Aldington Feb 2012 by The Village Directory

F E B R U A R Y 2012

The

village directory

Delivered byy

for Aldington

and surrounding villages

The Royal Oak Mersham

Valent ine’s Day Starters Antipasto to Share

01233 502218 A cosy 16th Century pub in the heart of the village, with three bars, hop decked oak beams, stone floors and open fires.

Garlic Mushroom, spinach & mozzarella bruschetta Scallops with bacon & chorizo on a bed of rocket Main Sirloin steak topped will stilton and a brandy & mushroom sauce, with hand cut chips & vegetables Mussels in white wine sauce served with a crusty roll Chicken breast in tarragon sauce, served with sautéed potatoes & vegetables Duck breast in orange & Grand Marnier sauce, served with sautéed potatoes & vegetables

Senior Citizen Specials on Tuesdays & Thursdays Wednesday Evenings 6.30pm - 8.30pm Home-made Fish & Chips Take-Away Night Regular Sunday Night Charity Quiz

Melty mushroom Wellington served with sautéed potatoes & salad

Big Kev’s Karaoke Night

Dessert Lemon Posset served with Lemon Shortcake

Monthly Live Music

Manhattan Cheesecake with Strawberries Chocolate Orange Cup

£18.95

Car Park & Walled Garden at Rear

Paul Thompson Tree Surgery & Fencing

• Felling • Pollarding • Crown Reductions • Deadwooding • Hedge Cutting

Tel: 01303 267267 Mobile: 07976 625330 e: info@thompsontreesurgery.co.uk w: www. thompsontreesurgery.co.uk

Professional Tree Work Fully Insured Environment Agency Registered Council Approved Contractor 2

Qualified and Fully Insured Tree Maintenance Large Tree Felling Stump Grinding Hedges SEASONED LOGS AND WOODCHIP Ashford

01233 380410 Canterbury/Whitstable

01227 290547

Sandwich/Dover/Folkestone

01304 841278

• Garden Clearance • Competitive Rates

SEASONED LOGS AVAILABLE

Welcome to the village directory Hi everyone, Welcome to the first edition of 2012, I’d like to wish you a Happy New Year (albeit belated). I hope you had a great Christmas and the return to work wasn’t too much of a challenge. I never seem to realise how beneficial the seasonal break is until I return to work with a renewed calm. Unfortuantely, this year the calm was short lived when I realised that one of my deadlines was earlier than the others! The Village Directory is now in its seventh year but deadlines still challenge my stress levels! The new year brings changes and new beginnings for some and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing Sally and Guy our very best wishes for the future as they move on from The Plough Inn at Brabourne Lees. We will miss them, and of course head chef Darren, who has supplied our tasty recipes for the past few months, thank you Darren, I’ll miss sampling your food each month. Don’t forget Valentine’s Day this month! It’s time to focus romantically on your loved one, or maybe even someone you hope will become a loved one! Why not treat them to a romantic meal for two, although the way to my heart is a great BIG bar of mint Aero! Have a great month ~

Debbie

e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk T: 01233 720488

March Issue Deadline 1st February

Eaten too much over Christmas? Shape up for the new year Hi/Low Cardio Class at Sellindge Village Hall, Wednesdays at 7.00p.m. Body Conditioning Class at Smeeth Scout Hut, Mondays at 7.00 p.m. Call Michelle for more information 01233 820109

TAYLOR MAR TIN HAIR

For An Appointment

01233 502719 Closed on Wednesdays

www.taylormartinhairsalon.com

NEEDLES & PINS REPAIR AND ALTERATION SERVICE Zips & Trouser / Skirt Shortening from £4.50 HAND SEWN CURTAINS FREE COLLECTION / DELIVERY SERVICE

Call Christina 01303 864280

DRESS MAKING & ALTERATIONS

QurnaNowCreations in Tenterden Tel: 01580 764131 Email couch.hilary@gmail.com

REPAIRS TO... WASHING MACHINES • COOKERS (ELECTRIC) TUMBLE DRIERS • DYSON VACUUM SPECIALIST Call Garry on 07958 640152 01233 632329

Paul Smith Plumbing Services FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS FREE ESTIMATES

Call Paul on 01303 812965 07794005909

Holly Tree Services SEASONED LOGS 1.2m3 Loads Chesnut £75 Ash £80 Tel: 07825 770260

the garden

The Garden Shed Chart Fencing February

For all your fencing requirements and more...

www.chartfencing.co.uk

Installation Available 4

New Show Site VISIT TODAY!

Huge Stocks

By Jo Arnell

he first of the early spring flowers are bravely blooming now. Most of them are bulbs – snowdrops, winter aconites and even some early daffodils, but there are also some wonderful winter flowering shrubs around which are especially welcome at this time of the year. Two larger shrubs that are straggly nothings in summer, but hard to beat in winter are Winter Sweet - Chimonanthes praecox and Lonicera ‘Winter Beauty’, the winter flowering honeysuckle. Plant them where they can fade into the background once the flowers are over, but near enough for you to catch their exquisite fragrance. If you have the space for a specimen, you could try a Witch Hazel – Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ has scented flowers that climb its bare branches like little yellow spiders. It also has good autumn foliage, which helps to redeem the other eight months of flat green leaf. Intense perfume is emitted by Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ (daphnes can be a little fussy, but this one is supposed to be slightly less sulky) and Viburnum bodnantense ‘New Dawn’. Both have an outrageously alluring perfume. The earliest of the Hellebores, Helleborus niger (the Christmas Rose) flowers at the start of the season, long before the Lenten Hellebore, H. orientalis. I’m very fond of a prickly, but architectural Hellebore called H. argutifolius, which has wonderful lime green bracts from February through to the end of April. Another good one is the stinking hellebore, H. foetidus. It doesn’t smell of anything to me, really, but apparently if you crush the leaves it emits an odour that’s attractive to insects.

CALL FOR FREE BROCHURE

01233 626188

When you’re adding winter interest to your border, it makes sense to position the plants where you can enjoy them. Let’s face it, it’s hard enough to go out at all in the winter, let alone go for a stroll around the garden.

Something scented or a dazzling, but minute beauty will be wasted in the far reaches. So plant them by the door, or in the front garden, or where they can be seen from the window. Many of these early performers are suitable for growing in containers; in fact something like a Camellia may even prefer it, needing acid soil to grow in. The great thing about a plant in a pot is that it can be moved away from centre stage once it’s done it’s thing – if you can move it, that is and provided that you don’t shove it somewhere out of the way and forget about it.

the garden Stephen Bailey Landscaping  Garden Landscaping  Hedge & Shrub Cutting,       

FREE

Shaping & Removal ESTIMATES Fencing & Decking Reasonable Patios & Drives rates together Garden Clearance with a personal Turfing and friendly Tree Work service Water Features All Garden Waste Removed

From the depths of winter, like the rumble of a train in the distance spring can be sensed. Each day there are new shoots to celebrate and daring buds pushing through. There may be some horrible weather yet to come, but FULLY INSURED & ENVIRONMENT AGENCY REGISTERED the darkest days have passed and before long Home: 01303 266552 the garden will be buzzing with life again. Jo Arnell runs Gardening (and wreath making) workshops near Woodchurch 01233 861186 www.hornbrookmanor.co.uk

Groundcare Division

Mobile: 07747 707409

www.baileylandscaping.co.uk Higher National Diploma in Countryside Management

WINTER SERVICE OFFER

Tel: 01233 619 292 Please Mention The

Henwood Ind. Est., Henwood Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH www.listerwilder.co.uk

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Safeguard Your Nearest and Dearest From the Risk of Fire He added: “Just three breaths of toxic smoke from a fire can be life-threatening, but we offer free safety advice and services to help minimise the risk of being harmed. By encouraging those you care about to get in touch, you will be playing a huge part in preventing a fire and may even save a life.”

When a fire engine zooms down the road on flashing blue lights with sirens blazing, often the first thing people think is “I hope it’s not a fire in my home or that of someone I know”. But how often do you take the time to check that your nearest and dearest are fully equipped with the right advice to protect them from fire? Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is appealing to residents to make sure their homes, and those of people close to them, are safeguarded. Neighbours, friends and loved-ones may need your help to protect themselves from the outbreak of fire. Perhaps you have an elderly parent, or know someone who lives alone, or with young children, who could benefit from safety advice. Maybe your own children are now grown-up, starting a family of their own and need some tips on fire prevention. KFRS Risk Reduction Manager Rob Sherwood said: “We can offer people practical help to reduce the risk of fire. Maybe they need a smoke alarm fitted, advice on escape routes and what to do if a fire starts in their home. Or perhaps they need some more extra guidance to keep safe. Our dedicated team can provide a range of specialist equipment, such as fireproof bedding and smoke alarms for the hard of hearing, to help protect more vulnerable residents.”

Tips on Staying Safe from Fire: • Make sure you fit, and regularly test, a smoke alarm. It is the single most important piece of safety equipment in any home. • If you plan on using an open fire, make sure your chimney has been recently swept as build-up of soot and ash can cause chimney fires. • When going to bed, make absolutely certain that any open fire is either out, or pushed back into the grate and a guard used to prevent sparks setting light to carpets or furniture. • Interior doors should always be closed when going to bed as they can dramatically reduce the spread of fire. • Portable heaters should be dust-free and kept well away from anything that could catch fire. • Candles should always be placed on a non flammable surface, be away from soft furnishing like curtains and never be left unattended. It is far safer to consider using torches instead of candles. • Before using an electric blanket, make sure it is under 10 years old, check it is in working order and always follow the manufacturers instructions. For further information or to learn more about the free advice and services on offer to residents contact KFRS on 0800 923 7000 or visit www.3breaths.info. Children can also learn more about fire safety by visiting KFRS’s page for kids at www.firefighterfred.info.

the garden Glebe Gardening • Maintenance • Planting • Grave Maintenance • Greenwood Garden Structures • Hedge Laying OAP Rates – Kingsnorth Based National Certificate in Horticulture

Ring Tom on 01233 623116 or 07751461968 Tarmacadam Contractors

Ashford Groundworks All Ground Works & Drainage, Driveways, Patios & Paving, Fencing, Block Paving, All Equestrian Works, Bricklaying, Specialist Resin Bound Gravel

Tel: 01233 721839 Tel: 01233 840088 or Freephone 0800 028 1391

SEASONED

L O G S

You’ve tried the rest now try the best. 30 years of experience

Tipping Pickup Load 1.9m x 1.4m - £70 or a Lorry Load (3 x the size) for £120

Tel:- 01233 732439 or 07860 642295

Mobile: 07963 668008 E: leslie@ashfordgroundworks.co.uk

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

Tel: 01303 221008 M: 07857 344770 e: bensko@talktalk.net

A CLEAN CHIMNEY IS A SAFE CHIMNEY

Domestic & Commercial Pest Control - Fast Effective Service 7 Days a Week

Lympne Based Company Covering Ashford, Canterbury and all Rural Surrounding Areas

T: 01303 221008 Mobile: 07857-344 770

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Pet Care

Mowgli 8

Hello Everyone, Mowgli here. I hope you are all well. Ebony and I are starting a petition to get better gifts next Christmas. We have been trying to put up with what Clive and Jane bought us for quite a while but we have now given up. They bought us each a ‘feeder ball’ that they can put our cat biscuits in and we are then meant to chase the silly things around the house so that the biscuits come out as we chase them. Our silly humans have been delighted by this idea and ever since Christmas quite a lot of our food has been put in one of these balls and then given to us. Ebony and I now dread the sight of these balls. We have been brought up properly and we like our food in nice clean china dishes, not sprayed across the floor. We have both decided to have a protest and we now just look at the balls and refuse to play with them. Clive and Jane think this means we are just not hungry. Humans are so stupid sometimes. Anyway, we are hoping for better gifts in future. Feeder balls are rubbish! How many of you other cats out there love computers? I just adore them although Ebony is not so keen. As usual though my enthusiasm is mis-interpreted and is interpreted as mischief. I get Jane to help me type up this column every month and for every edition I sit

on the desk and help type. I like just stepping on one key and typing the letter over and over. I also have a better knowledge of the keyboard than Jane and know a lot of clever combinations of keys to press at once. I can do many things- lock the keypad, cause a restart, lock the touch pad, resize the screen- and sometimes the humans are not as clever as me and have to call a computer helpline to reverse the changes I have made. I out-smart my owners all the time! I am also good at emails and have helped Clive and Jane send quite a few, often when they were not finished and I have also managed to put a facebook update all by myself. Anyway, even though all this usually gets me into trouble I am always praised for sitting and purring on the desk- apparently this helps them work. I love the desk- it has lots of cubbyholes for papers and pens and I can usually find something to play with while they work. Although Ebony doesn’t much like computers she does like the game console Clive has. He doesn’t get to play it very much but whenever he does she sits on a stool next to him and pays great attention. I can hear him talking her through the game and asking for advice when he keeps getting things wrong. Who says cats don’t like technology?! On another note Chris the vet had a shock this week. He opened the wood burning stove in his cottage and was about to lay a fire when he noticed there was a squirrel in the stove! It was covered in soot and black from nose to tail. It was very frightened but otherwise quite unharmed. When it saw a route to freedom it dashed out of the stove and all over the living room until Chris opened a window and it gratefully went outside. Apparently the living room was covered in little sooty footprints and marks from its tail. Quite an adventurous squirrel! - Montgomery Vets

the garden Home From Home Boarding & Photography Collection & delivery available. Please visit our website for more information www.dogaholics.co.uk

Tel: 01303 814468 Mob: 07810 441964 E-mail: sammie@dogaholics.co.uk • SMART • • DOGS • GROOMING • • SERVICE • Established 1997

£5 Off a Full Groom. Not to be used with any other offer

Collection Service Handstripping Clipping Dematting Nails •Ears •Teeth Anal Glands Doggy Day Nursery • Cat Grooming • Microchipping • Dog Walking Locally

TEL: 01233 732505 www.smartdogs-kent.co.uk

Marsh Rd Hamstreet,TN26 2JE

Please Mention The

AT THE EVEGATE CENTRE SMEETH, ASHFORD ‘We treat your pet as if it was our own’ Specialising in all pet animals including exotics & avian. Calm and friendly family run clinic.

Open 7 days a week Full emergency service Ample Free Parking

CALL 01303 813756

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the home PERFECTLY CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING CO. WELL ESTABLISHED

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Day 2 Day Cleaning Solutions . End of tenancy cleaning . Office cleaning . Builders’ cleans . Fully insured for complete peace of mind Call Duncan for a free quote on 0800 7565484 Mobile: 07860 425996 Email: dunc_day@yahoo.ie www.carpetfreshkent.co.uk

The Handy Household - The Labours of Lemons We all know they go nicely with a G&T, but did you know that lemons contain enough acid to ruin the lives of most bacteria found in our kitchens? So, whether you want to sanitise a chopping board, disinfect a counter top or mop the floor, lemons are a great way to keep our homes clean and healthy. Lemons also make it easy to clean a microwave, simply place a bowl of water and lemon juice in the appliance and warm for a few minutes. The steam acts on any stains or lingering smells and once you’ve removed the bowl, you can simply wipe the microwave clean. When it comes to laundry, lemon juice is also brilliant for brightening your faded whites. You can either add it to your washing cycle, or soak delicates in a solution of lemon juice and water to create a mild bleach effect. What’s more, tough food or blood stains stand little chance against this wonder product – simply squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the stain and let it soak in for around 20 minutes, before rinsing with water. And the benefits don’t stop there, as lemon juice is well known for helping to keep us clean and healthy too. Sore throat? Mix lemon juice with honey and warm water to make a soothing drink. Garlicky and onion-smelling fingers can also be thoroughly cleaned by rubbing over with half a lemon and rinsing your hair in lemon juice can even help to combat chlorinegreen hair after swimming. So, why not swap your harsh chemical products for the natural and economical power of lemons?

the home Express Domestic Ironing Dry Cleaning & Duvet Washing Professional & Friendly Collection and Delivery NEW – Locally made gifts and handicrafts – on display at the shop Lees Road, Brabourne Lees TN25 6QB 07788725795 www.myironinglady.co.uk

CURTAINS AND BLINDS BY

SUSIE NEAL

Made to Measure in Your Fabric or Ours. Personal Service from Measuring to Fitting

Call Sue 07760 776496 or 01580 761279 email susanscds@aol.com

HYDRO SPRING INTO ACTION THE DEEP CLEANING SPECIALIST Freephone

0800 043 9530 24hrs 365 days a year www.hydro-dynamix.net

01233 423 003

M1596

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I’d Rather Eat Concrete! Today I stapled my hand, it was accidental, and rather painful. Still reeling from the discomfort of this I then sliced my thumb with the Stanley knife, this is not a normal day for me. Had this been a typical day I am sure that by now I would have been left with a missing finger or two. Today’s blunders got me thinking about my pain threshold and what it takes to get me into A&E. Several eye injuries and a couple of huge splinters have done the job before, but a really big workshop pain to me is the bookkeeping. I am thinking that I may take my receipts to A&E reception and get some Self Assessment relief cream. I would rather eat a skip full of concrete whilst being forced to watch “Big Brother” than do my end of year Tax Self Assessment . Of course I am being ridiculous, as I would rather staple my hand than watch “Big Brother”, but I think you get the gist of what I’m trying to say.

Bookkeeping is fun for some people I’m sure, but I don’t know these people, they are probably reclusive and maybe even dull, who knows because as I say I have never met an accountant or bookkeeper that for example, would take a holiday that just involves counting, or lets say do extra work for free all weekend because they just love it. I counted to a hundred once ( don’t worry it was a long time ago, and I may have forgotten how to do it again) but the prevalent memory of this is that it was very boring. As for chewing concrete, its got to be bad for your teeth for one thing, and anyway I have a good pal who hires out machines that can eat a whole house, and NO! I am not making this up. I have seen the monster (Uh sorry machine) with my very own eyes. It really is amazing, it actually crushes up bricks and concrete into little pieces. He is Captain Kev The Crusher at www. Kent Crusher Hire in Newchurch, and now he owes me some beer for this free mention.

It will be 25 years next February that a much younger me, took the brave decision to leave my much loved furniture restoration job at Harrods, By Richard Tozer and go self employed. I had a little work and some useful contacts that I had acquired whilst at Harrods, and so my business plan was to work hard and enjoy what I love doing ,which is fixing furniture. Very simple really, coupled with a dollop of self motivation, and driven by the need to be creative and provide an income. One other early business decision was my determination NOT to get involved with any bookkeeping. The only accounting I have personally done in the whole 25 years of being self employed has been keeping receipts and paying my accountant. This type of accounting has its flaws; Firstly its expensive, and secondly its expensive, but on the other hand I have never had to worry about deadlines, getting my information wrong and staying up through the night number crunching. I have experienced embezzlement and fingers in the till, which resulted unsurprisingly in a change of bookkeeper, but I still refuse to get bogged down with bookwork myself. I would still prefer to spend my waking hours earning money by fixing and polishing furniture (and chewing concrete) to pay the accountant, that makes good sense to me!

Antique and Second Hand Furniture For Sale Restoration and Quality French Polishing Passionate About Recycling All Things Wooden

Tel: 01303 813824 Mobile: 07818 032088

Unit 3,Wembdon Farm, Bower Road, Smeeth. (Nr Evegate)

email richardtozer@hotmail.com www.tozerfurniture.co.uk

the home MARY HEMSLEY INTERIORS “The Complete Service”

Handmade Curtains • Designer Fabrics Tracks & Poles • Blinds • Wallpapers

Little Greene Paint Design Ideas and Advice

01233 813717 150 Bridge Street, Wye, Ashford, Kent TN25 5DP

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Email: info@greenmansolar.com www.greenmansolar.com Please Mention The

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the home Carpets and Floor Coverings Approved Retailers & Sales Centre

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Hudson House, 12 Roper Road w: www.clarkscanterbury.com Canterbury Kent CT2 7EH e: d.clark@clarkscanterbury.com

Tel: 01227 788588

Curious,

most insurers don’t have a branch in Ashford. But at NFU Mutual...

We do. So you know, that we know exactly where you’re coming from. Based in the heart of your community, we’re on hand to answer your queries personally. We provide a range of insurances, tailored to suit you: • Home Insurance

• Business Insurance

• Commercial Insurance

• Investments

For a quote please call our team on 01233 501421. NFU Mutual in Ashford, Unit 3 Invicta Business Centre, Ashford Market, Monument Way, Ashford, Kent TN24 0HB Email: ashford@nfumutual.co.uk www.nfumutual.co.uk/ashford NFU Mutual is The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

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One Off Designs (In Wood) Hand Built Kitchens & Bedrooms Unit 2, Bliby Farm, Mersham Ashford, Kent TN25 7JB

01233 720180

Oak & Hardwood Windows & Doors Manual & Automated Gates and Garage Doors Full Painting & Installation Service Built In Furniture, Kitchens & Bathrooms General Joinery & Building Services Listed Building Specialists Part â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Approved Electrical Services

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Seasonal Delights This creamy risotto is great for a quick and easy midweek supper simply served with a leafy green salad and some warm ciabatta bread. Replace the mushrooms with small vine tomatoes fried until soft, if liked.

Serv es 4

Read 45 m y in inut es

Mushroom & Leek Risotto 55g butter 1 tbsp olive oil 2 leeks, washed, trimmed and thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 225g risotto rice 900ml hot vegetable stock Salt and freshly ground black pepper 175g button mushrooms, wiped 2-3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

In Season

Heat half the butter and the oil in a large deep frying pan. Add the sliced leeks and garlic and fry over a medium-high heat until softened but not brown. Stir in the rice and cook for one minute.

Add a ladleful of the hot stock to the pan and simmer gently, stirring all the time. When all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice, add another ladleful of stock. Continue adding the stock in this way until the rice is tender and has a creamy texture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this will take about 20 minutes.

Fruit Apples Nuts Pears Rhubarb Vegetables Artichoke (Jerusalem)

Beetroot Brussel Sprouts Carrots Cabbage Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Chard Chicory

Greens Kale Leeks Onions Parsnips Potatoes Shallots Squash Swede

Salsify Turnips Winter Greens Salad Endive Fish Brill

Clams Cockles Haddock Hake Halibut John Dory Lemon Sole Monkfish Mussels

Barbara-Ann Clark Fine Foods Coﬀee - Lunches - Cream Teas - Dinner

LOCAL MARKETS CHALLOCK Challock Memorial Hall, Blind Lane. 1st and 3rd Friday of each month From 1pm to 4pm Contact Pauline Hickson 01233 740979

As from Tuesday 21st February Barbara-Ann will be opening the Roundels for Evening Dining Contemporary English Cuisine accompanied by a Fine Extensive Wine List. - Or just join us for a Glass of ice cold Beer or Wine to soak up the atmosphere. Menus will be on Display. We look forward to welcoming you. Please book to avoid disappointment. Opening Hours: 10am - 11pm Tuesday - Saturday The Courtyard, Evegate, Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SX www.barbara-annclark.co.uk Tel: 01303 813175

THE BARN SHOP TRADITIONAL MARKET CHALLOCK 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month 10am – 2pm Contact 01233 740237

CHARING COUNTRY MARKET Charing Church Barn 9.30 -11.00 every Thurs morning Teas & coffees available, Crafts, in season vegetables and baking. Contact 01233 740176

EGERTON Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall

ROLVENDEN - 01580 240763 3.

Heat the rest of the butter in a separate frying pan and fry the mushrooms over a high heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Stir the Parmesan cheese into the risotto and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the risotto in warmed bowls topped with the fried mushrooms, chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall

TENTERDEN COUNTRY MARKET Every Friday 9.30am -11.30am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road.

WAREHORNE Warehorne Village Hall 10am -1pm 4th Sunday of the month Tel: 01233 733718 or Mob: 07979 905600.

WITTERSHAM MARKET Oysters Plaice Turbot Meat & Game Beef Duck Guinea fowl Hare Mutton

Partridge Pheasant Pork Rabbit Teal & Mallard Veal Venison Wood Pogeon

Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01797 270757

WYE - 07804 652156 First and third Saturday of every month on the Village Green in Wye. Tel: 07804 652156 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

what’s on

Events February

Smeeth W.I. will meet on Monday 13th February when the Ashford Camcorder Club will entertain us with short films that they have made. Visitors are always welcome to join us and should further information be required please contact Joy Taylor on 01303 812165

Aldington School Jumble Sale

Monday 6 Feb ASHFORD MUSIC SOCIETY MELISSA KENNY Munster Trust Artist Harp Recital. Melissa was born in France and studied at Toulouse Conservatoire and since 2008 at Trinity College of Music, London. She plays regularly as a soloist in France and London. Melissa will entertain us with a programme of music which will include works by Spohr, Faure, Manuel De Falla, Debussy and others. Sponsored by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. Venue: The Norton Knatchbull School at 7.30 p.m. Tickets: £12 (Adults); £3 (Students) Contact: Brenda McCormack on 01233-622971 or Hilary Pittock on 01233-623700.

Saturday 4th February Aldington Village Hall 2pm-4pm Refreshments served Donations of jumble welcome – bring to village hall between 9am & 1pm

Sellindge Village Hall Restoration Fund 18

We shall be holding our monthly tabletops for the year commencing with Saturday 4th February from 10 - 1.30 p.m. and do hope that you will be good enough to support this worthy charity. Tables are £5 booked or £8 on the day [if any left] Please ring Michael on 01303.813475 for further details.

Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society next meeting is on Thursday 9th February when we will have an illustrated talk by Mr Martin Newman on “Garden Pests, Diseases and Friends”. We meet at Aldington Village Hall 7.45pm for 8.00pm. Visitors welcome. For further information contact Colin Evans 01233720618.

Brabourne & Smeeth Horticultural Society next meeting will be on February 24 with a talk on “All about Honey Bees” 7.15 for 7.30 pm. Visitors and new members will be made very welcome For further info contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813 451

Pengelly & Rylands FAMILY SOLICITORS • • • • • • •

House Sales & Purchases Wills & Probate Family & Cohabitation Elderly Client Care Company Formation Employment Fixed Fee Interviews

Family Quiz Night at the Waltnut Tree,

39/41 High Street Tenterden Kent TN30 6BJ

Aldington. Last Sunday in the month 7-9pm. £1 per person including a raffle. Fund raising in aid of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations for the village.

Telephone (01580) 762248 www.pengelly-rylands.co.uk

Advertise FREE of charge email your events to: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

POTTEN FARM

what’s on

POTTEN FARM SHOP

Arriba Pet Supplies One of Kent’s Best Kept Secrets

Large Range of Locally Sourced Produce and Much More, at Competitive Prices. Family Run Business Helpful and Friendly Staff Open Mon - Sat 9 - 5pm Sun 10 - 4pm

Tel: 01303 814804

AGM Fencing Limited Supplier & Fitters of:

All Your Pet’s Needs & Feeds, including Horses & Chickens Open 7 Days a Week

01303 813893 Harringe Plants Growers of quality Bedding Plants, Herbs, Perennials, Alpines, Shrubs, Climbers & Vegetable Plants. Suppliers of Compost, Ceramic Pots & Sundries

• Panels • Gates • Trellis • Decking • Posts • Timber

Free Quotations

Call: 01303 812 922 or visit us Mon - Fri 8-5pm

Opening Times Mon - Sat 9 - 5pm Sun 10 - 4pm

Tel: 01303 814422 Main Road (A20), Sellindge,TN25 6EQ

what’s on

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

the woods. Go on give it a try it may be just the sport you are looking for. Interested, give Jim or Line Dancing Classes, Sellindge Village Janet a call on 01233 632102 Hall. Tues Eve 7.30 – 9.30 (Intermediate), Thurs afternoon 1-3pm (easy intermediate) Thurs eve Lympne Short Mat Bowling Monday and 7.30 9.30 (Intermediate) contact Maureen Lincoln Thursdays from 7.00 p.m. to 9.45p.m. in the Village Hall. Annual Subscription is £20.00 and 01303 813161 or 07989 210449. the green fees are £2.00 per evening. For more Brabourne & Smeeth Horticultural Society. information call Mick or Marian Hatton on We meet on the last Friday of the month at 01303 814274 Brabourne & Smeeth Village Hall, 7.15 for The Sellindge Get Together Club Meet in 7.30pm. Visitors and new members will be the Durling Hall at Sellindge, next to the main made very welcome. For further info contact hall, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on the second Wendy Sanders on 01303 813 451 Wednesday in the month. If you would like to

Aldington & Bonnington Gardening come just come to our meetings or phone 01303 813528 for more details. Society We meet at Aldington Village Hall 7.45pm for 8.00pm. Visitors welcome. For Smeeth W.I. We meet on the second Monday further information 01233720618.

contact

Colin

Evans of the Month at 7.30 pm in the Brabourne & Smeeth

Aldington Short Mat Bowls Club We play 1940’s Dancing Lessons, Every Friday,

twice a week on Monday and Thursday nights at Aldington village hall from 7.30pm to 10.00pm. No special equipment required you only need a pair of shoes with flat soles and we can supply

including Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa & Collegiate Shag. For beginners and improvers, at Warehorne Village Hall from 7pm – 9.30pm. Cost £6.00 Tel 01233 860564. No partner required.

Fully Licensed - Takeaway Open 7 Days including Bank Holidays 12.00pm - 2.00pm & 5.30pm - 11.00pm

10% Discount on Takeaways (Cash Only) The Street, Hamstreet, Ashford, TN26 2HG

20%

Discount When Dining In Sunday - Thursday on Presentation of this Voucher

The Old School House Restaurant

TERMS & CONDITIONS Offer excludes drinks. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Ald Feb12

Advertise FREE of charge email your events to: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

what’s on

Body Conditioning Class at Smeeth Scout Hut, Calligraphy Classes at St Mary’s Oak Room, Mondays 7.00 p.m. Fun Fitness for all levels Call Michelle Sinclair ACE Personal Trainer for details 01233 820109

Hi/Low Aerobics at Sellindge Village Hall on Wednesdays 7.00 .p.m. Fun Fitness for all levels Call Michelle Sinclair ACE Personal Trainer for details 01233 820109 Step at Sellindge Village Hall Sundays at 10.00 a.m. Fun fitness for all levels Call Michelle Sinclair ACE Personal Trainer for details 01233 820109

Zumba Fitness 7.15pm A latin inspired dance fitness class and Legs bums and Tums 8.15pm Every Wednesday Aldington village hall. Contact Leigh Little 01233 65075 3 M: 07756 726590

Yoga

Thursday’s 10.00-11.30pm St Mary’s Oakroom, Smeeth. Classes are suitable for all. Please call Daniela for more info about this and other classes. 01233 860417 or 07939 870826

Yoga. Friendly classes suitable for all levels. Mondays 7.30-9.00pm, Warehorne Village Hall & Thursdays 10.00-11.30am, St Mary’s Oak Room, Smeeth (off the A20). £7 per class. Please call Daniela 01233860417 or 07939870826

Smeeth. Classes started on Wednesday, 14 September from 10.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. All welcome including complete beginners. Cost is £7 per session. For further information, please call Sue Gray on 01233 720696.

Burlesque Classes.

Lympne Village Hall. Wednesday nights from 8pm til 9.30pm. £7. No need to book - just turn up. Ladies only. Get fit, have fun, feel fabulous. Whatever your size, shape or age - release your inner vixen! Learn the sexy moves, including removing boa and gloves. For more details go to www. quizzicool.co.uk and click on burlesque classes.

Fit As A Fiddle - Dancing for Over-50s Great low impact exercise! No experience or partner required! Have fun, get fitter and meet new people! from 2pm to 3:30pm, Stour Centre, Ashford TN23 1ET. Only £4 for an hour and a half! No need to book - just turn up! Under-50s welcome too! More information at www.contrafusion.co.uk or contact John & Karen on 01233 625 362.

Boook Now forr ou ur Specia al

Vallenttinee’s Meal al 3 Courses for Two £65.00 including a bottle of either red, white, or bubbly

The Drum Inn Mick and Suzi welcome you to their traditional, family friendly, 300 year old pub. Opening Hours from 12:00 til 11pm all week Food Served Mon to Saturday 12:00 to 2:30 & 6:00 to 9:00 Sunday’s 12:00 to 4:00 & 6:00 to 7:45

Tel: 01303 812125

((£10 deposit required in advance with men nu & pre order booking form.) Please call in or for a booking form rm m or visit www.thedruminn.com om m

MEETING / FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE

Email: thedruminn@hotmail.com

• STONE STREET • STANFORD • ASHFORD • KENT • TN25 6DN

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Tony and Jemma Welcome You to The

GOOD INTENT

Pub/Restaurant ~Aldington Frith

Where you can enjoy freshly prepared food at reasonable prices. At the bar you will also find a fine selection of real ales, wines, lagers & spirits. We are not strangers, just friends yet to meet!

OPEN ALL DAY

Every Monday Our Famous Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper

Fresh Cod, Haddock and Plaice in our own beer batter £7.95 £5.95 Tuesday Steak Nightt

Sirloin, Ribeye, Mixed Grill 2 For £24.00 £20.00 Thursday Nights

Any 2 Meals For £18.00 Sunday Roasts

Please help us by booking in advance, thank you Group Bookings and Wedding Receptions Catered For

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Early Bird

Frith Road, Aldington Frith, Ashford TN25 7HQ

3pm - 6pm Mon - Fri

www.goodintent.co.uk Food Served: Mon- Fri 12 - 2.30pm & 6 - 9pm Saturday 12 - 3pm & 6 - 9.30pm Sunday 12 - 4.00pm

Cameramania It was a love affair willingly pursued from a very early age. As the years passed it became increasingly clear that this would be a life-long relationship, full of the ups, downs, desires, satisfactions and disappointments that pepper the fabric of most long term encounters. The earliest memory of the tentative beginnings of this unlikely liaison is one of an eight year old boy with nose pressed against the glass window of a duty free shop onboard the Shaw Savill liner, the Dominion Monarch. The object of interest was a new and shiny Rolleiflex TLR camera which simply oozed irresistible powers of absolute seduction. The interest slowly turned to desire; the desire demanded acquisition and, the fact that the price of acquisition was simply too high, only enhanced the seduction. That’s how it started and today, more than 50 years later, the fascination with these marvels of precision engineering remains. In the beginning it was the sensual experience of twirling knobs, moving levers, adjusting bellows, the smell of leather and hearing the snap of a perfectly timed shutter that I found totally compelling. Today the fascination has matured and evolved into an appreciation of all well made film cameras with an emphasis on vintage and veteran models that have come to be regarded as true classics. The phenomenal growth in digital technology over the last few years has created a revolution in photography resulting in the end of virtually all film camera production throughout the world. I have always considered photography to be a product of the perfect balance between art and science and, as digital cameras have brought renewed interest in photography to a much wider consumer market, I can only admire the technology that has brought this about. In spite of this revolution there remain a wide and growing number of aficionados of classic film cameras and, with more than 30,000 unique camera models to choose from, there is still enough choice to whet the appetite of many thousands of collectors across the globe. The drop in film camera prices, due to the popularity of digital cameras, has made film Please Mention The

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camera collecting very much more affordable and opened it up to a younger generation of interested admirers. The growth in e-marketing, and ever increasing access to the internet, has enabled me to buy, sell, collect and trade cameras across the globe. After the years of interest I have enjoyed in this field I have been able to establish a small, growing and viable business niche which has become a busy full time occupation. My mission statement rests on a desire to trade honestly with those who simply love quality, classic cameras that work and can be enjoyably used. In the new digital age I would like to help engender a continued interest in the great classic cameras of our times. I have found that the more I know about cameras the more I have to learn and this is where I think the fascination lies. I call it “cameramania”

CAMERAMANIA Quality Photographic Equipment Old film cameras gathering dust in your loft? Call Harvey to turn them into cash!

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leisure Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated and scams more prevalent. Be vigilant; don’t let them con you… I’ve been disheartened this month to learn that some of my loyal customers have fallen prey to the scammers. I’ve mentioned this previously but it appears to be getting more and more common so I thought it worth revisiting again.

The particular scam I’m talking about (of which there are many variants) goes something like this; You receive a telephone call from someone purporting to be from Microsoft (or another hardware or software company) telling you that your system has been compromised and is reporting errors to them (Microsoft or whoever). They then go on to explain that your security software (or support service) has expired but, nonetheless, they can help you fix it. They then talk you through a few dubious functions on the system and highlight system errors and suggest that you can upgrade your support for a small fee and they can then resolve the issues for you. It’s at this point, if not before, that alarm bells should start to ring. Sadly it’s also at this point that some people get out their credit cards and pay for the privilege of installing some virus infected utility (guided by the helpful support chap on the phone) who finally declares you ‘fixed’. Money then starts to bleed from your unfortunate bank account and the PC starts to haemorrhage information through the spyware you allowed them to install. The net result is, 1. They have your credit card details. 2. They have installed software on your PC that can gather your most personal information including bank details and 3. Your PC, unlike before the phone call, is now infected with viruses and Trojans - and getting worse by the minute. Microsoft and the other major players in the IT market do not phone you randomly to tell you that you have a problem on you system – if you get such a call just hang up. Don’t be their next victim.

Be aware also that there is another, similar scam, that works without the phone call. This one works by running a little utility when you visit a web-site that pops up a window on screen that appears to be scanning your PC like an anti-virus scan. It then tells you that you have x number of infections and offers to remove them – for a price. This scam is very common and ranges from very easy to fix to extremely difficult. If you get this pop-up stop what you are doing immediately and turn off your PC. If you react fast enough you may escape a full infection. However, if you’re unlucky, the popup will return on rebooting your PC. If this turns out to be the case – pick up the phone, you have our number… Till next time Steve, Compumate UK

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Computer Problems? Kent Computer Centre Ltd Serving Kent for Over 10 Years! PC and Laptop Repairs Wireless Networks Setup and Secured Problem Solving and Trouble Shooting We Offer a No Fix No Fee Service Virus and Spyware Detection and Removal Any Job Considered Call 7 days a week up to 10pm

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BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Tim Simpson Tel:01303 813257

Art and Camera Club The next meeting is on Tuesday February 14 from 10am to 12md. This will be a work shop so please bring your own water colours/pencils if possible. Pastels will be available to borrow. If you have an interest in art or photography you will be made very welcome. For more details phone Mike on 01303 812484 Meeting Point Please meet at the church at 12 noon on February 23 for onward journey to Bybrook Barn for lunch. To book your place and/or transport please phone Tim 01303 813257 or Cathy 01303 814132. MP’S Surgery: Our MP Damian Collins, will be holding his monthly surgery at the church from 3.45pm to 4.30pm on Friday February 17. If you have any questions, complaints or comments he would be glad to see you. To book an appointment please e-mail, your name, post code, subject and message to: shepwayconservatives@btconnect. com or tel: 01303 253 524. Café Wednesday: Open every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am. Drop in for coﬀee, biscuits, company and a warm friendly atmosphere. Choice of books available. Everyone Welcome: children too! Graham Kingston, our Community Warden, will try to be there on the first Wednesday of every month, should anyone need to see him.

at Willesborough, on the old Wye Road, tel: 01233 623975

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vi09

health & beauty

How to Sleep Better

Sleep is an essential and involuntary process that is vital for maintaining good mental and physical health. One in four people are thought to suffer from sleep problems at some point in their lives, including deprivation and insomnia. We spend approximately a Ensuring you eat healthily and minimise sugary snacks is third of our lives asleep. It is as essential for keeping your brain and body contented. Sugar

important to our bodies as eating, drinking and breathing. Sleep helps to repair and restore our brains and bodies. Poor sleep can affect mood, concentration, judgement and reduce our immune system’s ability to fight off minor ailments such as colds and flus. Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to health problems including diabetes, heart disease and clinical depression.

Eat breakfast Did you know, skipping breakfast can put you on the path to poor sleep? It all starts with eating breakfast within 30-45 minutes of waking, as there is a biochemical link back to our sleep. “Your levels of adrenalin are increased if you do not eat breakfast and your brain starts to shut down non-essential functions including the production of the hormones, serotonin and melatonin,” says sleep expert, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan. “Melatonin is the hormone required at the end of the day to sleep. By skipping breakfast you produce less melatonin and as your adrenalin levels are higher, you will feel more anxious towards the end of the day and therefore less able to sleep.” Keep a watchful eye on your caffeine and sugar intake

causes the body to run on a higher energy pattern, which creates highs and lows as the quick-fix energy hit wears off. This, in turn, sparks a need for more sugar in the body via drinks and caffeine. Eating little and often and keeping hydrated with water, herbal teas and fruit juices, while minimising your intake of fizzy drinks and caffeine, will help ready mind and body for sleep. Nerina recommends avoiding caffeine after 2pm each day if you are having trouble sleeping.

Don’t eat too late Eating your main meal earlier can also help with improving sleep. A large meal can impact on your digestive system and cause heartburn. Leave three hours before having a meal and going to bed.

Make time to unwind As we rush through each day, balancing a busy lifestyle and juggling responsibilities left, right and centre, finding time for a rest can feel impossible. However, if the mind has no opportunity to process information from the day, it waits until bedtime to recap, when the frantic pace of the day has finally stopped. This results in a poor, restless sleep. Nerina suggests trying to build rest into your day by meditating or power napping. The 15-minute time out from your day will create that internal chemistry that is just right for sleep. Additionally, deal with worries or a heavy workload by making a list of things to be tackled the next day.

Make your bedroom a sleep haven Create a restful space: your bedroom should be as quiet and dark as possible. “Managing technology is very important as you need a break from TV, computers, emails and mobile phones, before going to bed. Without this break, you are over stimulating your mind and it will be unable to find processing time,” says Nerina. Set boundaries with technology and keep all gadgets out of the bedroom. by Julie Penfold

health & beauty

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In The

n e d r Ga

Extra Letter

Unscramble the letters on the right to find the names of 6 things to do with the garden. Each one has an extra letter: Identify these to find something you might use for planting bulbs.

1) aw awnlt

..........................

2) ail ailrsn

..........................

3) ow owerofl

..........................

4) antpl topw

..........................

5) ermowe

..........................

6) uttlbflyer

..........................

Extra Letter Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

kid’s corner Sudoku How to Play: 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!

the home Decorating a child’s bedroom is all about ﬂexibility – and with a bit of ﬂair it’s easy to create a space that’s as practical as it is imaginative, and that doesn’t cost the earth

Child’s Play

When decorating a child’s bedroom, remember the three Fs: fun, function and flexibility. Children need stimulation – though too much brightly coloured plastic will make your eyes ache – and organisation, so that you can occasionally see the floor. But it’s flexibility that’s the most important. Unless you really want to redecorate every couple of years, keep the walls, floors and major items of furniture relatively neutral, just changing the accessories, such as rugs, cushion covers, bean bags, blinds and lampshades, as necessary. That way you’ll be able to create a room that will last right through from babyhood until your little darling leaves home.

Nurseries The younger the child, the more ‘stuff’ they seem to have, and for a newborn storage is all-important. You could buy a set of free-standing shelves (if the shelves can be raised and lowered when necessary, so much the better) or fix some ‘floating’ shelves to the walls. Better still, if you have a period house with alcoves either side of a chimney breast, consider turning them into conceal-all built-in wardrobes. Most baby toys can be stored in colourful, soft plastic buckets, or in drawstring bags hung from the back of the door or a peg rail. Avoid buying furniture that’s very babyspecific – he or she won’t notice it and it will date very quickly. Instead, choose wellmade, simple pieces that will still be useable (even if they have to be given a lick of paint) in decades to come. Arrange the room to suit you – middle-of-the-night visits are even less fun when you stub your toe on a sticking-out chair, and instant access to the cot/bed, storage and toys will make your life easier. As for décor, choose soft colours and ensure your lighting isn’t too glarey. Fitting a dimmer is a great idea – usually a quick and inexpensive job for a qualified electrician.

Simple white furnishings will last years and can be accessorised to suit your child’s age. Humphrey’s Corner cot bed, £300, and Brompton furniture, all Mothercare, 0845 330 4030; mothercare.com.

Older children The storage theme continues as your children grow older, so increase the options (and avoid spending a fortune) by thinking laterally and visiting junk-shops for chests of drawers, blanket boxes and the like. Make sure they’re stable and don’t have any splinters; then simply sand and paint, changing any knobs and handles if necessary. For storage of small toys, felt tip pens and so on, use washed-up tins (no sharp edges, mind), ice cream tubs or shoe boxes, perhaps covered in offcuts of wallpaper for a unified look. Now’s the time to consider a raised sleeper bed – children of this age need plenty of space in which to play. Keep furniture to the edges of the room, so there’s plenty of clear floor area in the middle. And for decorative interest, how about fixing a large magnetic board to one wall, or painting a wall or a cupboard door with blackboard paint? Wall stickers are great fun, or you could hang artists’s canvas painted in bright blocks of

the home colour, or else camouflage nets, bunting, maps or flags. String fairy lights across the ceiling, or glue lightweight plastic toys in formation across it; on wooden floorboards, meanwhile, it wouldn’t be hard to paint paw prints, a race track or a giant game of snakes and ladders.

Teenagers Teenagers’ rooms need to be a combination of cosy den, Older children’s bedrooms need a chill-out zone as well as somewhere to study and sleep. chill-out zone and study area. Bean chair and stool, £79, Found Home Store, 01227 807797; foundhomestore.co.uk. You’ll need to provide zones for homework and hobbies, form of built-in shelving or standalone units socialising and sleepovers – that can be taken with you when you move. and good lighting in each area is essential. As for relaxing, a sofa, some bean bags or As well as general, overhead lighting, even a storage ottoman will come in handy. desk and bedside lamps, consider adding A well-lit dressing table (this could double something decorative such as a colourup with the desk) is important, too, as is a changing LED light or a ‘starlit’ ceiling using good mirror. If you want your teenager to fibre optics. be organised, add a pin board or magnetic Just like anyone working from home, board on the wall, an accessible laundry bin teenagers need a good quality swivel chair, and some open-topped storage for all those a spacious desk, plenty of plug sockets, an bits and pieces that you’d prefer not to end internet connection and storage space for up on the floor. books, files and so on. This could be in the by Katherine Sorrell

Jakeman & Jakeman Homecare Steve Jakeman

Painter and Decorator

Handyman Painter & Decorator

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wit & wisdom Your Duck is Dead

sENIOR HUMOUR

A woman brought a very limp duck uck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid id her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird‛s chest. After a moment or two, the e vet shook his head and sadly said, “I‛m sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed ssed away.”

An el d Had s erly gent le e a nu rious hea man.... mb r the d er of y ing proble e m o able ctor and ars. He w s for t e of he o have him the doct nt to o a gentl ring aids fitted fo r was r eman t The distressed woman wailed, “Are Are to he hat allow a set ar 10 ed th you sure?” “Yes, I am sure. Your duck ck The e 0% e lderl is dead,” replied the vet. “How can an y in a you be so sure?” she protested. “I mont gentlema h the n we mean you haven‛t done any testing ng nt ba docto to the ck is pe r sa d on him or anything. He might justt o c tor rfect id, ‘Y and .. You our be in a coma or something.” The vett reall y r h e p a f l rin am eased rolled his eyes, turned around and d again. ’ that ily must g left the room. you c b an he e ar The He returned a few minutes later gentl haven e with a black Labrador Retriever. ’t tol man rep lie d sit a As the duck‛s owner looked on in roun my family d, ‘Oh, d an conve amazement, the dog stood on his I yet. I d r s a j l t ust isten hind legs, put his front paws on the thr ee tim ions. I’ve t o examination table and sniffed the c hange es!’ t d my he duck from top to bottom. He then will looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room.

a en from m e l t n e g rly Two elde sitting on a e r e w r e t cen A few minutes later he returned one turns retirement n e h w e e r rat with cat. The cat jumped on the , I’m 83 im l bench unde ‘S : s y a s nd table and also delicately sniffed the ull he other a t o t I’m just f d n bird from head to foot. The cat sat a w o n e years old know you’r back on its haunches, shook its head, I . s in a p nd meowed softly and strolled out of the of aches a ou feel?’ y o d w o H ge. room. The vet looked at the woman about my a and said, “I‛m sorry, but as I said, this like a t s u j l e e is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a says, ‘I f im l S dead duck.” aby.’ newborn b by!?’ The vet turned to his computer terminal, ewborn ba n a e ik L hit a few keys and produced a bill, which ‘Really!? he handed to the woman. The duck‛s ink I h, and I th t e e t o n owner, still in shock, took the bill. “£150!” , ‘Yep. No hair ants.’ she cried, “£150 just to tell me my duck is y p just wet m dead!” The vet shrugged, “I‛m sorry. If you u

had just taken my word for it, the bill would d have been £20, but with the Lab Report and nd the Cat Scan, it‛s now £150.

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Building Contractors Professional Service For All Your Building Requirements Extensions - Conversions Alterations & Refurbishments New Build - Restoration & Renovation New & Re-Tiled Roofing Drawing & Planning Service Available All Groundworks Undertaken All Building Works Undertaken

Tel: 01303 812687 Mobile: 07766581868

STANFORD ROOFING       

New Roofs & Repairs Slates, Tiles, Kent Pegs Leadwork Repointing Guttering, Fascias Flat Roofs Public Liability Insurance

FREE ESTIMATES Over 25 years Experience

Telephone or Fax: 01303 814860 Mobile: 07725 124891

Pound Lane, Smeeth TN25 6RJ

Wilco Plumbing and Heating

CENTURION Plumbing & Heating

• Central heating installations & repairs • Boiler replacement 5 Year Guarantee on new Worcester Bosch Boilers • Oil, LPG Gas & Solar Installations • Emergency plumbing and heating works • All gas installation and repair work • Unvented hot water specialist • Landlords gas safety inspections Plumbing and heating engineer with over 30 years experience. Registered with the Institute of Plumbing and the Gas Safe Register for gas work. Registered with KCC Trading Standards as an approved tradesman. References for all work available on request. Free estimates and no obligation.

Tel: 01303 862173 Mobile: 07860 452640

• Domestic Gas & LPG installation • Boiler service & repair • Power flushing • Unvented hot water • Water softeners • Underfloor heating • Landlord gas safety inspections

01233 662726 | 07871 441373 www.centurionplumbingandheating.co.uk 304539

Piping Hot Plumbing & Heating Services All plumbing work undertaken No Job Too Small!! • Burst pipes, Blockages, Taps, Pumps, Radiators, Lead & Drainage work • Bathroom & Shower Installation No Call Out Charge. 24hr Service

Call: 01233 733779 or 07515651717 35

Dial a Plumber Plumbing & Heating Services Plumbing

Heating

•NO CALL OUT CHARGE • FREE ESTIMATES • ALL WORK GUARANTEED • OAP DISCOUNT

NO JOB TOO SMALL TEL: 01233 642233 642233 Tel: 01233 www.dialaplumber.com di l l b 35

the home

Derek Hales MASTER TILER

Peg tiles, Slates, Leadwork Mathematical tiles Over 25 years experience City & Guilds qualified, Fully insured Free estimates TEL 01303 814936 . MOB 07708 471869 www.atlas-roofing.co.uk

Specialist in all Forms of Wall and Floor Tiling Clean, friendly and reliable

10% 36

BATHROOM & KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT

Off Labour when Booking a Kitchen or Bathroom before end February 2012

GENERAL BUILDING & PLUMBING DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS

Call Now For A Free, No Obligation Quote All Work Fully Insured 24 HOUR CALL OUT

For your free quotation call Derek on

07905 700 142 Mersham, Ashford, TN25 7HP

Sucklifts Cesspool Emptying Service ~ Est 1986 ~ Accredited Engineer British Water

High Pressure Jetting Service and Repair to Sewage Treatment Plants

07842 603 071 01233 610 510

01233 840624

neilbanbury@yahoo.co.uk

aul rown

24 Hr Emergency Call Out

Plumbing & Heating Services

nstallations Tel: 01233 720 740 Mob: 07905 387873

Quality work at competitive prices Standard Boiler Installation from £1200 Combi From £1300 5yr Parts & Labour Warranty - Natural Gas & L.P.G Oil

24 Hour emergency call out

Leaks/Burst pipes Boiler changes/servicing Landlord certificates Bathrooms & showers Central heating installations & alterations

motoring

for good honest advice, information and a solution to most mobility problems

www.forrmobility.co.uk New ,Used & Hire Equipment from Aids for Daily Living to Wheelchairs.

come and try the largest selection of mobility equipment in ashford

• Parking by the door. • Indoor & outdoor test areas. • Repairs / Servicing. • Modifications. • Adaptations. • Easy terms available. • Free home assessments

WILLESBOROUGH & KENNINGTON GARAGES LTD    

SERVICING REPAIRS MOT’s CAR AND LIGHT COMMERCIALS

CHURCH ROAD KENNINGTON TN24 9DG Email: carservicekton@btconnect.com

01233 622808 Please Mention The

HYTHE ROAD WILLESBOROUGH TN24 0QQ Email: carservicewill@btconnect.com

01233 623946

village directory When Responding to Adverts

useful information IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency 999 Police Neighbourhd Team 01622 690 690 (Ashford, Tenterden and Romney Marsh) Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG

Mobile: 07715 406 672 0845 770 8090 0800 783 8866 0800 111 999 Details on tank

SAMARITANS www.samaritans.org A registered Charity

Doctors Surgery

0844 4773989 01303 812180

Ashford Borough Council

or Email: gajsph@gmail.com Start your Journey in a Relaxed Mode.

Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch Contact Robert Gurney 01233 666577 SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 CPRE Kent 01233 714540

National Train Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk

Parish Councils: Brabourne & Smeeth Mersham & Sevington

Based on the Romney Marsh, (Lydd). Local and Airport Journeys Advanced Bookings Taken - Seats up to 6 Please call to arrange

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Phone us: 08457 90 90 90

Hamstreet Surgery Sellindge Surgery

G&J’s Private Hire

Bus Enquiries

01233 623902 Arriva Bus Enquiries 01233 720816 Stage Coach East Kent 01233 637311

W: www.ashford.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

0844 800 44 11 0871 200 22 33 (Timetable)

08456 00 22 99 (Customer Services)

01233 626185

Brabourne and Smeeth Community Warden: Richard Sinden 07813 712 805. Veterinary Surgeons Montgomery Vets

Ashford Volunteer Centre Age Concern

01303 813756 01233 647 422 01233 620 635

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

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

VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Aldington Brabourne & Smeeth Bilsington Hamstreet Mersham Sellindge Smeeth Stowting

01233 720213 01303 813234 01233 720818 01233 732568 01233 503192 01303 813250 01303 814977 01303 863520

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

motoring

s ’ r e h

s i F b o B Garage You May Be Surprised What A Small Country Garage Can Offer Today’s Motorist! A Personal Friendly Service On Your Door Step At Affordable Prices.

www.bobfcars.co.uk

Sellindge 01303 814131

MOT Testing Centre • • • • •

SERVICING MECHANICAL REPAIRS BODY REPAIRS & PAINT WORK TYRES BATTERIES & EXHAUSTS

Also A Good Selection Of Quality Small Used Cars. 39

mcmotors@btconnect.com • • •

• MECHANICAL REPAIRS FULL SERVICES • BODYSHOP - RESPRAYS ENGINE TUNING MOT TESTING CENTRE FOR CLASS IV AND VII

Have your MOT carried out using the latest Automated Test Lane equipment. For A Friendly and Reliable Service

Tel: (01233) 626176 Bodyshop: (01233) 638006 3 ELLINGHAM WAY, ELLINGHAM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ASHFORD, KENT TN23 6NF Please Mention The

village directory When Responding to Adverts

A neew dimension in dining out: come and experience the difference

(EEXCEPT XCEPT MOT OTHER THER’S DA AY Y)

Live Entertainment Enttertainment - SSaxy axy Time Time - Bass Bass ‘n’ ‘n n’ Sax Sax Duo Duo 2 course dinner only only £22 £22 Please book now to avoid disaappointment

Live so oft music Enterttainment (1-4pm) Guarantee a memorable day for your very speecial mother |

Ashford Road, Bethersden, Kent TN26 3LF