Charing August 2016

village directory

The 88

August 2016 Delivered FREE to 4,000 homes in TN27 by Royal Mail

for the Charing Area

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Private Care Service at Bathtimes

Our Private Care Service carers can come to your house and assist you in taking a bath or a shower. This help can form part of a tailored package of care that could help you stay in your own home for longer, rather than going into a care home before its really needed.

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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 September Issue Deadline 12th August

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

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Oshens HairBoutique We would like to celebrate with Jess and Lydia on their new position of style director and senior stylist.

Please feel free to pop by and meet the team.

For An Appointment Please Call

01233 811981 Closed Wednesday

100 Bridge Street, Wye TN25 5EA 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.

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.

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 ARTIFICIAL LAWN EXPERTS and then treat • NO MORE PATCHY LAWNS • NO MORE MOWING yourself to a few more for • NO MORE WATERING • NO MORE MUD September • PET & CHILD FRIENDLY planting!

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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!

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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

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The Garden

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Volunteer in an Oxfam shop for as little as four hours a week and you’ll join a powerful movement of people united by one goal - an end to poverty, for everyone.

Bartlett Tree Experts

Window dressing, serving customers, organising pop up shop events, sorting donations, managing our social media - we need people for all kinds of roles. And you’ll join a friendly team at the heart of your community.

Become an Oxfam Shop volunteer and - as well as fighting poverty - you’ll learn new skills, build your CV, and join a friendly team of people at the heart of your community. You can volunteer for as little as four hours a week, too.

Oxfam shops play a vital role in the fight against poverty, raising funds to save and change lives Does your hedge look like all over the world. This is only possible because of people like you.

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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.

The Flooring Specialists

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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Roofing Painting Carpentry General Repairs Garden Maintenance

Please ring 07557 409047 for a free no obligation quote or email: HCSSouth@outlook.com 11

Buying a Listed Property In another of our regular series of articles on legal matters, solicitor Katrina Ashworth, at Pengelly & Rylands Solicitors, talks about what is involved in buying a listed property.

If you are considering buying a listed building you should be aware of the implications. There are many listed buildings in the South East and the English Heritage website has a list (NHLE) which will reveal whether a particular property is listed and which grade it has been given.

Listed buildings are given one of three categories. Grade I, Grade II or Grade II*.

According to English Heritage, 92% of listed buildings are Grade II and are therefore designated a building of special interest.

Grade I and II* are of exceptional interest and therefore have greater protection from the Local Authority.

When a building is listed, there is a misconception that only the exterior of the building is listed. Listing will apply to the whole of the property, both internally and externally, as well as any man-made objects or structures within the curtilage of the site which were in existence at the time of the listing (e.g. walls, outbuildings, wells, etc.). You may even need consent to put up a satellite dish!

You may be able to alter and extend a listed building but it is essential you do so with the appropriate planning permission and/or Listed Building Consent from the Local Authority.

You should consult with the Local Authority’s Conservation Officer. The officer will ensure the intrinsic character of the building and grounds are maintained. If you do not have such consent you will be committing a criminal offence. You can be prosecuted and sentenced 12

Katrina Ashworth, Solicitor to pay a fine and serve up to two years in prison.

You may also have to restore the property back to how it was before the unauthorised works were carried out, and at your own expense.

One of the biggest problems when you buy a listed building is unauthorised works done by a previous owner. There is no time limit on when the Local Authority can take enforcement action.

Pengelly & Rylands FAMILY SOLICITORS

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times of need • Family, Children & Divorce (Fixed Fee appointments available) • Elderly Client Care • House Sales & Purchases • Equity Release • Wills & Probate • Commercial

Please call us on 01580 762248 39/41 High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6BJ www.pengelly-rylands.co.uk

The Home The risk of unauthorised works carried out by previous owners will pass to the new owner, so you will be personally responsible for whatever works were carried out prior to your ownership.

• • • • •

Before you purchase a listed building, you should also consider obtaining a quote for buildings insurance from an insurance broker who has experience with listed buildings, as the re-build cost of the building may be higher than the market value.

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These safeguards are in place to protect the property so future generations can enjoy both the character and history of the building, but make sure you are prepared for the additional obligations and associated costs before you buy a listed property.

@

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If you would like to talk to us about any conveyancing matter, we would be delighted to help. Please feel free to call us on: 01580 762248

Tel: 01233 720488

e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

Selling Your Property?

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www.andrewandco.co.uk 13

Holiday Reads For many of us, the best thing about a holiday is the opportunity to get lost in a book, without feeling guilty about unread emails, dirty dishes or the other 1001 daily chores that rudely interrupt our reading. If you’re looking for a novel to get lost in, we have plenty to recommend.

Magruder’s Curiosity Cabinet – H.P. Wood In 1904, the tavern beneath Magruder’s Curiosity Cabinet has become a haven for the many ‘unusuals’ who call Coney Island their home. There’s Rosalind, who’s as likely to wear a suit as a dress, Zeph, who lost both his legs in a childhood accident, eight year old P-Ray, who never speaks and collects fleas, and any other number of characters.

After finding herself alone and penniless, Kitty Hayward finds solace at Magruder’s, but her peace may well be short-lived.

Anarchy is in the air, and the plague is sweeping through the streets. These characters will stay with you long after your holiday is over.

The Last of Us – Rob Ewing On a remote Scottish island, a pandemic has killed most of the population. There are no adults left. Just five children, trying to survive on the tinned food they find in neighbouring houses.

There’s Rona, the narrator, along with little Alex and their leader, Elizabeth, who makes sure they brush their teeth and carry on with their school lessons. And then there’s Calum Ian and Duncan, who are starting to resent Elizabeth’s authority. A beautiful, heart-wrenching story.

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Dear Amy – Helen Callaghan When a newspaper agony aunt receives a letter claiming to be from a kidnapped girl, she assumes at first it’s a hoax. After all, Bethany Avery has been missing for years. But then more letters arrive, seemingly with information only the girl could know. Throw into the mix another recent abduction, and you have an enjoyable psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns, a great storyline and appealing characters.

Woman on the Edge of Time – Marge Piercy It’s been four decades since the release of this classic feminist dystopian novel, yet the writing still feels just as original and relevant. Wife and mother Connie Ramos has been branded as mentally unstable and now lives alone, ostracised by most of society. She starts escaping to a future, happier time – where equality is accepted as the norm.

But Connie is also shown an alternative future, where women are little more than commodities.

Which one becomes reality may be down to Connie herself. If you’ve never read it, or worse, were made to analyse it for an English Literature class, now is the time to pick up the 40th anniversary edition.

Fishbowl – Bradley Somer All of life’s highs and lows are played out in one apartment block by its many inhabitants.

There’s ‘the Villain Connor Radley’, ‘the Evil Seductress Faye’, ‘Stoic Jimenez’ and agoraphobic ‘Clare the Shut-in’, amongst others.

And then there’s Ian – a humble goldfish, who’s about to take a plunge from the twenty-seventh floor. In the four seconds it takes him to fall, he’ll discover more about the apartment’s inhabitants than perhaps they even know about themselves. Insightful, original and entertaining.

Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All – Jonas Jonasson After three stints in prison for murder, Hitman Anders decides to go straight. Well, less crooked anyway. An unlikely alliance between the hitman, a lapsed priest and a hotel receptionist see the trio embark on a trek across Sweden, lying, cheating and swindling as they go. A great novel to escape into for fans of dark humour, it’s possibly best suited to villa holidays, or other locations where holidaymakers won’t get annoyed at your snorts of laughter.

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15

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Travelling Abroad This Year?

What’s the best way to spend your money?

• You pay a fee when you buy them, and also commission when they’re exchanged.

It used to be a simple choice between traveller’s cheques or cash, but now there’s a variety of cards that offer more convenience and security when spending money abroad. In fact there are so many, it can be a bit of a minefield when trying to choose the right one.

So here’s a brief explanation of the choices available for this summer’s getaway, plus the pros and cons of each.

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES Good old-fashioned traveller’s cheques can be useful as a backup. Fee levels and exchange rates vary greatly according to the country you’re in, however, and also between individual banks.

Pros • Handy if you don’t want to carry large amounts of cash around, or are worried about using cards abroad.

• Can be replaced within 24 hours if they’re lost or stolen.

• They can be used as cash in some outlets, and you get change in the local currency.

Cons • Exchange rates can fluctuate widely, and are generally poor when compared with other payment methods.

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It’s a good idea to make a separate note of each cheque number as soon as you get them - if they’re lost or stolen, it’s easier to arrange replacements.

application, transaction and even an inactivity charge if you don’t use the card for a while.

The main message here is to carefully check all the small print before you sign up for a prepaid card.

PREPAID CARDS

CREDIT CARDS

Some of the newer prepaid cards offer very competitive exchange rates, as well as extra features such as a smartphone app. A word of warning though - there have been problems accessing money abroad using some prepaid cards, as it’s not always made clear that the first time you use the card, it has to be at a cash point.

Still one of the most popular ways to spend money abroad, credit cards give you interest-free credit as well as valuable consumer protection. You also have the same fraud protection as in the UK, so if the card is lost or stolen you should be covered.

Many people have also found they get ‘Pin Unrecognised’ messages, even though they’re using the correct number. If you withdraw too much cash you’ll get a 2% service charge, and support is only provided during UK business hours.

Pros • They’re pre-loaded, so it’s easier to budget and you can lock in a good exchange rate.

• Convenient and easy to use, but check the rules carefully.

• Widely accepted abroad.

• Safer than carrying lots of cash.

Cons • If the card is lost or stolen you may be charged for a replacement.

• Some providers charge high fees.

• Potential fees include

Some providers don’t charge for transactions abroad (as long as you don’t withdraw cash), so it’s well worth researching these rather than using your everyday credit card.

Pros • Some protection for goods over £100 via Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. • They’re safe and secure, but make sure payment is taken in front of you.

• Interest-free credit on your holiday spend.

Cons • There’s a risk of fraud or ‘cloning’ if the card is taken out of sight when you pay.

• If you withdraw cash you’ll be charged daily interest.

• Some shops have a minimum transaction amount for using credit cards.

Finding a credit card that’s geared up for use abroad is key - you’ll have lower or no fees, and six

huge disparity in exchange rates.

DEBIT CARDS You can use a debit card to pay for goods or withdraw cash abroad, but you’ll probably have to pay a non-sterling transaction fee. There’s no daily interest on cash withdrawals, but you might be charged a cash machine transaction fee each time you use one.

Pros • Easily blocked if the card is lost or stolen.

• Chip and pin protection.

Cons • No consumer protection as with credit cards.

• Charges can quickly add up if you withdraw cash regularly.

Although it’s not a good idea to carry lots of cash with you, you’ll need to pay for some smaller items this way, and organising it before you go will save money.

Bear in mind though, that insurance policies only cover around £200 to £500 of cash on average.

Pros • You can shop around for a good exchange rate before you go.

• Can be used anywhere.

Cons • May not be fully covered by your insurance policy.

• Not as safe as carrying a plastic card.

For the sake of safety and simplicity, you might want to pay using the local currency rather than in sterling because of the

It’s a good idea to take some cash as backup for your plastic card(s) and traveller’s cheques, and buying it well before you leave

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weeks to pay off your spending interest-free.

means you can track down the best rates of exchange.

CASH

https://www.moneyadvice service.org.uk/en/articles/travelmoney-options-cash-cards-andtravellers-cheques http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/credit-cards/prepaid-travelcards http://www.money.co.uk/travelmoney/what-is-the-best-way-tospend-abroad.htm http://blog.moneysavingexpert. com/2013/03/12/using-plasticoverseas-always-pay-in-euroseven-if-it-says-0-commission/

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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 Saturday 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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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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Salmon and Broccoli Quiche Serves 6

Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes, plus chilling and cooling

A rich and creamy quiche packed full of succulent salmon flakes and broccoli. Serve warm or cold with a crisp green leaf

salad.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line a 20cm loose-based flan tin (it should be at least 4cm deep). Trim off the excess pastry and prick the base all over with a fork. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Ingredients: • 250g shortcrust pastry • 300g salmon fillets

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas 6. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Line the chilled pastry case with baking paper and baking beans.

Place the flan tin on the baking sheet in the oven and bake blind for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and bake for a further 5-6 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 190C/170C fan/Gas 5.

• 200g small broccoli florets • 4 large eggs • 250ml double cream • 100ml milk • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Meanwhile, place the salmon fillets in a deep frying pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil then simmer gently for 5-6 minutes until just cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and leave until cold. Roughly flake the salmon discarding any skin and bones. Steam the broccoli florets for 1-2 minutes until almost tender.

• 50g Cheddar cheese, finely grated

TIP Replace the salmon with flaked smoked mackerel for a change of flavour and add a handful of fresh chopped dill or parsley to the egg mixture.

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Place the flaked salmon and broccoli in the pastry case. Whisk the eggs in large jug then whisk in the double cream and milk. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5

Gently pour the egg mixture over the filling then scatter over the grated cheese. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the filling is set and golden brown. Serve warm or cold.

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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 Aug 11th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE BLONDE BOMBSHELL OF JAZZ SINGING TINA MAY & HER ALL STAR TRIO £10 Aug 18th THE BEST OF INTERNATIONAL JAZZ KEN PEPLOWSKI & JULIAN MARC STRINGLE £12 Plus THE CRAIG MILVERTON TRIO Aug 25th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE MARC CECIL ALL STAR QUINTET £12 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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W h a t’s O n 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,

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.

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

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.

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 August Bank Holiday Sat 27th, Sun 28th and Mon

29th The Great British Seaside Challock Flower Festival Saint Cosmas and Damian Church, Church Lane, Challock Bric a brac, books, raffle, tombola, plant stall etc. Refreshments, teas, famous for delicious homemade cakes and ploughmans 10am to 4.30pm Free parking. There is no fixed charge but your kind donations will be much appreciated

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.

Jo and Dave welcome you to their traditional village pub in Bethersden, where you can enjoy well kept real ales, local ciders, fine wine and a warm atmosphere.

Monday Evening

Buy one Meal and Get One Free (selected menu)

FREE HOUSE

Bethersden Tel:01233820235 Open from 12pm - 11pm Every Day Food served Monday Night to Sunday Lunch 12noon - 2pm & 6pm - 9pm

Tues & Wed Lunch Senior Citizens Meals Two courses for £7.50 per person.

Tuesday & Thursday Steak Nights Two steaks with chips, peas & salad with a bottle of wine. £22.00 per couple.

Wednesday Night Carvery

Two roast meats plus all the trimmings £7.95 pp

Friday Fish & Chips Special Eat In or Takeaway £6.95

Sunday Lunch Carvery

A selection of two roast meats with trimmings £7.95 pp Saturday 27th Aug 6pm - Raising money for Alzheimer’s

Roger Kelly’s Holy Trinity Brompton Choir service in the church ‘Journey Through Sacred Choral Music’. Followed by a BBQ and ‘Pimms & Hymns’ in the pub from 7.30pm!

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Kid’s Corner

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Clubs & Societies Biddenden Junior Football Club - Always

Smarden Heritage Centre

Biddenden Squash Club 01580 291130

Smarden Short Mat Bowls Club We welcome new

looking for new players 7 -18, for fun and enjoyable football. Contact Steve on 07958 447948.

Gordon Jones Playing Field, Biddenden.

Friendly club with 2 courts and a bar. email: info@biddendensquash.co.uk www. biddendensquash.co.uk

Biddenden Horticultural Society

Smarden Charter Hall, Smarden. Open every Friday morning from 9.30 – 11.30. visit: www.smardenheritagecentre.synthasite.com novice or experienced bowlers of all ages. We meet every Thurs. morning at 9.45am and occasionally on a weekday evening, in the Charter Hall Smarden. Contact Malcolm 01233 770572.

Annual membership £5.

New members welcome.

Contact Irene Orsborne on 01580 291777 or Lesley Lidgett on 01580 291931.

The Roots Project Conservation Volunteers

Egerton Over 60’s. Are you alone, lonely or

Tel: 07920404546 Email: info@therootsproject.co.uk

shy? You don’t need to be any longer. Why not come along to our friendly Club, bring a friend if that would help.We meet on the 2nd Monday of each month and we enjoy stimulating speakers, delicious teas in a relaxing atmosphere and meet new friends ,often having been in the same situation as yourself.Example of speakers for 2016---Ashford Camcorder Club, Geoff Hutchinson on “Love poems “,-Anne Carter” on An Audience with Queen Victoria, and many more.

Outings during the summer months include --A 3 course meal at the Grand Burstin Hotel [ £5]!!,-Spa Valley Railway,--Bexhill with booked lunch at Di Paolo’s Restaurant,--Xmas lunch at Lathe Barn,--and more. Come and try us--just turn up at the Egerton Millennium Hall by 2pm, we’d love to see you.Bring your Zimmer frame, scooter or crutches you’ll receive help. Want to know more ? contact 01233 712 282 or 756 294.

Headcorn Modern Sequence Dance Club, meet every Monday 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm in the Andred Hall in Headcorn Village Hall. If you enjoy Ballroom dancing, bring your partner or friend along and learn more. We are a friendly little club, nice music- social evening- tea and biscuits - all for £3.00 per person. Call Rita on 01580 852289.

What we do: Regular practical conservation tasks and woodland craft workshops based in Longbeech Wood, Charing. Contact: Carrie Eeles (Activities Officer) www.therootsprojectconservationvolunteers.org.uk

Weald of Kent Computer Club meets in the New

Biddenden Village Hall. Annual membership costs £10 and covers free admission to all 10 meetings. Non members are £2 per visit. New members welcome.

Enquiries to:secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk or visit:www.wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk

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

Kennington Badminton Club, play at the

Norton Knatchbull School on a Wed evening from 7.30 p.m.-10.00 p.m. Contact Mark Feeney on 01233 663030 or Shirley Mountford on 01233 610134.

Little Chart Bridge Club Friendly duplicate

bridge every Tuesday afternoon at Little Chart Village Hall. For more information please contact Carmen Gunther on 01233 840 395.

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 in September from Colebrook & Co, Estate Agents, High Street, Bridge and in September fromSturrock Colebrook Sturrock & Co, Estate Agents, 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

27

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

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

29

To Dye Or Not To Dye?

by Kate McLelland

It’s a dilemma faced by most people of ‘a certain age’: let your hair go grey, or reach for the dye bottle?

WHY WE GO GREY Our natural hair colour comes from a pigment known as melanin, produced by the hair follicles. As we age the follicles produce less melanin and this means our hair effectively loses its colour. The average person will spot their first grey hair in their 30s and most people will have noticeable grey strands by their 40s. By the age of fifty, fifty per cent of people will have gone grey.

The thickness of hair also alters as you age because the size of your hair follicles shrinks, producing smaller hairs. In the same way the oil glands in the human scalp shrink with age, resulting in brittleness and dryness.

GREY IS THE NEW BLACK If you are female, you may feel under greater pressure to keep up a youthful appearance. While women are often described as being ‘brave’ for going grey, men of the same age are given the flattering label of ‘silver fox’. But this situation may be about to change, as hip, young fashion icons such as Rihanna and Zayn Malik are now sporting faux grey

30

styles as part of a growing fashion trend.

WHY MORE OF US ARE REFUSING TO DYE It’s ironic that as young celebrities and their fans adopt grey hair as a fashion statement, an increasing number of older people are choosing not to use hair colourants. While there is no single cause for this trend, there are several reasons why the number of cheerleaders for being ‘grey and proud’ may be on the rise.

Is hair dye harmful?

Scare stories about the dangers posed by certain chemicals have continued to surface, despite a major re-think by manufacturers in the 1980s, when research revealed that substances used in hair dye at that time caused cancer in mice. Although no concrete evidence has yet been found to suggest that hair dyes are unsafe for regular personal use, the jury is still out on the risks faced by today’s consumers. Even that tiny seed of doubt may be enough to persuade some people to stop using colourants.

We can’t turn back the clock As we age, our skin colour alters, picking up more yellow tones.

This means that the hair shade we had in our younger days may not

blend with our current skin tone.

Combine this with the effects of chemical overload on aging hair and it’s no wonder that many of us decide it’s better to let nature take its course.

Role models lead the way These days we’re surrounded by high profile figures sporting grey hairstyles – think of male celebritiess such as Gary Lineker, José Mourinho and George Clooney and female high rollers like Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep and Christine Lagarde.

Nowadays we are all living longer, in better health, and it may simply be that the trend towards accepting grey hair shows we are more relaxed about the aging process, living life to the full instead of hiding away.

To quote celebrity hairstylist and founder of Twitter’s @ thegreyglammovement, Cynthia Alvarez: “Grey is the new black.

The colour has taken on an entirely new life and meaning – today grey is beautiful, sexy, chic, fabulous!”

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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.

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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) 32

T E L L

Crossword

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

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

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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 buses.

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.

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

0800 555 111 Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Samaritans 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 The Charing Surgery 01233 714 490 Headcorn Surgery 01622 890294 Parish Councils: Biddenden: 01580 890750 Charing: 01233 713599 Egerton: 01622 853558 Headcorn: 01622 892496 Pluckley: 01622 890596 Smarden: 07752 395412 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

01233 714540 Veterinary Surgeons Barrow Hill Vets 01233 624687 Pierson Stewart & Partners 01580 713381 Charing Business Association www.charingkent.co.uk Volunteer Centre 01233 665 535 Age UK Ashford 01233 668 765 www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com CARM E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk 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 0871 200 22 33 (Timetable) 08456 00 22 99 (Customer Services) National Train Enquiries: www.nationalrail. co.uk Wealden Wheels: 01233 840000 Village Halls:

Biddenden

Charing

Charing Heath Egerton

Headcorn

Little Chart

Pluckley

Smarden Charter Hall

01580 291320 01233 713599 01233 713317 01233 756416 01622 890708 07753 802814 or 01233 840395 01622 890596 01233 771947

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.

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PUZZLE ANSWERS

Sudoku:

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

Crossword:

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