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February 2015

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March Issue Deadline 1st February

Welcome Hi everyone, Welcome to our first edition for 2015, I hope you all had a great Christmas and the new year is being kind to you. The Christmas break provided the opportunity for a much needed rest, but with the year barely off the starting blocks my annual break is now a distant memory. Whilst working on this month’s edition, I stopped to answer the phone and noticed rain water lapping at the back door. There’s nothing like an imminent flood to get the adrenaline going so I sprang into instant panic mode and ran around the garden like a headless chicken for a while (in leaky boots). By the end of the day, soaked through, weary from building dams and sweeping water, my previously lazy brain is now fully back in working order and I’m ready to tackle the rest of the winter. I hate to wish my life away, but roll on Spring time!

This year The Village Directory is 10 years old.

Thinking back that’s a lot of deadlines, and

CINNAMON

sleepless nights, especially at the beginning!

I’m proud to say that a number of advertisers have been with me for most of that journey and I’m sincerely grateful for their loyalty. The Walnut Tree Inn in Aldington actually featured in my very first edition back in July 2005 and 10 years on is still very much a part of the The Village Directory family.

I’m afraid Dolly & Tinkaboo are on holiday this month so Henry Hedgehog is looking after Kid’s Corner for them while they are away. They’ll be back soon!

Until next time, have a great month!

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

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Preparing for Warmer Weather

by Pippa Greenwood

The combination of the poor weather in February and the very fact that gardens tend to be at their least appealing this month, means the chances are yours is receiving nothing much more than a fair helping of neglect at the moment. But spring isn’t far away so get your gardening gloves on for a bit of preparation.

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Start by clearing up any remaining fallen leaves, broken twigs. Twigs and woody debris are best binned or burned or perhaps even heaped up in the corner of the garden to act as a sheltering spot for wildlife, but fallen leaves, and the top growth of herbaceous perennials, can be added to the compost heap.

When it comes to tackling herbaceous or flower borders, don’t make things look too clean and tidy, as you may well cut down on the protection that faded top-growth can provide. I tend to leave most of the remains of herbaceous plants in place until spring, but the most ugly, straggly or unkempt bits could certainly be cleared up now. Keep a particular look out for slugs and snails and collect them up while they are snoozing!

It is too early in the year to cut your lawn and indeed you should try to keep off it as far as possible, but you can clear twigs and leaves and cut back any weeds which have grown faster than the grass itself.

You can use any pots or other containers which have been left around the garden to create spots of colour and interest by clearing them out, using fresh compost and then replanting them. If you choose temporary winter plantings such as winter flowering pansies or pompom winter daisies, then these can simply be removed when it is time to replant with summer bedding.

Scrubbing down the outer surfaces of pots and containers will also help to clean them up again, because by now they have invariably accumulated a good helping of algae and soil and can look quite a mess.

Check fruit trees for signs of any dead shrivelled fruit still on the branches and cut these out, as they often harbour brown rot disease and can cause a lot of problems in the future. However these definitely shouldn’t be composted - bin or burn any you find.

Use a stiff brush to clear off surface debris from your terrace or patio and then once it is clear, if it still looks in need of a bit of a facelift, use the stiff brush or yard broom to scrub it over thoroughly. Provided freezing weather is not forecast, wash it over with a few buckets of water.

A trip to your local garden centre is bound to give you plenty of ideas for what’s looking good this month. Some of my favourites include the small trees or shrubs which have a delicious fragrance during the winter months.

These include winter sweet, hamamelis (witch hazel) and sarcococca. You can now buy pots of snowdrop bulbs which are not far from flowering so ‘cheat’ a little and pop a few of these into the ground. Winter flowering heathers and winter flowering pansies can also be used to great effect right now.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ veg growing system , biological controls, fleece, copper tape and lots more besides.

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES

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The Biddenden Horticultural Society Annual membership £5.

New members welcome.

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

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.

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.

Biddenden Squash Club 01580 291130 Gordon Jones Playing Field, Biddenden. Friendly club with 2 courts and a bar. email: info@biddendensquash. co.uk www.biddendensquash.co.uk Smarden Heritage Centre - Smarden Charter Hall, Smarden. Open every Friday 9:30am to 1:30pm visit: www.smardenheritagecentre. synthasite.com Charing Scottish Dancing Club Friday evenings, Charing Parish Hall 7.30pm – 9.30pm An enjoyable evening for anyone who might like to learn Scottish Dancing (not Highland Dancing!)

We are a small very friendly group, all of whom had little or no experience before coming to the class but are now very enthusiastic, and they would welcome others who might like to learn. There is no charge for the first trial evening (afterwards £3.00 per person and a break for coffee, biscuits and a natter) Ring Evelyn or John Voller on 01233 713758 to discuss it more fully with no compulsion to attend.

Biddenden Junior Football Club - Always looking for new players 7 -18, for fun and enjoyable football. Contact Steve on 07958 447948.

Smarden Short Mat Bowls Club We welcome new 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.

Egerton Over 60’s Club If you enjoy stimulating speakers, enjoyable outings and eating out, then become a member of this Club.You don’t have to be over 60, we’ll welcome you what ever your age. We meet in the lovely Egerton Millennium

Hall on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2pm to enjoy a speaker, short Club business followed by sandwiches, savouries ,homemade cakes all washed down with a few cuppas.Example of speakers for 2014--High Sheriff of Kent, Ellen Terry and Smallhythe Place,Floral Clocks, Egerton Wartime Airfield and more. Outings include--a trip on the Bluebell railway, Belmont House, cruise on the Kentish Lady, Mill Museum and a Mystery Tour.. Contact David on 756544,Graham on 756260 or Sheila on 756294. You will be made most welcome--try us.!

The Roots Project Conservation Volunteers Contact: Carrie Eeles (Activities Officer) Tel: 07920404546 Email: info@ therootsproject.co.uk www. therootsprojectconservationvolunteers.org.uk What we do: Regular practical conservation tasks and woodland craft workshops based in Longbeech Wood, Charing Pilates Classes. Westwell Village Hall. Thursdays 915am. £36 per 6 week block. Contact Victoria 07543543373/vsaker@hotmail.co.uk PILATES. Smarden Tuesdays 1pm, Wednesdays 6pm. Headcorn Mondays 6pm. Mixed ability classes. Body Control Qualified Instructor. Contact Liz 07958 708874 or email: lizsims.pilates@gmail. com 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.

Headcorn Flea & Collectors Market held at Headcorn Methodist Church Hall. 9th of the month. 9.30am to 2.30pm Free Entry 01622890735 Clandestine Cake Club is a great way to meet new people, catch up with friends and the perfect excuse to eat cake! We meet approximately every six weeks with a different theme for each meeting to make things even more interesting! It’s a social thing - not a cake competition, so everyone from complete novices to professional bakers are welcome. The idea is to share your cake and have some fun! For more information, contact Zarina Hawkins on zjbm1965@gmail.com

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Saddlers Wins a Prestigious UK Property Award

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The United Kingdom’s premier developers, architects, interior designers and estate agents gathered at the London Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel on Friday October 24th. That evening, in the presence of Lord Courtown, chairman of the architecture and interior design panel of judges, the eagerly awaited results of the United Kingdom Property Awards were announced.

Sponsored by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Gaggenau, the UK Property Awards attracted entries from hundreds of companies across the length and breadth of the UK. Winning entrants were presented with either a ‘Highly Commended’ or ’5-Star’ award.

The Awards’ judging panel consists of over 70 highly respected experts from all over the world and is chaired by three active members of the House of Lords: Lord Caithness, Lord Best and Lord Courtown.

Saddlers Estate Agents won the Highly Commended award for Estate Agency in the Kent region. The award represents a significant achievement for Saddlers. The International Property Award Winners’ logo is recognised as a symbol of excellence throughout the industry

and entries are subject to a stringent vetting procedure, with only six per category, per county put through to the rigorous judging process.

Paul Martin, Partner of the firm said “We are all delighted to have won this award particularly considering the level of competition, but it’s a testament to all of our hard work, innovative marketing and our dedication to providing excellent customer service since we opened the business in 2007”. Paul and Branch Manager Robert Sutton are pictured receiving the award from Stuart Shield, President of the International Property Awards, Stephen Brownless, Sales & Marketing Driector of Gaggenau UK and Lord Courtown.

Stuart Shield, President of the International Property Awards, said, “It’s amazing to see the innovation that continues to deliver ever more surprising solutions that not only look good but also introduce beautiful new homes with a very low energy requirement. The awards also highlight the latest techniques in the marketing and presentation of Britain’s finest homes”.

If you are considering selling or letting your property, be sure to take advantage of our Award Winning service and call us now on 01233 713127, or call in to see us at our office in Charing village.

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Home & Interiors How to create romantic style at home

Who

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wouldn’t fall in love with romantic style? Feminine, delicate and oh-so pretty, this is a timeless look that will work in all styles of home, from a bijoux city apartment to a grand country pile, says Katherine Sorrell Make your home a haven from everyday worries with a romantic decorating style that takes you worlds away from the busy bustle of modern life. It’s a look that is eternally charming and appealing, pretty as a picture, soft and dreamy and completely irresistible.

The first ingredient? Sumptuous fabrics, of course. Think lacey trims around the edges of pillowcases, napkins or cushions, or even entire panels (especially vintage or antique) hung across a window or thrown over a bed.

Gorgeous. Sheers are also perfect for this look. Employ organza, chiffon, tulle, georgette and voile in opulent swathes and gathers, and layer them with crisp cottons and linens for interest and appeal.

Since how things feel is just as important as how they look, add some deliciously soft and tactile

fabrics such as angora, mohair or cashmere, or perhaps warm and snuggly wool or felt. Choose floral patterns that look as if they’re worn or faded (definitely not digitally printed or modern in style) – you just can’t beat classics such as roses, hydrangeas, peonies and the like, especially when they’re hand-drawn or block-printed. Decorative details are important, too: embroidery, borders, ruffles and scalloped edgings will enhance even the plainest of fabrics, and since a little goes a long way there is no need to break the bank to achieve the desired effect.

As for furniture, opt for simple, country-style or shabby chic furnishings in natural pine or else painted in pale and pretty colours. You may wish to go to town in the bedroom with a canopied or half-tester bed (if you’re on a budget, simply hang generous amounts of hemmed, sheer fabric from a hoop above the bed for a similar effect), combined with blissfully beautiful bed linen: perhaps crisp white cotton edged with drawn threadwork and topped with a vintage chintzy eiderdown or satin quilt. In the living room, opt for a plump and (of course) comfortable sofa, chaise longue or armchair in a traditional style, piled with cushions and bolsters trimmed with lace, embroidery or buttons, while in the kitchen an old-fashioned dresser is just

the thing, piled with vintage patterned crockery.

No romantic home would be complete without atmospheric lighting, which is best achieved by combining a variety of light sources – a central chandelier perhaps, together with a selection of wall and table lights, the latter small and graceful rather than large and imposing. Don’t forget that twinkly fairy lights and a selection of candles or tea lights (preferably scented) will really add atmosphere to your home.

And speaking of finishing touches, choose surface finishes that are shiny and reflective, from mirror to pearl, polished metal to glazed ceramics.

Accessorise with fine china teacups and cake stands, delicately etched glassware and bone-handled cutlery. One or two heart-shaped pieces add to the effect – as will a scattering of small ornaments, from birds and animals to female figures.

Last, but definitely not least, add flowers everywhere possible, in vases and milk bottles, jam jars and other informal containers.

Roses or ranunculas, alliums or asters – informal arrangements of old-fashioned blooms with a lovely scent will be sure to bring romance to any home.

By Katherine Sorrell

Main Image: These embellished cushions have a gentle and romantic feel. From £19.99, all Retreat Home, tel 01628471056; www.retreat-home.com

the home

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Cake and Bake Plum and Almond Tart Served with thick cream, custard or ice cream, this tart makes a delicious warming winter pud. You can use other fruits if plums are not available –try chunks of apples or pears or Armagnacsoaked prunes for a special occasion.

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Ingredients: • • • • • •

175g self-raising flour 100g unsalted butter, chilled and diced 50g ground almonds 3 tbsp caster sugar 1 small egg, beaten 50g natural marzipan, chilled and grated • 4 large plums, stones removed and quartered • 2 tbsp flaked almonds, roughly chopped • 2 tbsp Demerara sugar

TIP If you don’t have an oblong shaped flan tin use a 20cm round loose-based fluted flan tin instead.

Serves 6 Ready in 1 ¼ hours, plus chilling

1. Sift the flour into a bowl, add the diced butter and, using your fingertips, rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the ground almonds.

Remove ¼ of the mixture and chill in the fridge.

2. Add the caster sugar and beaten egg to the remaining mixture and mix to a soft, slightly sticky dough. Using floured hands press the dough into the base and up the sides of a 28 x 10cm oblong loose-based flan tin (see tip). Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, Gas Mark 4.

Scatter the grated marzipan in the chilled flan case and top with the plum quarters (skin side up). Stir the flaked almonds and Demerara sugar into the reserved breadcrumb mixture and scatter over the plums.

4. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until crisp and deep golden brown.

Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Remove the tart from the tin and slice and serve.

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Paneer & Mixed Vegetable

Coconut Curry Serves 4

Ready in 45 minutes

This filling vegetable curry can be made with any mix of vegetables you have to hand. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread and some cooling natural yogurt.

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Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and boil for 5 minutes until almost tender adding the cauliflower and broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

Ingredients: • 2 small carrots, peeled and • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

thinly sliced 100g small cauliflower florets 100g small broccoli florets 1 tbsp vegetable oil 225g paneer cheese, cubed 150g mushrooms, wiped and sliced 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated 1 red chilli pepper, deseeded and chopped, plus extra sliced chilli to garnish 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste 400ml can coconut milk 150g frozen peas 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped Squeeze of lime juice Fresh oregano leaves, to garnish

Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the paneer and mushrooms and stir-fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the onion to the pan and fry very gently for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli and fry for a further 2-3 minutes then stir in the Thai paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil then reduce the heat and return the paneer and mushrooms to the pan along with the drained vegetables, peas and tomatoes. Stir well and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve garnished with sliced red chilli pepper and oregano leaves.

TIP

Paneer is an Indian vegetarian cheese which has a firm texture and goes particularly well with spices and garlic, chilli and ginger. You can use drained and cubed tofu instead, if preferred.

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

InPartyTentsCo. www.inpartytentsco.com 07770 058402 07917 457 820

Challock Challock Memorial Hall, Blind Lane.

1st & 3rd Friday of each month 1pm to 4pm Contact Pauline Hickson 01233 740979 The Barn Shop Traditional Market Challock - 2nd & 4th Saturday of month 10am – 2pm Contact 01233 740237 Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April)

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

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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

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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

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What’s On Fe b r u a r y 1 5 T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b A t T h e To w e r To B o o k C a l l : 0 1 3 0 3 2 7 7 1 7 5

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Thur February 5th 8 30pm ÂŁ12 The World Famous HUMPHREY LYTTELTON BAND Yes this is the official & original Humphrey Lyttelton Band. All having played in the band with Humph with the exception of the trumpeter - who is doing a marvellous job since the sad loss of Humph - But the band plays on, playing those great mainstream numbers of the past in their own identifiable style of the one & only Humph. We can say welcome back to Folkestone - as the last time that this band played in the area was in a marquee ! ! ! at The Opening of The Channel Tunnel. Tonight’s Line Up JIMMY HASTINGS Saxes ROBERT FOWLER Saxes RAY WORDSWORTH Trombone. MIKE (Magic)HENRY Trumpet TED BEAMENT Piano. JOHN REES-JONES Double Bass ADRIAN MACINTOSH Drums THIS IS ANOTHER JEWEL IN THE CROWN at The FJC Thur February 12th 8 30pm ÂŁ10 Multi Award Winning Jazz Vocalist ANITA WARELL makes a welcome return with her All Star Trio ROBIN ASPLAND JEREMY BROWN STEVE BROWN Piano Double Bass Drums Tues February 17th 8 30pm ÂŁ10 “ When Neale meets Steele “ ALLISON NEALE alto & flute & NAT STEELE vibes This is a well tried & tested outfit that have been playing their swinging style to audiences at all of the top London jazz clubs & now its the FJC. Plus Plus Another Amazing Top Quality Rhythm Section.

ROB BARRON piano JULIAN BURY double bass STEVE BROWN drums Thur February 26th 8 30pm ÂŁ12 THE BLUE NOTE PROJECT The vibrant music of The Blue Note Project recalls the 1960s Blue Note as immortalised by the ground braking musicians like Art Blakey. Joe Henderson.

Wayne Shorter. Freddie Hubberd & Horace Silver.

So this is a great example of Our Kind of Music -performed by a sextet of some of the UKs finest musicians.

KELVIN CHRISTIANE Saxes. NICK MILLS Trombone MARTIN SHAW trumpet . LEON GREENING piano JEREMY BROWN double bass. MATT HOME drums THIS IS “ THE JAZZ LOVERS FEAST “ The Folkestone Jazz Club is a non profit making jazz club. Run by & for people with a like minded interest in OUR KIND OF MUSIC Derick Woodland 01303 260330

Friday 6th February - Weald U3A – Come and be entertained by Bernard Locketts presentation ‘ The Musical Theatre of Gilbert and Sullivan’, at The Zion Baptist Church, High Street Tenterden, TN30 6BB at 2.30 p.m. “Gilbert &Sullivan – England’s cultural theatrical heritageâ€?, (ÂŁ3 entry).

The Weald U3A is for the dynamic over-50s, there is a wide choice of interest groups. These groups aim to provide leisure, creative and educational opportunities in friendly sociable surroundings.

Please see our website www.u3asites.org.uk/ weald or contact Roger Berman, 01233 850859, email: rogroger@tiscali.co.uk

Monday 9th February - Ashford Music Society presents THE THORNE TRIO, Ilid Jones (oboe), Esther Sheridan (clarinet), and Alexandra Callanan (bassoon). The Thorne Trio is an established wind group formed in 1999, comprising graduates of the Royal College of Music.The Trio has won a number of awards which included the AngloCzech Music Competition. As a result, they travelled to Prague where they gave a recital in the Martinu Hall at the Liechtenstein Palace. When they come to Ashford they will be performing a very varied and interesting programme of music for wind instruments. Venue: The Norton Knatchbull School, Hythe Road, Ashford, TN24 0QJ Time: 7.30 p.m. Tickets: ÂŁ12 (Adults) and ÂŁ3 (Students) Contact: Brenda McCormack on 01233 622971 or Hilary Pittock on 01233 623700.

Wednesday 18th February - The Weald of Kent Computer Club will meet in Biddenden New Village Hall at 7.30 pm. This evening there will be a talk on the production of Posters and Leaflets.

Annual membership is ÂŁ10.00. Non-members are welcome ÂŁ2 a visit, but their first visit is free. Full details: www.wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk/Enquiries: secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk Friday 20th February - The Woodchurch Film Society presents - What We Did on our Holiday 2014, 93 mins, Cert 12A This zany

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bittersweet comedy, from the writers of the TV series, Outnumbered, explores the meaning of life, and how to live and love. Frazzled parents, precocious kids and a 75-year old grandpa who wants to see his birthday in whilst all on holiday, together! Stars Rosamund Pike, David Tennant, Billy Connolly, Ben Miller, Annette Crosbie and Celia Imrie (again!). ‘sincerity and genuine charm. Pike and David Tennant are both unaffected and warmly watchable’ - Tim Robey, Daily Telegraph.Time: doors open 7pm for 7.30pm screening. Tickets: ÂŁ3 (members), ÂŁ4 (non-members). All available at the door Venue: The Memorial Hall, The Green, Woodchurch TN26 3PF Refreshments:hot & cold drinks plus home-made cakes for sale.

Wednesday 25th February February- The Biddenden Horticultural Society meets in the Village Hall (7:15pm for 7:30pm start). Alison Marsden will be giving a talk on “All Year Round Colour for your Gardenâ€?. You will also be able to discuss and ask questions during the talk whilst it is still fresh in your mind. Contact Irene on 01580291777 or Lesley on 01580291931. Members ÂŁ1.50, Non Members ÂŁ2.50. Annual membership ÂŁ5. New members always welcome.

Tenterden Spiritualst Centre reopened on 10th January at Highbury Hall. Highbury Lane.

6.30pm. Service & Clairvoyance.

Pilgrims Hospices Rainbow Ride and Stride Sunday 22nd March 2015- 10.30am This is an event for everyone; families, friends, children and dogs. We want to see everybody there in every colour of the rainbow; red and yellow and pink and green, purple and orange and blue!

For further details see www.pilgrimshospices.org ÂŁ5 in advance, ÂŁ7 on the day Contact: rosie.bell@pilgrimshospices.org Tel: 01227 812621

Savour

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Events at the Kings Head - Wye

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Wednesday 4th Feb – Accoustic night with Del and Sarah, 8pm – 10.30pm

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Saturday 7th Feb – Brocante and Vintage Fair – 9am – 1pm Wednesday 18th Feb – Jazz Night with Bill Jones Wednesday 25th Feb – Wye Food Night (using produce sourced in Wye & surrounding areas) – see website for details & booking Essential

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MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION Help a Child Discover the Joy of Reading Reading is essential in today’s world.

Unfortunately many children struggle to learn to read for all sorts of reasons – one in seven children in England left primary school last year behind in their reading and one in six adults in the UK has a reading level below that expected of an elevenyear-old.

Beanstalk is a national charity that gives oneto-one literacy support to children in primary schools in Kent who have fallen behind with their reading.

community. Why not make this your resolution this year?

No previous experience is required as full training and support will be provided throughout your time with us. Volunteers are needed in this area as well as right across Kent. To find out more, please call the Ashford office on 01233 637645 or the Maidstone office on 01622 662026 or email us at kent@beanstalkcharity.org.uk.

To see more information you can visit www. beanstalkcharity.org.uk ~ Thank You

Each Beanstalk reading helper works with three children for a year, spending half an hour individually, twice each week. The sessions are relaxed and fun – chatting, playing games to build confidence and reading together.

21

By becoming a reading helper, you’ll give a child the one-to-one attention they need to build their confidence and help them catch up with their reading. You’ll give them a chance to learn at their own pace and adapt your sessions to suit them.

Volunteering as a Beanstalk reading helper is extremely rewarding, makes a lasting difference to children’s lives and is a great way to give something back to your local

Recruiting

caring

people

We are looking for people who want to care for others and could open up their home. It’s a paid, flexible role with ongoing training and support. Talk to us today.

Tel: 03000 412400

health & beauty

Beauty Hot Hair Tips

by Helen Taylor For Your Body sShape Certain hairstyles definitely suit some body shapes more than others.

Image courtesy of Paul Mitchell

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Your hair can have a massive impact on the way you look and feel so find a flattering style to make the most of the good bits and disguise the elements of your face and body you don’t like.

For Your Face Shape Round faces suit styles that are layered and cut into, that frame the face without making it look rounder. Very thick one length hair won’t be flattering, so if your hair is long keep the length but lose some of the volume.

Long faces need a style that helps to shorten the appearance of the face. A textured chin length bob is a good option, so is adding a fringe to your current style.

If you carry more weight, then long or short sleek styles are best, because a straighter style works to thin and lengthen the face. Avoid any full styles that add bulk around your face.

If you are thinner than you’d like to be choose a style that will add volume to your face. You can achieve this by adding layers to your hair, blow-drying your locks to create lift and volume and choosing curly or tousled styles.

Problem Solvers We all have aspects of our face that we’re not so keen on, here’s how to hide them:

Square faces need to soften their angular features by choosing a style that’s layered and soft to frame their face. Avoid heavy fringes and bobs.

“I hate my big nose” Choose styles that are voluminous and lifted at the crown, this means that when you’re seen in profile your nose will appear smaller. A centre parting is a definite no-no for you, as it draws attention straight to the nose, so opt for a side parting instead.

Oval and Triangular faces are thought to suit any hairstyle, so enjoy trying out any and every style you fancy.

“My forehead is too big” Disguising a high forehead is easy, all you need is a fringe. Choose whatever kind you like; layered,

heavy or wispy.

“My ears are big and they stick out” Opt for a style that covers your ears and adds volume around that area, so that your ears are concealed. This can be achieved with both long and short styles.

“I have a weak/receding chin” Don’t go for very short styles, keep the length below your chin and choose layers to frame your face and jaw line.

Turn Back The Clock The right hairstyle - and colour - will instantly make you look younger: Many of us make the mistake of keeping our hair in the same style that we had when we were younger, but as we age our face changes and needs a style that will best flatter it as it is now.

That’s why it’s important to try out a new look every few years.

Shorter styles tend to be more flattering as we age, and the serve to ‘lift’ our facial features. Long hair looks fabulous when you’re 25, but not so good when you’re 55, because the lengthy tresses tend to drag your face down.

Solid, block colours just aren’t flattering as you age, so cover greys and soften and brighten your face with a multitude of lowlights and highlights. You’ll be amazed at the results.

health & beauty PODIATRY/CHIROPODY(HCPC Reg) F O OT C L I N I C 01233 613 477 07779 014544

Has Opened Another Foot Clinic

CHARING

Every Wednesday at Vision Hair & Beauty

A friendly family Practice.

Unit 2, Brenchley Mews, School Road, Charing TN27 0JW

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at Charing Surgery

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IPL hair removal.

All forms of general and cosmetic dentistry.

25 Station Road, Headcorn, Kent, TN27 0SP 10 week programme - 10 -11am weekly Thurs 5 March - Thurs 7 May Learn to relax for improved health and wellbeing, managing stress and a calm mind. Sessions run by Yvonne Fernando, NLP Master Practitioner & Life Coach, at Charing Surgery.

10 week programme £65 / Drop in £8 per class (subject to availability). Call 01233 878474 to book. www.yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk

VISION

01622 890512 (Roadside parking available outside the practice)

www.wealdendentalpractice.co.uk

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01233 714030

HAIR & BEAUTY Open Tuesday to Friday 9-30 to 5-30pm Saturday 9-00 to 5-00pm Late Night Appointments Available

Unit 2, Brenchley Mews, School Road, Charing TN27 0JW

www.visionhairkent.co.uk

VISION HAIR

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health & Lifestyle

If you’re gym-phobic, sign up here

by Kate McLelland

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Tempted by the discounted membership fee advertised in my local paper, I thought of signing up for my local gym.

However one look through those expensive, plate glass windows at the rows of fit, lycra-clad young people lifting, pushing and jogging made me think again. With my spreading waistline on display over the top of my 1990s jogging pants, I would feel more out of place than a penguin in the tropics.

The image of modern gyms as temples to the young and super-fit is hard to shake off : in fact surveys suggest that less than 20% of us are prepared to use a gym to stay in shape. So where can you go if, like me, you no longer match the description “young and super-fit” and have an intermittent back problem that gets worse with vigorous exercise?

If you want a really gentle form of exercise that aids mobility and balance, you might try Tai Chi. This discipline combines relaxation and deep breathing with slow, gentle continuous movements: improving muscle strength in the legs, helping your balance and reducing stress.

Many people are dissuaded from taking up Yoga by those images of practitioners with

limbs contorted into eyewatering positions – but the first principle of Yoga is to do as much, or as little, as your body feels capable of doing. However, the word ‘Yoga’ covers many different kinds of practice so do some research before signing up for a class. For example, Iyengar is about perfecting poses, holding them for a period of time while breathing deeply and checking your body’s alignment, while Ashtanga yoga can be vigorous and intense.

If you don’t want a class where you need to move around, Pilates might be the one for you. Pilates has many similarities to Yoga and focuses on rebalancing the body, improving posture and building both muscle strength and endurance through slow, controlled movements.

Nordic Walking is easy on your joints and works well for all ages and fitness levels. It is an enhancement of walking, where special poles are used to engage the upper body muscles as well as the legs. There are a range of classes available, from gentle walks for people with health issues to workout-style walks that help you lose weight and tone your whole body.

Finally, you may have heard

about Zumba. This is a dance exercise craze started

by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez in the 1990s that uses Latin rhythms as the inspiration for a fun fitness programme. You can join a class at any level, from a slower, beginners’ session to a full-on aerobic work out. Active older adults can take part in a Zumba Gold class, offering a lower intensity version of the normal Zumba routines.

Many of the exercise methods mentioned here can cater for people with health issues (but do see your doctor if you have concerns). A good instructor will want to know about any problems you have, so make sure to tell yours if you have any conditions that might affect your ability to undertake certain exercises. You can find out more at www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness.

If – like me – the sight of a gym leaves you sweating before the workout even begins, there’s no longer an excuse to stay at home. Forget the lycra: just get out there and get fit.

health & Lifestyle

Do you want help to actually keep your new year resolutions and finally reach your goals in 2015?

Caring All Together on Romney Marsh (CARM) is a registered charity providing support to older people. Their aim is to reduce social isolation and enhance the well-being of older people in our community. Services are delivered by a team of over 100 dedicated volunteers: Meeting Points are coffee mornings with a little extra – people meet for chats, drinks, games and outings. Our Memories Matter delivers reminiscence sessions to those in care settings and Befriending matches isolated clients with volunteer visitors for company and socialising. The staff team are building on these successes and launching a range of services to help even more isolated people.

Telephone Befriending links clients with volunteers for a weekly phone call. The purpose of the call is reduce the clients’ loneliness and provides them with an opportunity to talk about whatever they want without feeling uncomfortable and it is ideal for clients who don’t want someone in their home but are still lonely or require additional support.

Group Befriending is aimed at those who prefer a small social get-together rather than one to one. A volunteer facilitator drives members to one of the One Hour Full Wellness 20 Minute Telephone clients’ home on a monthly basis for socialisation.

Consultation Session. This is fantastic for those looking to establish those Consultation for only No obligation, no informal networks that are often lost with the loss pressure - just a friendly of mobility and onset of poor health. (normal price £97). informal chat to see Available for bookings made by 28.2.15 Family Connect is a project using computers to how I can help you. connect people with friends and family who they can no longer visit. Equipment and support is provided by a co-ordinator and new user-friendly technologies allow easy messaging and video calling with loved ones.

£48.50

Health, Nutrition and Weight Management Consultant

Emma Wiltshire, Development Co-ordinator of CARM said ‘We know through research, both locally and nationally, that there are a great deal of lonely people in our community. We hope our new services will help enhance people’s wellbeing through social contact’.

CARM are always looking for volunteers and are open to referrals for all of their services so if you, or someone you know wants to know more please contact their office. Call 01233 758122 or email office@carmromneymarsh.org.uk.

25

Transitions

by Ian Ludlow at LPA Services The current UK population is living longer than any generation that has gone before.

This phenomenon is causing us all to re-think our lives.

My name is Ian Ludlow and I was born in 1953 and my life expectancy at that time was 76 years; in 2015 it is now 83 and I haven’t done anything to deserve an extended period of life on this planet or prepare for this from a wealth or health viewpoint.

TRANSITIONS at LPA Services Brogdale Farm Office Brogdale Farm Brogdale Road Faversham Kent ME13 8XZ

01795 503 184

My pension payments will be reduced by the Assurance Company Actuaries to cover the longer life expectancy and the NHS do not have the resources to cover any long term health issues I might experience.

This all seems to have crept up on us over the last 15 years and I will admit I was not the first in the queue to make the necessary adjustments to cater for these changes… were you?

26 No matter what generation you belong to, it’s time to make life affecting transitions to help ourselves and our families.

I believe every family should have the means and resources available to them to look after individual members who need care and support in their later life and when it matters most.

So, what kind of transitions should we all consider to ensure family members have a life of dignity, respect and a sense of selfsufficiency both emotionally and financially?

I have spent many years investigating the key health and financial elements we can all address to prepare ourselves and our family for the transitions needed to cater for this new world of longer life.

My approach is holistic as well as practical; changing one element alone does not solve all the issues that are likely to be encountered.

This has meant activities such as becoming a Dementia Friend; arranging health and financial Powers of Attorney; safeguarding the family home by changing the way it is owned; assessing all safety aspects for

email: info@lpaservices.co.uk www.lpaservices.co.uk elderly family members who wish to stay in the family home… especially if they are on their own; and many more.

You may have put one of these elements in place already but without a full overview and assessment of all aspects you may be leaving yourself and your family vulnerable to external influences that can easily reduce the quality and standard of living you have spent so much of your life working towards.

In 2008 my wife and I started our business which is based in the historic town of Faversham and specialises in helping families to counter the issues caused by the fact that we are all living longer.

We have first hand experience of helping our own parents in various ways to take away the burden and worry they feel when trying to deal with legal, financial, health and technical issues.

To find out how we achieve this and for more information, please call Ian or Jo Ludlow on 01795 503 184 or email us at info@lpaservices.co.uk

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) Wills & Prepaid Funeral Plans

Pengelly & Rylands FAMILY SOLICITORS For friendly advice in 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

LPAs: Over 2 million people lack mental capacity.

The husband/wife CAN’T just take over and run things. They need to apply to the Court but it can take years and cost £’000s. All this could be avoided with an LPA. Act NOW - once you’ve lost capacity it’s too late.

Wills: Everyone needs a Will. The consequences of not having one can be serious. Including a Property Trust can help to protect your home. Done a Will already? Make sure it’s still accurate – laws change review it.

Prepaid Funeral Plans: funeral costs have risen massively but these plans “lock in” at today’s prices & will cover the cost whenever Guaranteed acceptance regardless of age or health. For those left behind they mean no difficult decisions to make at the worst possible time.

Contact us for a free no obligation quote

Maidstone Wills & Trusts Freephone 0800 612 7459 We come to you. Low Cost. Fully Insured. All work underwritten by our legal department.

www.maidstonewills.com Email: services@maidstonewills.com

NEED YOUR TAX RETURN DONE? Contact Peter / Andrea 01233 627000

Advertise Here £46 per month plus vat 10% Discount, FREE Design & a FREE Editorial on 6 month bookings Easy monthly payment options

Tel: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

27

Puzzle Time

WORDWHEEL

Sudoku

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

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!

TARGET Excellent: 60 or more words Good: 48 words Fair: 40 words

I R E

T O D

D T S

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Quick Crossword Across 7. Not occupied (6) 8. Musical dramas (6) 9. Vehicle for hire (4) 10. Opposite (8) 11. Not as dark (7) 13. Old coin (5) 15. Regularly (5) 17. Culinary herb (7) 20. Very cold (8) 21. Relax (4) 23. Large fight (6) 24. Hinder (6)

Down 1. Mother (4) 2. Disappear (6) 3. Piled up (7) 4. Connects (5) 5. Closer to (6) 6. Railway coach (8) 12. Casual (8) 14. Haggle (7)

1

2

3

4

7

6

8

9

11

5

10

12

13 14

15

16

17

18

19 20

23

16. Votes for (6) 18. Scratch (6)

21

24

19. Repairs (5) 22. Fizzy drink (4)

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the home

Plumbing & Heating Services PLUMBING Bathroom Suites Blocka Blockages & Burst Pipes Taps Ball Valves Hot & Cold Tanks ALL WORK GUARANTEED

HEATING

NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES

Installations Repairs Pumps & Radiators Specialist Power Flushing & De-scaling Service

Noel McAllen (Dial-a-Plumber)

OAP DISCOUNT

NO JOB TOO SMALL

01233 642233

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Oil Heating & Oil Cookers R-OAK Services M. Oakley & O.Stanley - Oil-fired Specialists Breakdowns & Servicing • Boiler Installation • Power Flushing AGA, Rayburn, Alpha, Stanley, Worcester, Tel: 01233 770138 www.ohoc.co.uk Grant, Boulter, Potterton, Trianco and more...

Please Mention The

village directory When Responding to Adverts

useful information Emergency Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden Crimestoppers

101 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

30

999

Charing Business Association www.charingkent.co.uk Volunteer Centre 01233 665 535 Age Concern 01233 668 765 www.ageconcern.org.uk 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

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

Doctors Surgery The Charing Surgery Headcorn Surgery Parish Councils: Biddenden: Charing: Egerton: Headcorn: Pluckley: Smarden: Ashford Borough Council www.ashford.gov.uk Ashford Gateway info:ashfordgateway.co.uk www.ashfordgateway.co.uk Citizens Advice Bureau CPRE Kent Veterinary Surgeons Barrow Hill Vets Pierson Stewart & Partners

Puzzle Solutions

01233 714 490 01622 890294 01580 890750 01233 713599 01622 853558 01622 892496 01622 890596 07752 395412 01233 331111

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 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

0845 8 247 247

01233 626185 01233 714540 01233 624687 01580 713381

Crossword

Wordwheel: DISTORTED

Sudoku

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.

Village Halls:

Biddenden Charing Charing Heath Egerton Headcorn Little Chart Pluckley Smarden Charter Hall

01580 291320 01233 713599 01233 713317 01233 756416 01622 890708 01233 840 590 or 01233 840 395 01622 890596 01233 771947

Eight Local Editions Delivered by Royal Mail to 55,000 Homes & Businesses Ashford: 20,000 homes in and around TN24 & TN23 Kennington, Willesborough, Park Farm, Kingsnorth & Great Chart

Charing Area: Charing, Pluckley, Biddenden, Smarden & Egerton.

• • • • •

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

Call: 01233 665107

E: laureng@tbelectrical.org.uk

FREE Quotations!

Derek Hales MASTER TILER Specialist in all Forms of Wall and Floor Tiling

Brabourne,Westwell, Hastingleigh, Boughton Lees, Eastwell.

Aldington Area: Aldington, Mersham, Bilsington, Bonnington, Brabourne Lees, Smeeth, Sellindge, Stanford & Stowting.

TN26 Area: Appledore, Hamstreet, High Halden, Bethersden, Hothfield, Shadoxhurst,Woodchurch, Warehorne.

Tenterden & Rye: Tenterden, St Michaels, Wittersham, Rye, Pladen.

The Marsh: Romney Marsh from

Clean, friendly and reliable For your free quotation call Derek

Wye Area: Wye, Brook, Bodsham,

Dymchurch to Dunguness.

07905 700 142 Mersham Based

Plumbing & Heating Services All plumbing work undertaken no job too smallӔ Burst pipes, Blockages, Taps, Pumps, Radiators & Drainage work. Bathroom & Shower Installation

Call: Michael on 01233 733779 or 07515 651 717 NO CALL OUT CHARGE. 24HR SERVICE

Please note this is a summary of the towns and villages covered, we reach EVERY home and business within each postcode area.

Call 01233 720488 or email info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

Reaching the homes others don’t reach!

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.

We can assist those who need help due to frailty, disability or illness to live as independently as possible, with comfort and dignity, in their own home.

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk

Domestic Care

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For a free assessment of your care needs or to receive your brochure Call us on 01580 762244

Town & Country Homecare Limited 102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT