial was finally officially unveiled to honour the fallen of Aldington, Bonnington and Hurst villages in the wars. Made of local ragstone and shaped as an ‘A’ for Aldington, the 9.6ft-high and 12ft wide monument will have all 50 names of the fallen inscribed upon it. It is the first new war memorial to be erected in Kent for a number of years.

On Saturday 11th November 1950, aged just 7 years old, David was approached by a family from London looking to lay flowers on the village war memorial. When informed that there was no war memorial in Aldington, David led them to the plaque in the local church where the family exclaimed that their deceased relative was not listed. “Since that day I have discovered that there are in fact 23 names missing from the church plaques as the families didn’t attend church services”. David has since worked tirelessly to track down all 47 of the families whose relatives, are named on the memorial. To date he has made contact with 31 families, but would still like to reach the other 16 families.

14

Still to be traced are families from the Aldington area with the surnames: BURCH DAY LANCASTER RAYNER CHITTENDEN HEATH MAJOR SOUTHERN COGGER HODGKIN MILTON WEBB DAISEY HOOK PEACOCK WOOD If you believe you are a member of one of these families or know someone who is, and would like to get in touch, please contact David Hughes on 01233 720646 “It would mean so much to me and the people of the villages to have family members of all of the deceased there for the unveiling. The memorial is for everyone to remember the sacrifice of these young lives”.

Over the years David has never given up on his dream of commissioning a war memorial for the village. He has worked on the paving himself and played a huge role in raising the money to fund the memorial, which cost in excess of £12,000. Fundraising activities have included coffee mornings, sponsored walks and runs, village quizzes at the local pub, The Walnut Tree, as well as numerous private family donations.

The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, July 2 – one day after the anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme, in which many of Aldington’s servicemen were lost.

If you would like to purchase a commemorative medallion, please contact David Hughes on 01233 720646. They are £10.00 and presented in a velvet box with certificate of authenticity. It also has all the names of those who are on the War Memorial, all the profit raised from the medallions will go straight into the memorial funds.

The Home

15

Stelline Interiors was formed to complement our existing business Kitchen George which started life in 2006 as a trade only outlet. Due to increased demand we decided to take the step to open our doors to retail customers in 2012 and since then things have gone from strength to strength. In the summer of 2015 we opened our second branch on the Henwood Industrial Estate in Ashford, We have built up a reputation throughout Kent for quality and expertise in our field, as well as our exemplary customer service, the vast majority of our customers are via referrals or repeat orders.

Stelline Interiors offers a fantastic range of locally sourced, luxury kitchens manufactured in Kent as well as bedrooms and home office furniture. We are also dealers for top quality appliances from manufacturers such as Neff, Bosch and Siemens.

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At Stelline Interiors we aim to offer excellent quality products at great value-for-money prices, all year long. We don’t believe in overinflated prices just to be able to offer huge percentage “discounts” that, in real terms, mean nothing. Our experienced team excels in creating beautiful kitchen designs that work for you and will still look great in years to come.

With over 150 door styles and colours we are sure to have something to suit any taste and budget. We offer a free, no obligation survey and design service and with our state of the art CAD software we can give you a fantastic representation of how your dream kitchen will look.

If you’re looking for a fully project managed service or supply only we are happy to help.

Our fitting teams have years of experience installing our products we are completely confident you will love your new kitchen from Stelline Interiors. Call us on 01304 826866 or 01233 647699 to book an appointment today.

www.stellineinteriors.com

The Home

Units 3 & 4 Kingfisher Business Centre Henwood Industrial Estate Ashford, Kent. TN24 8DH

Tel: 01233 647699 E: sales@stellineinteriors.co.uk

Call in NOW for some amazing appliance bargains Live in luxury with a new kitchen from Stelline Interiors. With virtually unlimited styles and finishes to choose from, there’s sure to be something to suit your taste and budget.

From start to finish we offer a complete, professional package to suit your very own requirements and budget.

• • • •

KITCHEN FITTING BATHROOM FITTING BEDROOM FITTING DECORATING

• •

GENERAL BUILDING WORKS FLATPACK FURNITURE ASSEMBLY

Call Tony: 07979 220224 / 01233 610402 e: info@thornbys.co.uk www.thornbys.co.uk 17

already growing veg in the garden, seeking out Farm Shops as they popped up and buying her meats from the local butchers so that she could provide the best for her growing family. But she always had a desire to do more.

Disillusioned with town living, in 2005 Trudie decided to seek a piece of land in order to move her passion along. Researching land and prices she soon learnt that taking a larger piece of land and diversifying was more economical and viable longer term. Over time, as she continued her search, the children grew more self-sufficient so she began to take up as many agricultural courses as she could, in order to extend her knowledge and experience. From pig keeping, sheep breeding animal handling, beekeeping and even alpacas, you name it she tried it!

This month’s article takes me across the beautiful Kent countryside to Smarden, a small village and civil parish full of charm and history.

I have followed this small farm for several years now and have been so impressed with their dedication and determination to supply top quality rare breed meats, I could not wait to feature them.

I first met Trudie many years ago when I used her services as an accountant! Who knew that our paths would cross again, but this time in a very different and lovely way, with both of us pursuing our long time passions in artisan food.

Not coming from a farming family at all, being born and bred in Gravesend in a house full of book keepers and accountants, there was no connection to farming or animals whatsoever.

This is another story of significant life change, born out of a personal passion.

In the early 90’s Trudie was watching television when a program called “Escape to River Cottage” came on. The wonderfully quirky, creative and wholesome Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall showed that by going back to basics, coupled with time, research and dedication we can provide wholesome, cheap and nutritious food for our families and friends. This program struck a chord with Trudie, being a mother and a lady that cares about where her foods come from. She was

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One day, whilst sitting in the Office adding up some figures, a piece of land in Smarden popped up in her Inbox. It was the perfect size and distance so she stepped on it and placed a sealed bid! Sadly someone beat her to it so the search continued!

By chance, about 6 months later, the same piece of land appeared again for sale and her offer was accepted. It seemed that it was meant to be, it would be theirs after all. Once signed, sealed and under their ownership the labour of love began!

Driving back and forth between Smarden and Gravesend whenever they could and staying in a tent on site at every spare moment was their alternative lifestyle for about a year, until the tent literally disintegrated! A caravan was brought on site to provide a little extra luxury, whilst plans and preparations continued for their long term dream of creating a small farm. At this point Trudie’s eldest daughter and son-in-law also decided to move to Smarden and get involved.

They chose to go down the rare breed route with their lamb and pork and, after Trudie attended a smallholding course, she was introduced for the first time to Boer goats and she was smitten.

Her idea to breed with them and sell goat meat opened up quite a gap in the market, goat meat is fast becoming a popular option in this country.

With the additional support of their local vet and various other family and friends Ritoweg Farm began to take great shape.

Food & Domestic Services One learning curve after another, and with their dreams of living on the farm in sight, pigs, lambs and goats began to arrive in stages. The farm was soon a real working farm, enabling them to take their products to the local community. Trudie’s business and finance background enabled her to set to work on planning what it would take to make a living wage, so they could build a log cabin and make it more comfortable for the humans!. They took up opportunities at Farmers Markets wherever they could and now attend seven across the local area. They have repeat custom and have built up a great reputation, especially for their sausages.

Their story shows once again that commitment, vision, hard work and dedication pays off, and that a huge leap of faith can propel you into a life change that can enrich every part of your life.

Supporting these great people in their journey to change the face of how we source our food, by buying their goods is simply our part in their journey, so let’s empower more diversity and traceability and buy local wherever we can.

To find out where you can buy Ritoweg Farm meats and sausages visit their Facebook page, website www.ritowegfarm.co.uk or you can find them on the Kent Farmers Market Association website www. kfma.org.uk for a full listing.

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

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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!

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 Tropical Fruit Roulade A lovely light and fruity dessert that’s ideal for summer entertaining. You can vary the fruit filling, try fresh chopped peaches and raspberries or strawberries and blueberries if preferred.

Ingredients: • 5 large eggs • 165g caster sugar • 4 tbsp plain flour • 300ml double cream • 2 passion fruit • 1 small ripe mango

Serves 8

Swiss roll tin and line the base and sides with lightly greased baking paper.

2. Place the eggs and 150g of the caster sugar in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water and whisk with an electric whisk until the mixture is very pale and thick (see tip). Remove from the heat and continue whisking until the mixture leaves a trail when the whisk is lifted.

3. Sift the flour over the mixture and fold in gently with a metal spoon. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and tilt the tin to level the surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and just firm to the touch.

Ready in 1hour, plus cooling

4. Invert the roulade out onto a sheet of baking paper dusted with

TIP

5. Whip the cream in a large bowl until softly peaking. Scoop

The trick to a really light and fluffy fatless sponge is to whisk the mixture over the simmering water for at least 7-8 minutes to incorporate as much air as possible, and to fold in the flour very gently to avoid knocking out too much air.

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1. Preheat the oven to 180/fan 160C/Gas 4. Grease a 33cm x 23cm

the rest of the sugar. Cover with a clean damp tea towel and leave to cool completely. the seeds and flesh from the passion fruit and fold into the cream. Peel the mango and cut a few thin slices to decorate the roulade; finely chop the rest. Remove the paper lining from the roulade and trim the edges. Spread the passion fruit cream over the sponge and top with the chopped mango.

6. Using the sugared paper as a guide, roll up the roulade from one short end. Transfer to a serving platter and decorate with the reserved mango slices just before serving.

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21

Hobbies ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’? Become A Wildlife Recorder!

By Kate McLelland According to Dr John Blewitt, a specialist in Social Responsibility at Aston University in Birmingham, many of us are suffering from a new condition known as “nature deficit disorder”. Before you rush to google the symptoms, it may help to know that this isn’t a real medical condition, but a term coined to describe people who are cut off from the natural world.

Research carried out by the charity Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) has revealed that a significant percentage of young adults aged between 16 and 23 are so divorced from nature they believe that eggs are made from wheat and don’t know that milk comes from a cow.

In a timely intervention, Bristol Natural History Consortium, together with 14 partner organisations, has come up with a national initiative that promises to put us back in touch with the natural world. BioBlitz is a research programme that encourages ordinary people to become wildlife explorers for a day. Events are scheduled to take place throughout the country until October.

BioBlitz’s team of experienced

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naturalists and wildlife watchers are hoping to link up with an army of volunteers to help them track down as many different species of insects, plants, wild birds and mammals as they can within a 24 hour timeframe. The research will be carried out in exactly the same way as a formal scientific expedition: everything that is discovered will be carefully documented then passed on to local and national databases that monitor the UK’s wildlife. BioBlitz promises there will be something for all ages at their events, with interactive activities suitable for beginners and experts alike (find out more at www.bnhc.org.uk).

If 24 hours isn’t long enough to satisfy your curiosity about the natural world, never fear: you can go on to take part in a wide range of wildlife initiatives that keep going all year round.

LOVE OUR LADYBIRDS Go to www.ladybird-survey. org to find information about this much-loved insect, which belongs to the scientific family Coccinellidae. These attractive creatures come in a range of different colours and sizes, from the tiny, yellow 22-spot Ladybird to the pea-sized Eyed Ladybird.

In the UK, around 46 species

actually belong to this family, although only 26 of these are recognisable as ladybirds.

Ladybird research is important because of the recent invasion by the Harlequin Ladybird, which now threatens to overwhelm our native populations. On the Ladybird Survey website you’ll find links to a website where you can record sightings of the Harlequin.

BUY A MAMMAL TUNNEL Even wondered which small mammals pass through your garden at night, searching for food? Nottingham Trent University has come up with an ingenious way to detect the presence of hedgehogs, mice, shrews and other small creatures that would otherwise be hard to observe with the naked eye.

The Footprint Tunnel is a noninvasive tool designed to help researchers identify the presence of animals by identifying their paw-prints. The idea is very simple: your garden visitors enter a small, triangular tunnel set with bait, leaving their prints on special inked paper as they search for the food. This is an intriguing survey that can involve the whole family – with the added satisfaction that you are

Leisure contributing to national research on small mammal populations.

A Footprint Tunnel kit is available from The Mammal Society at www.mammal.org.uk at a cost of £15.54 (including VAT). You can download a free, printable guide from the same site to help you identify different species from their paw-prints.

ADD VALUE TO YOUR BIRDWATCHING HOBBY BirdTrack is a partnership between the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the RSPB, Birdwatch Ireland, the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and the Welsh Ornithological Society. It is a national research programme that uses people power to supply information on birds where there are currently gaps in our knowledge (for example, very little is known about the timing of arrivals and

Auctioneers

C&T

Valuers

departures of migrating species).

The information you supply to BirdTrack could eventually be used to protect our birds, particularly rare species.

It is easy to take part in a BirdTrack survey. Just register on the site www.bto.org as a recorder and the next time you go birdwatching, enter the location you’ve visited plus the date and time of your visit, then check off the birds you spotted on the list provided.

Information is updated every night, so you can go online the following day to see how the information uploaded by you and other birdwatchers across the UK is contributing to ongoing research.

these ideas will hopefully inspire you to take on a more active role.

There are many other ways for you to get involved with monitoring wildlife, including a butterfly survey, a national reptile and amphibian recording scheme, a flying ant survey and a shark egg case hunt! These innovative wildlife recording projects are not only a fantastic way to learn about the great outdoors, they also make a real contribution to the nation’s knowledge, so get out there and start recording today.

If you and your family have never previously thought about how you could protect and conserve our natural environment, then

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L i v e Ja z z 2016

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 Aug 4th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET £10

30th July - 13th August Romney Marsh Art Society, The Marsh Academy main reception, Station Road, new Romney. Free admission.

Cream Teas at All Saints Woodchurch 2.304.30pm Sundays 7/21 August. To be held in the church grounds, weather permitting, otherwise in the church.

Ashford Flower Club - On Tuesday, 16th August,

Aug 11th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE BLONDE BOMBSHELL OF JAZZ SINGING TINA MAY & HER ALL STAR TRIO £10

a demonstration entitled ‘Greenfingers’ by Jane Haas will take place at Furley Hall, Maidstone Road, Ashford. The evening starts at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome - £3.00 at the door.

Aug 18th THE BEST OF INTERNATIONAL JAZZ KEN PEPLOWSKI & JULIAN MARC STRINGLE £12 Plus THE CRAIG MILVERTON TRIO

The Biddenden Horticultural Society meets on Wednesday 24th August in the Village Hall (7:15pm for 7:30pm start) for our Autumn Show.

Aug 25th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE MARC CECIL ALL STAR QUINTET £12

An opportunity for members to show what has been grown. We will also have a quiz followed by tea and cakes. The Society will also have a stand at the Biddenden Tractorfest and Country Fair on the weekend of 20th and 21st August. A visit to ‘Godinton House’, Ashford has been arranged for Wednesday 10th August. The cost for this is £6 and we will meet in the Biddenden Post Office car park at 1:30pm for our usual ‘car share’. For further information please contact Irene on 01580291777 or Lesley on 01580291931. Our fees for Village Hall meetings are Members £1.50, Non Members £2.50.

Annual membership £5. New members always welcome.

Sep 1st THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ DEREK NASH’S PICANTE’ LATIN BAND £12 Sep 8th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ SARAH MOULE & HER ALL STAR TRIO £10 Sep 15th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE SOUND OF J & K £12 Sep 20th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ KAREN SHARP & MICK FOSTER QUINTET £10 Sep 29th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE PAUL LACEY “SWEETS” SEXTET £12 Oct 6th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE NIGEL PRICE QUARTET £10 Oct 13th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE MATT WATES SEXTET £12 Oct 20th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ ELAINE DELMAR with THE BRIAN £10 DEE TRIO 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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What’s On

Appledore Flower Festival “90 Years Ago” Bank Holiday Weekend 27th, 28th & 29st August Sat. & Mon. 10.00 – 5.30 Sun. Noon – 5.30. Over 30 floral arrangements representing births, events, inventions, achievements etc. of 1926. Free admission and parking Stalls with books, cakes, local produce, plants, “ancient and modern”, preserves, handicrafts etc. Delicious refreshments and music all day every day. Preview Friday 26th at 7.00 p.m. Appledore Parish Church TN26 2DB Details 01233 758256

Smarden Garage Sale Saturday 3rd September 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. Many garages around the parish selling an amazing range of goods. There will also be stalls at Smarden Charter Hall, Chessenden

Lane, Smarden TN27 8NF where maps, toilets and refreshments will also be available.

A Four Week Introduction to Mindfulness Course Starting September 17th - October 8th 2016 at The Hamstreet Pavilion Saturdays 10.30-12.30pm Cost £65, Concessions available at £45. Please contact Donna Randall for further information at mindfulnessashford@gmail.com or telephone 079405 15916

The Weald of Kent Computer Club will next meet on Wednesday 21st September 2016 in Biddenden New Village Hall at 7.30 pm. as there is no meeting in August. Annual membership is £10.00. Non-members are welcome at £2 a visit. Full details: http://www. wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk/ Enquiries: secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk On Behalf of The R.A.F. Association, The Railway Swing Band will be in Concert at The Tower Theatre, Shorncliffe on Wednesday 28th September 2016 At 7:30. Tickets are £12 each, £11 for concessions. Early booking is recommended as it is a well supported concert.

Box Office 01303 223925.

Ashford Loving Hands meets at the Cosy Kettle Hamstreet on the last Thursday of the month and the following Thursday fortnight. August meetings on 11th and 25th, 9.30-11.45 am.

Join our friendly group to knit for charity. Wool, needles,patterns and inspiration provided.

Beginners welcome. For more information call Helen 01233 733408.

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

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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26

Free Town Centre High Street Parking for Ashford

RTWORK

Cllr Brad Bradford, portfolio holder for transportation, highways and engineering, said: “We hope by introducing free parking from 6pm in select high streets will help boost footfall, create a vibrant town centre and attract more visitors into the town during the evening T:support 01233 220 which will help our660 local retailers.

ASHFORD ADVERTISER

Ashford Borough Council has introduced free parking in select town centre high streets in Ashford.

YOUR ADVERT

Email: theadvertiser@aol.com

Visitors will be able to park for free in pay and

“The free parking initiative will also support the new Elwick Place development which will transform the town’s night-time economy with its new cinema, hotel and places to eat and drink.�

The free high street parking scheme, which was rolled out on 10th June, will be piloted for six months. If the trial proves successful it may be introduced into Ashford on a permanent basis.

The council is also replacing the town centre parking payment terminals with modern pay machines which accept fees by phone, credit/debit card, and ‘wave & pay’ contactless technology. The new terminals will arrive later in the year as part of an ongoing repair and renewal programme.

ert has display been created for you based on North parking bays in the High Street, ou haveStreet supplied.

Please advise us

by Monday and Bank Street after 6pm from any errors or corrections otherwise we to Saturday. In addition, parking will be free all on Sundays. his ad. dayMany thanks ‌

The council hopes the initiative will increase the night time footfall in Ashford and improve our high streets’ fortunes, as well as boosting trade for local businesses and making the town centre an attractive option for new business ventures.

All car parks run by Ashford Borough Council are free after 6pm.

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Clubs & Societies

Ashford Art Society welcomes new members. All ages & standards. A friendly group with a wide variety of events and meetings. Call 01233 623139 or 01233 620455 for details.

Ashford Astronomical Society - Have you ever looked up at the night sky and thought ‘Wow!’, but wished you knew a bit more about it? Have you ever bought or been given a telescope and found it too difficult to setup and use? Astronomy is a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but it’s all to easy to be put off by obscure technical jargon, the enormous price of some of the equipment on sale and the sheer difficulty of knowing where to start. Contrary to popular belief, there is no requirement to be an ‘expert’ or a ‘top notch’ scientist, or even to buy huge quantities of expensive stuff to get going. All you need to start with is an interest in looking up at the night sky and a wish to know more about it. What else do you need? A welcoming and friendly Astronomy Society to guide you along of course! Contact : Jason Hall, General Secretary 01233 333945 or email www.ashfordastro.org.uk Ashford Birdwatchers’ Club: Meets on the 2nd Wednesday monthly September to April inclusive from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at the WI Hall, Faversham Road, Kennington. All welcome to a friendly club; it doesn’t matter if you can’t identify many birds! Admission £3 including tea/coffee & biscuits. For information tel 01233 637067.

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Ashford Board Games Club Come to a session of the Board Games Club to play card, tile and board games of every kind: Carcassonne, Pandemic, Dominion, Small World, Agricola, Settlers of Catan or anything else. Every Sunday evening at 7pm at The Rose Inn, Faversham Road, Ashford TN24 9AJ Games players of every kind welcome. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/31085029201 01233 625 362 Ashford & District Young Farmers’ Club meets every Wed. evening in and around the Ashford area.

The club is always keen to see new faces and welcomes anyone aged 16 - 26 looking for a lively social life and a variety of activities and events to take part in. You don’t have to be a farmer to be a Young Farmer! For more email: ashfordyfc@gmail.com, visit: ashfordyfc. co.uk, contact Charlie on 07753381718, or find us on Facebook.

Ashford Flower Club meets in Furley Hall, Ashford, on the third Tuesday of each month.For any details or further information about Ashford Flower Club, please contact: Sue Speed (Chairman) 01233 820585 or Mary Wiggins (Secretary) 01233 628278 Ashford Mediation Service is a small local charity who offers a mediation service to the community of Ashford which is open to all. Ashford Mediation Service helps to build happier more productive communities by using mediation to resolve disputes. Over the past

17 years we have helped 1000s of people find peaceful resolutions to disputes. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 01233896237 or 07775398907.

Ashford Photographic Society meets at Givaudan Sports Centre every Friday from September to May. Check www.ashfordps.org.uk for full details. 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 Sinfonia Community Orchestra meets on Monday evenings 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m St Mary the Virgin Church in Willesborough during term time.

Players should be over Grade 3. We are an enthusiastic group of people who have either played since young, taken up an instrument in later life but who enjoy making music under the guidance of a very keen professional musician. We do have a website www. ashfordsinfonia.com and all contact numbers can be found there. New members are welcome to join us at 7.30pm to play classical and popular orchestral music.

We welcome everyone.

Da Base Ashford Town Youth Centre, 5-7 Park Street, Ashford TN24 8LR (back of Iceland, opp.

Wilkinson’s) contact us on 01233 631 472 or visit www.dabaseyouthcentre.com.

Dancing for Fun Ceilidh, Square Dance, Barn Dance, Folk Dance, Playford! No experience or partner required! Have fun, get fitter and meet new people!

Nearly every Monday 7:45pm - 22:30pm at Hothfield Village Hall, Park Drive, Hothfield TN26 1EQ www. contrafusion.co.uk 01233 625 362 Invicta Ukulele Club meet on 2nd & 4th Monday at 19.30 in the Queens Head, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, TN23 3ED where you can learn to play the ukulele, develop your playing and performing skills or just come along for a sing song. Admission £2. Contact John on 07729 999276 or visit www.invictaukuleleclub. co.uk for more details.

Kennington Badminton Club, play at the Norton Knatchbull School on a Wed evening from 7.30 p.m.-10 p.m. Contact Shirley Mountford on 01233 610134.

Warehorne Folk Dance Club: Meets every Wednesday at Kingsnorth Village Hall, Church Hill, Kingsnorth, TN23 3EF from 8 to 10pm Beginners or experienced dancers welcome Contact Edna 01233 627121 or David 01233 812935.

Willesborough Ladies Club: Held every fourth Wednesday of the Month at the W.I.Hall, Church Road, Willesborough. A thriving Club open to all. Ladies of any age even if you live outside of the Willesborough area. We have interesting speakers, demonstrations

and outings and there is plenty of time during the evening to socialise and catch up with friends. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Come along and give us a try we will be happy to see you. For further details contact Ann on 01233 627894 Willesborough Women’s Institute has been going strong for over 90 years and today our members enjoy the same kind of camaraderie and friendships that the ladies did all those years ago. However, these days we are much more aware of the world about us and get involved in many issues of the day. There are always things to be learnt and at our monthly meetings we enjoy interesting speakers and demos

as well as friendly social time. We have great fun at our Art & Crafts afternoons as well as a monthly Games Club where we play cards and scrabble. Both are on Thursdays from 2 - 4pm (see our notice board for dates). During the year we also organise trips out and join in with many other WI events. Our lovely, friendly WI meets every 2nd Monday of the month at our own hall in Church Road, Willesborough.

The doors open at 7pm for a 7.15 start. In no way are we stuffy or serious, we try to make everyone feel welcome so why not give us a try. For further information contact Jane on 01233 634180 or email sargeantjane@yahoo.co.uk.

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Heir Trigger

The lack of financial planning in Britain remains worrying – many people only take action when receiving an inheritance.

Receiving an inheritance is a life event that generates a mix of emotions. New research has shown that worry is a common one, as the inherited wealth prompts many people to think about their own estate planning.

The research, based on a YouGov survey of more than 2,000 UK adults, revealed that for 29% of people, receiving an inheritance was the main life event that would prompt them to seek financial advice.¹ This figure jumped to 49% for those whose household income was in excess of £80,000. Buying a property and retirement planning came second and third, respectively, as reasons for people to seek help.

In addition, respondents to the survey said that Inheritance Tax and investing were the two topics most likely to unnerve them. It’s little

surprise therefore that receiving an inheritance is the most common trigger for people to seek advice.

Voluntary Tax And they have good reason to be concerned.

It is estimated that UK families could save a combined total of around £595 million every year by taking some simple steps to reduce Inheritance Tax (IHT)². Something as simple as ensuring that life insurance pays into a trust, not into the deceased’s estate, could significantly stem the flow of tax revenues pouring into Treasury coffers.

Figures released by the Office for Budget Responsibility suggest that the government is on track for the highest annual intake of IHT in history. The OBR forecasts that £4.6 billion will be raised in IHT revenue in the 2015/16 tax year3 – double the amount collected in 2009/10. More worryingly, the OBR data also reveals that the number of families paying IHT has increased by over 160% in that period.4 Even though IHT regularly appears at the top of the ‘most disliked taxes’ list, many people still fail to plan their estate properly. In doing so, they are handing over money voluntarily to the government.

Research suggests that this is because many people remain unaware of how much they can do to reduce their own IHT bill, or because they prioritise other areas of tax planning instead.² Putting aside the stories about morally indefensible tax avoidance, there are some perfectly legitimate ways to preserve the wealth that you have worked hard to build and want to pass on to your family. Ensuring you have an effectively-written Will in place is an imperative, but lifetime gifts, trusts and charitable giving can all play their part.

Effective tax planning is not about avoiding tax – it simply means making full use of the allowances and exemptions that are available.

30

Legal & Financial Services To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Jamie Weller on 07790 690141 or 01233 222721 email jamie. weller@sjpp.co.uk ¹ Boring Money Spring Census, April 2016 ² Unbiased TaxAction Report 2016 Office for Budget Responsibility, Economic and fiscal outlook, March 2016 3

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

Office for Budget Responsibility, Economic and Fiscal outlook, March 2016: Supplementary fiscal tables http://budgetresponsibility.org. uk/download/economic-and-fiscal-outlooksupplementary-fiscal-tables-march-2016/ and Inheritance Tax: Estates notified to HMRC, July 2015: https://www.gov.uk/government/ uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/449284/Table12-1.pdf

BENSKO

Chimney Sweeping Services Brush and Vac Friendly, Clean, Reliable Service Every Type of Flue Swept Pots, Cowls & Bird Guards Fitted Stove Installations NAC’s Certificates Issued Fully Insured Best Possible Prices on all Fires Local Family Run Business Weddings Attended All Areas Covered

4

Call: 01303 487401 M: 07857 344770

www.benskoservices.co.uk e: bensko@talktalk.net

A CLEAN CHIMNEY IS A SAFE CHIMNEY

MARSH INSURANCE SERVICES Your Local Award Winning Broker

Specialist Household Insurance for the Romney Marsh and Ashford area.

Guaranteed to beat your renewal premium by 15% Please quote Marsh 15, subject to terms and conditions.

Friendly local advice

01797 362007

www.marshinsuranceservices.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority no:- 474741 31

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

• Conservatories - Advice, design & CAD • Paths, patios, driveways, block or paving • Decking and Car Ports • General building & renovations • General Maintenance & Repairs 32

01303 812889 • 07710 077711

The Home

Art in Bridge 2016 Exhibition

Bridge Village Hall, High Street, Bridge

Saturday 8th October 11am – 6pm

music from 5pm th

Sunday 9 October 11am – 4pm

• • • • •

Industrial • Commercial • Domestic New Installations • General Electrical Repairs Showers / Extractor Fans • Energy Saving Advice Emergency Lighting • Solar Panels Garden Electrics • Inspection & PAT Testing Full and Part Rewires • Central Vacuum System • Under Floor Heating

Call: 01233 665107

E: laureng@tbelectrical.org.uk

FREE Quotations!

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

End of the Row – Heather Defferary 2015

Entrance FREE Refreshments available Exhibitor theweb website, site,The The Bourne Gallery, Bekesbourne Exhibitorentry entry form form from from the Bourne Gallery, Bekesbourne and and in September fromSturrock Colebrook Sturrock & Co, Estate Agents, in September from Colebrook & Co, Estate Agents, High Street, Bridge th Exhibits to Bridge. Exhibits the Hall 4.30 – 6.30topm 7 October High Street, theFriday Hall 4.30 – 6.30 pm Friday 7th October For further information please go to www.artinbridge.org.uk

For further information please go to www.artinbridge.org.uk

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

Contact us on: 01303 812400 / 1 E-mail: larkinelec@btinternet.com Based in Smeeth, Nr Ashford, Kent

33

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.

K I S S

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

Across 7. Not moving (6) 8. Conflict (6) 9. Horrible (4) 10. Wrapper for letter (8) 11. Thrift (7) 13. Loosen (5) 15. Type of snake (5) 17. Country dwelling (7) 20. Against the current (8) 21. Certain (4) 23. Cruel (6) 24. Necessary (6) Down 1. Celestial body (4) 2. Part of a flower (6) 3. Shrieks (7) 4. Higher up (5) 5. Pinched (6) 6. Tossing (8) 12. Hacking (8) 14. Order (7) 34

T E L L

Crossword

16. Keep (6) 18. Examined (6)

19. Fixes (5) 22. Regrets (4)

The Home

Narrow Access Spider Hire Across the South East Suitable for all work at height including: Awkward •Access Provide Narrow Access Spider Hire Cleaning • Signage • Tree work & more To •Businesses Across The South East.

Building Maintenance • Inspections

19mall spider lift, 930mmwide and 2m when in transit.

Suitable for work at height including:

Cleaning We can carry out the work for you or take tradespeople up in the basket Building T: maintenance 07763 585806 E: info@awkwardaccess.co.uk Signage www.awkwardaccess.co.uk www.facebook.com/awkwardaccess Inspections Tree work and more 19m spider lift, 930mm wide & 2m high when in transit.

Either we can carry out the work ourselves for you or takeplumbing tradespeople up in the basket All work undertaken

Plumbing & Heating Services

no job too small!

Burst pipes, Blockages, Taps, Pumps, Radiators & Drainage work. Bathroom & Shower Installation

Call: Michael on 01233 733779 or 07515 651 717 No Call Out Charge. 24hr Service

Plumbing Masters No Callout Charge • Free Estimates 24 hour Emergency Service

All Work Guaranteed • No Job Too Small

Plumbing

Bathroom Suites • Taps • Ball Valves Hot & Cold Tanks • Blockages & Burst Pipes

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

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

T: 07763 585806 E: info@awkwardaccess.co.uk www.facebook.com/awkwardaccess

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES www.awkwardaccess.co.uk

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

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

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

01233 642233 35

Probus?

What is Probus?

That was the question that went through my mind when I was asked to join eight years ago.

Not ever having heard the name, I thought perhaps it was a club for people who liked travelling on busses.

A committee formed from the Rotary Club of Ashford chaired by Geoffrey Redfern had an inaugural Probus Club meeting on Thursday 1st December 1977. The Probus Club of Ashford had their first meeting on Friday 14th April 1978.

The idea was to form a social and companionship club for retired and semi-retired professionals and businessmen. Also there are Ladies Probus Clubs and one or two with mixed members.

There are now 600 Probus clubs in Great Britain and Ireland and many more worldwide. The Ashford club is now in its 39th year and has 66 members with ages ranging from 66 to 93. We are based at Sandyacres in Sandyhurst Lane, Kennington. The club meets twice a month, on the second Friday we have a coffee morning with interesting speakers with wives and partners also invited, these are usually very well attended. The fourth Friday is reserved for a member’s lunch. To ensure that members mix together (no cliques allowed) a system of draw a number from a bag to determine which table you sit at has proved to be a good system to get to know each other.

The club also has a well attended bowls section and all bowlers are members of the Ashford Indoor Bowls Club in Victoria Park and play each Monday morning on reserved rinks. We also play matches against other Probus Clubs.

36

Every year we organise a holiday of five days duration where we go abroad one year and in England the next. We have days out to interesting places and trips to London theatres.

All these activities are organised by a committee of elected club members, all members are expected to help and in time be on the committee.

We do pride ourselves that we look to the welfare of those members that need and seek help and widows of past members are invited to coffee mornings and the Christmas Lunch.

So why explain Probus? Like all clubs we do look for new members and we now have vacancies for a few. The subscription is only ÂŁ12 a year.

After eight years of being a member my wife and I have had some very enjoyable times with very nice people, and this year I have the honour of being President.

If you would like to join us please contact our club Secretary Eric Hay on 01233 513011 and join us for a coffee morning and/or lunch.

The Home

J.A.G.E.R

Electrical Contractors Unit 1, Mill Farm Business Untis, Bethersden TN26 3DB Professional, reliable service you can trust!

All Electrical Works Undertaken

• Domestic • Commercial • Industrial

Design & Installation / Housing New Builds Residential Rewiring / Test & Inspection Data & Communication Cabling CCTV Cable Installation / Lighting Alarm Systems / Intercom Systems Electric Gate Systems

www.jagerelectricalltd.co.uk

Office: 01233 820400

WILLESBOROUGH & KENNINGTON GARAGES LTD 99 99 99 99

SERVICING REPAIRS MOT’s CAR AND LIGHT COMMERCIALS

CHURCH ROAD HYTHE ROAD KENNINGTON WILLESBOROUGH TN24 9DG TN24 0QQ Email: Email:

James: 07912 030 574 carservicekton@btconnect.com carservicewill@btconnect.com Elliott: 07891 175 422

info@jagerelectricalltd.co.uk

01233 622808 01233 623946

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

Brickwork Carpentry Plastering

Roofing Drainage Qualified Tradesmen at Sensible Prices All quotations will of course be free of charge!

Call John Cameron on

07740 150 274 or 01233 624093

Why not follow us on Facebook 37

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

CARM

01233 758122 E: office@carmromneymarsh.org.uk W: Www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support

W: www.forget-me-nots.co.uk

Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch Contact Mike Wharrad

01233 623520

SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767 326138 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 British Red Cross 0800 0280 831

0845 770 8090 0800 783 8866

Ashford Youth Forum Trust

0800 111 999 Details on tank

National Train Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk Bus Enquiries

Doctors Surgeries

Youth Projects Coordinator

Arriva Bus Enquiries Stage Coach East Kent

Willesborough Health Centre Bentley Road Willesborough Ashford TN24 0HZ Tel: 01233 621626

(Customer Services)

01233 330290

0844 800 44 11 0871 200 22 33 08456 00 22 99

Parish Councils

Kingsnorth - Parish Clerk: Len Bunn 01233 502 969 w: kingsnorthparishcouncil.co.uk Parish Office: Kingsnorth Recreation Centre.

Great Chart with Singleton Parish Clerk: Louise Bareham 01233 616923 Parish Office: Singleton Village Hall

New Hayesbank Surgery Bybrook Kennington Ashford TN24 9JZ 01233 624642

Village Halls

Veterinary Clinics

Kingsnorth (Church Hill) - 01233 634 557 Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital 01233 624687 Godinton (Loudon Way) - 01233 612 703 24 Hour Emergency Care on site.

Singleton (Hoxton Close) - 01233 640 551

Ashford Borough Council - Civic Centre Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL Tel: 01233 331111

Ashford Rural Trust Ashford Dyslexia Centre

01233 624 544

International House, Dover Place, Ashford Kent, TN23 1HU 01233 750 248 Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 Ashford Volunteer Centre 01233 647 422 Age UK Ashford 01233 668 765 www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com

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

The Village Directory Coverage

Delivered by Royal Mail to 56,400 Homes & Businesses

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Sudoku:

Crossword:

Kid’s Corner: ANSWERS: There are 8 medals on the page.

A running track is (A) 400 metres in length

Word Ladder:

KISS kits

kite bite

bile tile

till TELL

39

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