Charing March 2018 by The Village Directory

The

Village Directory March Edition • Issue 104 • Royal Mail

Charing Area

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Welcome Hi everyone, welcome to the March edition, at long last bright, sunny days are beginning to creep up on us, and at the end of the month we return to British Summer Time and the promise of longer days. The clocks will go Forward an hour on Sunday the 25th. As is often the case at this time of year, we have had an influx of events promising to keep us entertained to the end of April. In addition we have upgraded the Events page on our website to make it more user friendly. The new version is far more flexible than previously, enabling the calendar and events to be viewed in different ways. We are now working toward providing access for readers to add their own events, but this will require a bit more work to ensure that each event is also captured for the magazines. Until then every event sent to events@ thevillagedirectory.co.uk will be added to the magazine as well as the website, this also means that not all is lost if an event organiser misses the print deadline for a magazine entry. Last month our ‘Kids Corner’ provider failed to provide the puzzle answers in time for our print deadline. I hoped this wouldn’t cause a problem but resolving the combination to the safe presented more of a challenge than expected, prompting a response from a few parents. We thought there was an error but Sam, the young lady in my office, proved within minutes that it could be resolved, so for anyone still curious, here is the answer: The safe number that needs entering is ‘16’. Reading down the numbers increase in column 1 by 9, in column two by 6 & in column three by 3. Until next time, have a great month and don’t forget Mother’s Day on Sunday the 11th

Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk April Issue Deadline 10th Mar 2018

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Get Your Soil into Shape by Pippa Greenwood

Plants and gardens need a lot of different things if they are to look their best, but one of the most fundamental needs of all is soil. And the better the soil, the better the plants will perform, and the bigger the flowers and the heavier the crops. So getting your soil into good condition and keeping it well looked after is key to great gardening. At this time of year there is still time to shape up your soil before the gardening season really begins in earnest. Frosty weather can be really useful. It may wreak havoc with some of your plants, but if you garden on a heavy clay soil it can save you a lot of work. If you roughly dig or fork over an empty bed or part of your vegetable plot, the large lumps of clay soil will be acted on by the frosts and will break down somewhat, making them more manageable in the process. Most soils can become badly compacted if you walk or stand on them when they are very wet – you literally squash the air spaces out, especially if the soil is clay or even slightly heavy loam. Try to avoid walking on the soil during or just after heavy rain, but if you really can’t

avoid doing so use a few boards or planks as walkways to spread the load and so reduce damage to any one area. Forking a soil, as opposed to digging it with a spade, is generally best on a heavy soil as it is less likely to cause compaction. But whether you fork or dig, the soil surface usually ends up pretty lumpy. So grab a fork and re-fork the soil again, whacking the larger lumps to break them up further. A final raking will help to produce even smaller lumps on the surface and so get closer to that ‘fine tilth’ often described in gardening books. Adding bulky organic matter such as leaf mould, well-rotted manure or garden compost will help to feed the soil in a natural way, and also to improve its texture so that it holds just the right amount of moisture for as long as possible. There is still time to fork this in now, to improve the soil in time for this year’s new plantings and vegetables. You can create a great, free source of organic matter for your soil yourself and you’ll save a lot of time and money as well as being very ‘green’! Make a compost heap

or bin, and don’t let the autumn leaves go to waste – instead turn them into leaf mould, a wonderful soil conditioner to improve the soil’s texture. Incorporating some horticultural grade grit or gravel will also help to improve the texture and performance of a heavy clay soil. It is important that you avoid builders’ gravel or grit, as this often contains salts or other materials which can seriously damage, or even kill, garden plants. If your soil contains excessive quantities of small stones, or perhaps larger lumps of flint, you really should try to get to grips with it before you start to create the garden. Doing this before planting is SO much easier than attempting it once the flowers or vegetables are in place! Some stones are good, but even a lightly stony soil can make growing decent crops of root vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, virtually impossible – they may taste delicious but they’ll often be forked or otherwise deformed. If clearing the soil sufficiently really is not practicable, then you’re probably best off investing in some raised beds so that you

The Garden can fill them full of a stone-free soil.

Green manures are a great way to feed your soil and improve its condition at the same time. They will also help to suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion in a windswept spot. They work especially well on parts of the garden where you do not have plants growing year round – as when you use a green manure, you sow seed, allow the plants to grow and then incorporate them into the soil, where they rot down and release all sorts of useful materials. Check out what is available by looking in the seed catalogues and get sowing later this year – there are

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lots to choose from, including red clover, mustard, field beans, phaecelia and field lupins. Yes, there’s potentially a fair bit of work involved, but you don’t have to do everything suggested and anything you do will make a huge difference! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in the spring accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus Nemaslug, bio-controls, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!

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Manure can seriously transform a soil, adding both texture and food for the plants to grow healthily. Make sure that you bring in good quality manure, with as few additives as possible – not too many wood shavings for instance, as these can form a high percentage of stable manure and make it far less useful. If possible, view the manure in situ; the last thing you want to do is bring in manure which is riddled with weeds, especially the really troublesome ones like nettles, docks and couch grass. In recent years there have been problems with manure contaminated by the weedkiller used to control weeds in pastureland, which can devastate plants, often killing them. Try to source manure

from someone local who you know, and can trust to tell you what chemicals have been used. Manure needs to be well-rotted before being used in the garden – ideally it should have sat in a heap for about two years.

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What Should You Feed Your New Puppy? Puppies require a special diet with extra calories and nutrients to help them develop strong muscles and bones. It’s easy to overfeed them when they’re young, as their stomachs are very small, so regular feeding throughout the day is better than giving them one or two larger meals. But what types of food should you offer your puppy, and how do you know how much to feed them?

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Complete dry foods Dry food can provide complete nourishment for your puppy, but you should buy the best you can afford. Although ‘premium’ brands are more expensive, you don’t need to use as much per meal as with the cheaper brands, due to their enhanced nutritional content. If your puppy doesn’t like dry food because it’s too hard, you can soak the biscuits in warm water for a few minutes to make them easier to chew. Wet foods Tinned or pouched puppy foods are available in a wide range of flavours, but it’s advisable to choose one that your pet can easily digest, such as chicken and rice. As with the dry food, you can also buy ‘complete’ wet

foods for your puppy, which are nutritionally balanced and highly beneficial for their development. Whether you feed your puppy wet food, dry biscuits, or a combination of the two, portion size is extremely important whilst they’re developing. Always check the instructions on the packet or tin, or ask your vet for guidance – they’ll also be able to keep a regular check on your puppy’s growth. www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dogor-puppy/general-advice-about-caring-foryour-new-puppy-or-dog/feeding-your-puppyor-dog/

By Ann Haldon

Brand New Book Stop Makes First Appearance Whether you enjoy mind boggling mysteries, swashbuckling adventures or futuristic sci-fi, there’s nothing like getting stuck into a good book. That’s why Ashford Borough Council’s Town Centre Action Team (T-CAT) have installed its 6th book stop in the borough. The book stop is located at the bottom of Singleton Hill outside the Singleton Oast play area and has already proved to be popular with residents. Residents are encouraged to pick up a book, completely free of charge. T-CAT are encouraging people to continue in the community spirit by replacing the book they take with one they have already read in order to keep the book stop fully stocked for the entire community to enjoy. Anyone passing by is welcome to borrow a book; this could be children on their way to the play area or residents out for a walk. The beauty of the book stop is that you’ll never be sure what type of book you’ll find maybe you’ll find an autobiography, a supernatural thriller or even a comic book! This

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book stop is made entirely from recycled, scrap and donated wood, the only thing that is new is the Perspex window in the door! The design was inspired by the Singleton manor house located behind the Singleton Barn. T-CAT supervisor, Tom O’Hanlon said: “We are hoping this initiative will really promote the idea of reusing and recycling things that would usually get thrown away or forgotten about. The book stops have proven to be incredibly popular within the community and since the first book stop was installed in 2015 we have created 5 more due to demand. “We hope that the book stop helps create a sense of community and encourages the sharing of not just books but conversations in Ashford. Hopefully the growing number of book stops will encourage adults and children alike to read in their spare time.” T-CAT is fully funded by the council, and help keep the borough looking clean and tidy alongside our own in- house team Aspire Landscape Management and, our contractor Biffa who deliver our services for street cleansing and refuse & recycling collections.

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Home & Interiors Spring Clean with Style

By Katherine Sorrell

Sweep, brush, wash and scrub. When spring sunlight shows up the corners of your home that need attention, it’s time to pop on your pinny and get to work. And cleaning is so much more enjoyable when the tools you use are both efficient and good-looking. Get your cleaning kit in order: drawers, shelves and hooks will all help. Collection of laundry and utility items, all Garden Trading.

Tips for efficient cleaning • For a proper fresh start, begin by tidying all the mess that has built up over the last year. Sort it out into piles of rubbish, things to give away, stuff that needs mending and everything else that needs to find a rightful home. Ta da! You have created much more space in your home and plenty of room to get cleaning. • Be prepared. Work out what jobs you are going to tackle, wear appropriate clothing and gather together all the necessary tools and products. A spacious caddy will come in very handy. • Divide tasks into five key areas: vacuuming, dusting, mopping/ scrubbing, washing and wiping, and polishing. Don’t forget specific jobs such as turning mattresses, spot-cleaning upholstery, cleaning the oven, defrosting the fridge, descaling the shower head and beating rugs. You may also get super-organised and add in those less frequent tasks such as steamcleaning the carpets or having the chimney swept. • Your basic principles of cleaning should be to work from top to bottom and tackle dry chores before wet ones. Decide whether to do one room at a time or one task at a time throughout the whole house. Put some music on and enjoy the process – your home will be gleaming before you know it.

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Local Restauranteur Warms Up Ashford Winter Shelter As part of his wish to support all sections of Ashford communities during his time of office, the Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Winston Michael, fulfilled a desire to meet and speak with the homeless of Ashford this week. He visited the Ashford Winter Shelter at the Christian Fellowship centre in Bank Street on the evening of 6th February 2018. The Mayor helped serve a special meal donated by local restauranteur, Ash Miah, owner of Cinnamon Spice Restaurant in Eureka Place, Ashford, who is equally as keen to support this well-deserved resource.

Churches Together and each day of the week a local church hosts the homeless for the night, giving them a place to get warm, have a good night’s sleep, eat a nutritious meal and provide support.

The Shelter Coordinator, Kareen McDonald explained, “It is a brilliant opportunity to look after the homeless in our community. Through an incredible number of volunteers and help from local businesses the Winter The Winter Night Shelter, coordinated by Kareen Shelter provides the vital support McDonald, returned to Ashford in December 2017 through the coldest part of the year and will continue until March 2018. It is run by Ashford and beyond.” Marcus South, Deputy Coordinator added, “Our vision is to raise the funds for a full time centre which will deliver a range of services to provide hope and support to individuals and families experiencing deprivation and hardship, through Christian care and compassion.” Cllr Winston Michael, the Mayor of Ashford expressed his praise for the work being undertaken by the team and the volunteers and also for the exceptional support from the local community. “From my experience this evening, I wish to commend Kareen, Marcus and all those involved in helping turn lives around at the shelter by providing a range of welfare and accommodation and actively helping build relationships through acceptance and respect. “I will be supporting the proposal for a full time service-lead centre for the Ashford area and assisting in any way possible to make this dream a reality.” Ash Miah, owner of Cinnamon Spice with the Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Winston Michael

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Is Your Friend A Short-Trip Show-Off? by Kate McLelland

“Keeping up with the Joneses” used to mean upgrading your car to the same expensive model as your neighbour’s, or installing a fancy garden water feature to match their solarpowered crystal rock cascade with LED lights. Have you noticed the change? In these days of social media sharing the focus is less on what you have, and more about what you do. So instead of trying to compete with each other by buying bigger and better things, our friends and neighbours are now booking exclusive holidays and short breaks abroad so they can boast about them on Facebook. The short break has become the latest way to demonstrate to your social media connections that you have a richer, more varied and exciting lifestyle than they do. “Off to Rome for the weekend!” chirped one Facebook friend of mine recently, seemingly oblivious to the fact that some of the others in our circle would be hard pushed to afford a weekend in Bridlington. You can boast about your

annual holiday, but once you’ve shared your experience on social media, you’ll have to wait another twelve months before you can do it again. My friend has discovered that by taking frequent short breaks she can command her friends’ attention all year round. I had to mentally prepare myself for the stream of photos that inevitably appeared as she hit the Eternal City, posing by the Trevi Fountain and sipping a macchiato in an elegant pavement café a stone’s throw from the Coliseum. Naturally, during her five-night stay in Rome, she went on a trufflehunting expedition to Umbria and tasted wines in an exclusive countryside vineyard, providing us with a running commentary along the way. Returning to Britain, she posted a photo of herself sitting on her suitcase outside Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci airport, apparently “exhausted”. But the plane engine had barely cooled after her flight back to Gatwick when she posted a link to a Scandinavian mini-cruise that she and her husband had just

booked. Tackle short break envy with technology Over the past few years, interest in short breaks has grown, particularly for trips that offer the chance to try a new activity, such as learning to paint, llama trekking, bread-making with a celebrity chef or mindfulness in a monastery. If you’re comfortably off, these short trips are a great way to enjoy your leisure time, but if you’re on a limited budget it may feel as though the only choice is to sit at home, staring at your screen in envy. So what’s the answer, if you’re longing for a short break experience but simply can’t afford an expensive trip abroad? There are plenty of short break options available in the UK that won’t break the bank, and the internet-savvy can reap rewards by visiting price comparison sites and installing some useful apps. The hotel price comparison site Trivago (trivago. co.uk) lists excellent deals on hotels, with some rooms offered at less than £30 per person per night. Look for out-of-season

offers or opt for a bed-only option (without breakfast) that leaves you free to start your day with a less costly coffee and snack somewhere in town. Before you start out on your trip, create a list of things to see and do while you’re away: entering an online search for “free things to do in…” will give you an idea of what’s available in your chosen location at no cost. Thrifty travellers can avoid paying out for expensive guided walks and tours by downloading Trip Advisor’s city apps (tripadvisor.co.uk). Each free app contains self-guided city tours together with masses of information about restaurants and tourist attractions, plus a function that lets you search for places and activities within a particular budget range. Vouchercloud (vouchercloud.

com) is another handy app which helps you save money in restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as offering discounts on cinema visits, days out and activities in leisure and entertainment venues across the UK. Finally, you can save even more money by booking your rail tickets in advance (and don’t forget that if you are 60 or over, a Senior Railcard costing just £30 will allow you to claim 1/3 off rail fares for a whole year). As a Senior Railcard holder you’ll also be eligible for discounts on days out, theatre trips and holiday cottages.

As for my globe-trotting acquaintance, I haven’t heard from her lately, but I suspect she’s out there somewhere right now, painting landscapes in Provence or jumping on a reindeer sleigh in Finland. I don’t know exactly where she is because – sick of her constant boasting – I finally decided to unfriend her on Facebook.

So if you’re tired of the kind of short-break one-upmanship described above, try some of the pennywise tips here and you’ll soon be out enjoying your own unique short break experiences.

March Medley This month’s collection of recent releases includes modern fairy tales, a psychological thriller and historical fiction at its finest.

The Toymakers – Robert Dinsdale It’s 1917 and pregnant teenager Cathy Wray seeks sanctuary at a London toy store. She soon discovers that these toys are unlike any she’s ever seen before. There’s a clockwork dog that’s devoted to his master, paper trees that grow from seed, and toy soldiers that wage battles on their own. Cathy learns to call The Emporium home, and the people who own it her family. But then the First World War breaks out, and nothing will ever be quite as magical again. The Toymakers is a must for fans of Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus.

Happiness For Humans – P.Z. Reizen Romantic comedy meets sci-fi in this enjoyable novel. Aiden’s creators know that he’s an intelligent piece of software, which can read books in under a millisecond, review films and tell jokes. What they don’t know is that Aiden has developed feelings, or that his favourite person is Jen, who helps develop Aiden’s conversational skills. Aiden decides Jen would be happier in a relationship, so sets her up on a date. But Aiden isn’t the only intelligent AI on the loose, and not all of them have such good intentions.

The Sacrifice Box – Martin Stewart Five friends make a pact one summer’s day, when they find an old stone box in the woods. Several years later, one of them breaks the rules and dark forces are unleashed, including a killer teddy bear, zombie crows and a demonic puppet. The five must put aside their differences and come together to appease the box before it’s too late. Aimed at teens and young adults, The Sacrifice Box is a winning blend of coming of age drama and supernatural horror.

White Chrysanthemum – Mary Lynn Bracht Approximately 200,000 young Korean women and girls were enslaved by the Japanese army in the Second World War. Thousands of these ‘comfort women’ died from the abuse they experienced. White Chrysanthemum tells the fictional story of 15 year old Hana, who is kidnapped after stepping in to rescue her little sister, Emi. Several decades later, we meet Emi in her desperate last attempt to find out what happened to Hana all those years ago. While White Chrysanthemum is, at times, painful to read, it’s

impossible to put down and a must-read for lovers of historical fiction. The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night – Jen Campbell This collection of modern fairy tales is dark, twisted and beautiful, and range from the macabre to the heart-warming. You’ll read about a mermaid in an aquarium, a boy who suspects his sister has two souls, and a man who uses animal hearts to keep his girlfriend’s love. There are elements of well-known myths and fairy stories, but this collection is more Brothers Grimm than Disney. Captivating. Everything Is Lies – Helen Callaghan Sophia arrives home one day to find her mother dead and her father lying in a pool of blood. The police are convinced it’s a clear case of attempted murdersuicide, and Sophia is the only one who can prove her mother’s innocence. As she delves into her mother’s past, she uncovers tales of a secret cult, and learns more about her family, and herself, than she could ever have imagined. A tense psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns.

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L i v e Ja z z 2018

T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b At T h e To we r To B o o k C a l l : 0 1 3 0 3 2 7 7 1 7 5 All gigs start at 8pm ~ All gigs £12 admission Seat Bookings: 01303 277175 Email: twinklewood@btinternet.com Website: www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk March 1st Brandon Allen Quartet play the

music of Gene Ammons

March 8th Alan Barnes Sextet play Duke Ellington & Johnny Hodges March 13th Craig Milverton Quartet play Oscar Peterson March 22nd From New York City -Marlene verPlanck & her trio March 29th Derek Nash Accoustic Quartet April 5th

Mornington Lockett Quartet

April 12th Gordon Campbell / Chris Dean

Quintet

April 19th From The Award Winning Back to Basie Orchestra, Paul Lacey’s Basie Express April 24th Direct from Ronnie Scotts

Alex & Willie Garnett Quintet

T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b i s a n o n p r o f i t m a k i n g j a z z c l u b. R u n b y & fo r p e o p l e w i t h a l i k e m i n d e d i n t e re s t i n OUR KIND OF MUSIC D e r i c k Wo o d l a n d 0 1 3 0 3 2 6 0 3 3 0

Ma r c h

3rd The Foundry Group presents ‘The Ministry of Biscuits’. A satirical musical comedy inspired by Orwell’s 1984 and the Ealing Comedies. A hit at the Edinburgh Fringe 2017. Tickets £10 each from Appledore Village Stores. Licensed bar. 5th Woodchurch Local History Society meets on the first Monday of the month at the Memorial Hall, Woodchurch, 7:30pm. Our March talk is by Alex Ferris and is titled ‘Plague Doctor of the Weald’. Our April 2nd talk is by Barbara Turner and called ‘Taking Stock - the Hawkhurst Connection’ - this presentation will unveil how the Gunther family helped to change our cuisine in the 20th century. New members are very welcome (subscription £10 annually) and visitors pay £2 at the door. For information, ring Geoff on 01233 860393. 9th Woodchurch Film Society will be showing ‘The Moutain Between Us’. Time: doors open 7pm for 7.30pm screening. Tickets: £4 (members), £5 (non-members). All available at the door. Venue: The Memorial Hall, The Green, Woodchurch TN26 3PF. Refreshments: hot & cold drinks plus our usual delicious home-made cakes for sale during the interval 10th Aldington Coffee Morning/ table Top Sale at Aldington Village Hall 10.00am to 1.00pm. £5 per table, to book please call 01233 720652. 10th Spiritualist Meetings held every Saturday evening at Highbury Hall, Highbury Lane, Tenterden, TN30 6LE. Doors open at 6pm ready for 6.30pm start. Refreshments afterwards. 10th - Paul Broadway. CS. 17th - Jill Larking, photo readings, please bring a photo of a loved one. £5. 24th - Vicky Diprose. £4. EC. 31st - Pauline Mason. A very good Medium. CS. All are welcomed, PS - We also have a page on Facebook, Tenterden Spiritualist Centre. 12th Smeeth W.I. are looking forward to their March meeting, an ‘Easy Chocolate Liquers Workshop’ when Margaret Palmer will demonstrate and instruct. This will be at Brabourne and Smeeth Village Hall at 7.30pm. Lady visitors are most welcome to join us and for further information please contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165 or Margaret Garret 01303 813932. 17th The first event of the High Halden Horticultural Society ‘s year is a quiz night in the Memorial Hall at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Entry is £3, there will be a great raffle, bring your own refreshments. Contact 850579 to reserve a table 18th Woodchurch Scouts Quiz 7.30pm - at The Bonny Cravat, Front Road, Woodchurch, TN26 3QQ. Teams of 2-6 people, £2.50 per head. Grab some friends and just turn up on the night. Or come along

and we’ll aim to put you with a team. Monthly raffle (prize donations always welcome) 20th Ashford Flower Club is hosting a floral art demonstration by Robin White, entitled ‘The Link is Green’ It will take place at Furley Hall, Maidstone Road, Ashford TN24 8TX, starting at 7.30pm. All demonstrated arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening. You could be one of the winners, so come along and meet us. Visitors £4.00 at the door. 21st The Weald of Kent Computer Club will meet in Biddenden New Village Hall at 7.30 pm. This evening the subject will be “ Displaying a smartphone screen on your T.V. Synchronising data between internet connected devices” Annual membership is £10.00. Non-members are welcome at £2 a visit. Full details: http://www. wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk/. Enquiries: secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk 23rd Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society will meet 7.15 for 7.30pm in the village hall when we will be holding our Annual Spring Show followed by a light hearted quiz. Entries for the Show to be submitted by 20th March and staging takes place from 6.30 until 7.20 pm. For further enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813 451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com. Visitors will always be made welcome.

What’s On The Friends of St Margaret’s Church Bethersden Registered charity no. 296611

A CONCERT OF CHORAL AND ORGAN MUSIC BY

SATURDAY 7th APRIL 2018 at 7.30 pm in St Margaret’s Church, Bethersden.

ADMISSION BY TICKET ONLY: £15.00 Cheques payable to The Friends of St. Margaret’s Church with an SAE to the Secretary, 47 Orchard Field, Bethersden, TN26 3AW. Telephone: 01233 820989/820616 Email: marian.draper44@gmail.com Wine will be on sale before the concert and in the interval.

24th Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society will be holding their Spring Show in the village hall. The show will include floral arrangements, cookery and crafts as well as cut and container grown flowers. The Show will be open from 1.00pm until the prize giving at 3.30 and tea will be served. Visitors will be most welcome. For further details contact Jean Evans 01233 720618. 28th The Biddenden Horticultural Society meets in the New Village Hall. We are delighted to have a return visit from Jacqueline Aviolet. Her topic this time will be “Hardy Geraniums – History and Propagation”. If you would like our events calendar for 2018 contact Irene Orsborne on 01580 291777 or Lesley Lidgett on 01580 291931 or visit the website www.biddendenhorticulturalsociety. co.uk. Our usual fees for Village Hall meetings are Members £2, Non Members £3. Annual membership £5. New members always welcome 30th Lydd Airport Art Exhibition. Easter Weekend 12.00 - 5.00 Sat & Sun, 31st March & 1st April 10.00 5.00, 2nd April 10.00 - 4.00. Free admission and car parking. Refreshments available in restaurant. Local Artists supporting the Air Ambulance. Further info Anita Warden 01797 367734

Ap r i l

7th High Halden Horticultural Society holds itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Show in the Memorial Hall. Staging is from 9.30am to 11.30 am and the show opens to the public at 2.30pm with prizes presented at 3.15pm. This is a fun village event. Please support us. 7th Little Chart Spring Flower show will be held in the Parish Hall at 3pm. Entries welcome. Schedules available from Julie Lllwall at julielilwall@ hotmail.uk. For setting up times see schedule. Come along and enjoy the show even if you do not wish to make entries. 14th The next musical event at St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smeeth will be our Spring event. All are warmly invited to come and join in well known, and lesser known, forgotten and new hymns. We look forward to seeing you if you can join us. 25th Woodchurch Art Society will be holding their Annual Art Exhibtion at the Woodchurch Memorial Hall. 25th May - 7-9pm, 26th & 27th May - 10am - 4pm. Over 200 paintings on display, raffle, tombola, Watercolour challenge, cards and paintings for sale. Delicious home made cakes and refreshments. Everyone welcome - FREE ENTRY.

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Cake and Bake Banana and Walnut Loaf If you have overripe bananas in the fruit bowl then don’t bin them – just whizz up this delicious moist loaf cake instead. It will keep for up to 5 days wrapped in greaseproof paper or foil and stored in an airtight tin.

Ingredients: • 175g unsalted butter, softened • 175g light soft brown sugar • 225g self-raising flour • 2 tsp ground mixed spice • ½ tsp baking powder • 3 medium eggs • 75g walnut halves, roughly chopped • 2 large ripe bananas, peeled and mashed with 2 tsp lemon juice • Icing sugar, to dust

Makes 10 Slices

Ready in 1 hour 45 minutes, plus cooling time

Preheat the oven to 170C, Fan 150C, Gas 3. Grease and line the base and the two long sides of a 900g loaf tin with baking paper.

Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk until thoroughly combined - this will take about 4-5 minutes. Fold in the walnuts and mashed bananas.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hour - 1 hour 15 minutes until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a cooling rack and cool completely. Dust thickly with icing sugar.

TIP Add a creamy soft frosting instead of the dusting

of icing sugar, if liked. Simply beat 100g full-fat soft cheese with 100g very soft unsalted butter until smooth, then beat in 100g sifted icing sugar.

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Cajun Meatballs

with Herb & Tomato Couscous

Serves 4

Ready in 45 minutes

Mince always makes a great speedy supper – here lean pork mince is spiced up with Cajun seasoning and rolled into meatballs.

FOR THE MEATBALLS • 450g lean minced pork • ½ red onion, peeled and finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 25g fresh white breadcrumbs • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (see TIP) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 tbsp freshly chopped coriander • 1 tbsp sunflower oil FOR THE COUSCOUS

• 225g couscous • ½ red onion, finely chopped • 8 sun-blush tomatoes, drained and chopped

• 3 tbsp freshly chopped coriander

• 2 tbsp olive oil 24

To make the meatballs, place the pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning and coriander in a food processor. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and process for a few seconds until thoroughly mixed. Alternatively, mix well with clean hands. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the meatballs for 10-15 minutes until browned and cooked through. Shake the pan frequently to turn the meatballs. Meanwhile, place the couscous in a large bowl and pour over enough boiling water to just cover the grains. Leave to soak for about 10 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed. Separate the grains by stirring with a fork. Add the onion, tomatoes, coriander and olive oil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide the hot couscous between four serving bowls. Thread the cooked meatballs onto metal skewers and serve on top of the couscous. Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of spices, chilli powder and herbs such as thyme and TIP oregano. You’ll find it on the spice racks in the supermarket.

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Ashford Farmer’s Market First Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm in the lower High Street. Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April) Rye Market Every Thursday at the Cattle Market Car Park. Early till around 3pm (depending on the weather)

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Clubs & Societies

Bethersden Art Group Are you looking for a new hobby? Would you like to develop your artistic skills, or try a different medium? Then why not come along and join a cheerful and friendly group who enjoy the art challenges set by a visiting tutor. We meet on Thursday evenings in Bethersden Village Hall, 7.30-9.30pm, for ten weeks each term. For further info contact Sue - 01233 820585. Egerton Decorative & Fine Arts Society aims to inform, educate and entertain people with enquiring minds about all manner of topics around the arts. It does so principally through its programme of meetings where world class speakers give illustrated lectures about art, architecture, theatre, sculpture and literature. Special interest days, visits and tours are also arranged. Full information is on www.egertondfas. org.uk. Why not come along and find out what we have to offer? We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Egerton Millenium Hall at 2.30pm and we look forward to welcoming you Considered Yoga for 2018 but thought you are not flexible enough? Good news! You are exactly who our classes are aimed at! Every Tuesday 6.308pm at Charter Hall, Smarden, Yoga & Relaxation Classes. Seated options are given for all poses, we use blocks & straps to ensure all poses are adapted to your own ability! Physically, we work on strength & flexibility. Mentally, we will work on stress & anxiety reduction using breathing techniques & meditation. £10 drop in or 6 weeks blocks at £8 per class. Feel free to come along or contact 07933 030071 The Gardening Group At Charing Surgery. Get fresh air, exercise, meet other people, have fun and enjoy being part of the community. Open to all patients, age 16+. Green Fingers not essential. Tuesdays 9am-12pm. Call Joanne Munro on 01233 713582. Biddenden Junior Football Club - Always looking for new players 7 -18, for fun and enjoyable football. Contact Steve on 07958 447948. 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 Biddenden Horticultural Society Annual membership £5. New members welcome. Contact Irene Orsborne on 01580 291777 or Lesley Lidgett on 01580 291931. W: www. biddendenhorticulturalsociety.co.uk Egerton Over 60’s For friendship, fun & food, join the Egerton over 60’s Club, you will be most

welcome. We meet in the Millennium Hall at 2pm on the 2nd Monday of each month. We have interesting speakers, the minimum business, and one of the best afternoon teas of any senior’s Club!! In 2018 outings include; Winter Warmer Lunch, fish & chips lunch in Di Paolo’s in Bexhill, cream tea on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, Mystery Tour and Xmas lunch. Stimulating speakers include Geoff Hutchinson on Grey Owl, Helen Allinson on Edwardian Life through postcards, Paul Holt on The making of Samphire Hoe, Melanie GibsonBarton on Wandering in Flanders Fields and more. Meetings are open to non-members, just come along. Membership annual fee is £5 and £2 per meeting. Phone Gerry on 01233 712 282 or Jenny on 01233 756 452. 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. Kennington Badminton Club, play at the Norton Knatchbull School on a Wed evening from 7.30 p.m.-10.00 p.m. Contact Mark Feeney on 01233 663030 or Shirley Mountford on 01233 610134. Little Chart Bridge Club Friendly duplicate bridge every Tuesday afternoon at Little Chart Village Hall. For more information please contact Carmen Gunther on 01233 840 395. Smarden Heritage Centre Smarden Charter Hall, Smarden. Open every Friday morning from 9.30 – 11.30. visit: www.smardenheritagecentre. synthasite.com 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. The Roots Project Conservation Volunteers What we do: Regular practical conservation tasks and woodland craft workshops based in Longbeech Wood, Charing. Contact: Carrie Eeles (Activities Officer) Tel: 07920404546 Email: info@therootsproject.co.uk www. therootsprojectconservationvolunteers.org.uk Weald of Kent Computer Club meets in the New Biddenden Village Hall. Annual membership costs £10 and covers free admission to all 10 meetings. Non members are £2 per visit.New members welcome. Enquiries to, secretarywkcc@yahoo. co.uk. Visit: www.wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk East Kent Morris Men and Women: Do you like

dancing, drinking, socialising, music, having fun? We are recruiting now for new members. This is a mixed side of women and men dancing together. Weekly Wednesday practices at Mountbatten Hall, Mersham from 8pm to 10pm; afterwards we practise drinking in the pub opposite, the Farrier’s Arms! We dance Cotswold style Morris; this is the handkerchief waving and stick clashing variety. No experience required. Why not give it a try? Find us on Facebook or call John on 01233 625 362 Weald U3A is a society for the dynamic over 50s with a thirst for knowledge, social activities and new experiences. We have a large number of interest groups including Bridge, Films, Italian, jazz, Stargazers, Lunches and Theatre Visits. Please see our website www.u3asites.org.uk/weald or contact Richard Sargent, tel: 01580764239, email: r.sargent@btinternet.com Tai Chi for Health & Harmony, Smarden Charter Hall, welcomes newcomers, all ages & fitness levels. Fridays 10.30-11.45am. 1st class just £5 to try. Relaxing, friendly group. Info 01233 770423 Tenterden Camera Club - A chance for members and guests to meet socially and discuss photography, exchange ideas, tips and problems. We have an informal “Snap Chat” meeting at 7.30pm in the

Clubs & Societies

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William Caxton on Tenterden High St on the first Monday of each month to discuss photographic issues. There is no charge and all are welcome just buy yourself a drink. We also meet fortnightly (2nd Thurs & 4th Wed) in the upstairs meeting room at the Zion Baptist Church Tenterden. Every month we have a project or theme for members to capture, complimented by the occasional local outings. Most months we have a speaker & at the end of the month (4th Wed) we have a social club evening. New members and guests welcome. Full details on our website: www.TenterdenCameraClub.co.uk

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Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

Moving House with Children by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk

The thought of leaving friends and going to a new school, coupled with the anxiety of the unknown, can make moving house very unsettling for children. Kate Duggan recently moved house with ten days’ notice. (She wouldn’t recommend it.) Here are some of her top tips for helping children to cope with a big move. Involving your child If possible, take your child to see the new house before the move, and explore the area together. Involve them in small decisions: “Where do you think this should go?” “What colour shall we paint your room?” You could also let your child choose some wall decals for their bedroom and a new duvet cover or rug. That being said, they will want familiar items around them. The day before you move, help them to pack a suitcase with everything they’ll need for the next couple of days, including a favourite teddy, a book, a game and so on.

Don’t stress about decluttering While you may be desperate to declutter ahead of the move, your child may not cope with the extra pressure of giving up toys and clothes, even those that have been languishing in a cupboard for months. Don’t force them into getting rid of things if they don’t want to. You could suggest packing items that they’re not sure about into a box for the loft, with the agreement that you’ll both open it and sort through everything a few months after the move.

Talk to your child Explain why you’re moving house, whether it’s due to needing to pay less rent or because you’ve found a better area to live in. Talk about how your child is feeling about the move. What are they worried about, and what can you do to alleviate those worries? So, for example, if they’re worried about a new school, could you ask their teacher to help you arrange a playdate before your child starts at the school? If they’re upset about leaving friends, can you arrange meetups or Skype calls?

Making family time When your to-do list is three feet long, it’s really difficult to carve out any quality time to spend with your family, but do try. Leaving the boxes for 20 minutes so you can play a board game can help to avoid a potential meltdown later on. All of you will benefit from getting away from the house for a couple of hours now and then, ideally for some fresh air and time to focus on each other.

Make time for yourself Moving is stressful. And when you’re stressed, it’s very easy to lose your temper with the kids when they’re being particularly whingy or difficult. So try to take some time out to recharge your own batteries. You might find relaxation techniques useful, or just kicking back with a glass of wine and a film now and then may help.

Beauty Gorgeous Gifts and Tempting Treats by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, or just fancy treating yourself, we have plenty of goodies to tempt you this month. Jo Malone has released a collection of five limitededition fragrances, called English Fields. Unusually, several of the scents are based around cereals and grains, such as wheat, barley and oats, giving them a warm, fresh aroma. Choose from Poppy & Barley, Primrose & Rye, Oat & Cornflower, Honey & Crocus or Green Wheat & Meadowsweet. Each 30ml cologne is priced at £47 and is available from www.jomalone.co.uk. The NHS’s My

Trusty skincare range is now available to buy from supermarkets and pharmacists. The range is based around skin-loving sunflower oil. Clinical scientist Dr Mark Brewin says, “Although originally developed to treat patients with burns and scars, My Trusty

is gentle enough for the whole family to use every day. Our users have reported significant benefits on problematic skin conditions.” There are body lotions, hand creams, body butters and a face oil. Each one is lightly scented with essential oils, such as bergamot and neroli, and fragrance-free versions are also available. The best part is that prices start at just £4, and every product that’s bought helps to fund the NHS, see www.mytrustyskincare.co.uk. Natural skincare brand Odylique has ventured into makeup for the first time. Every product is packed with organic and fairly-traded natural ingredients and is palm oil-free. If you’re just venturing into natural cosmetics, lipstick is a great place to start. Odylique’s Organic Mineral Lipsticks (£18) are made with nourishing ingredients, such as jojoba oil and shea butter. Created without synthetic silicones they have a matte finish and may feel different to your usual brand, but the colours are great, and they really do soften and protect lips. Available from www.odylique. co.uk. Time Bomb’s Peace & Quiet Coconut Cleansing Oil is a real multi-tasker. It works

hard to remove makeup and excess oil, but is really gentle and very nourishing. Coconut oil has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The cleanser also includes other skin-loving, natural ingredients, such as grape seed, sunflower and safflower oils. The result is smoother, softer, clean skin. On its own, the cleansing oil costs £25 from www.timebombco. com, but do check for giftset offers on QVC. At the time of writing, the oil was being offered with the Flashback Nightly Treatment and H2Omega Complexion Cocktail for £54, which is a saving of more than £20 in comparison to buying the products separately. Looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day? Green People’s Divine Treat gift box is sure to earn you some brownie points. Featuring

Open

Monday to Friday 9-30 to 5-30pm Saturday 9-00 to 5-00pm

Health & Beauty

the Orange Blossom Cleanser, Exfoliator and Moisturiser, it’s perfect for combination and oily skin. The trio works together to balance skin, unblock pores, hydrate, remove impurities and soften skin. It’s also a real treat for the senses, as each product is scented with orange blossom, spicy black pepper and warming cypress. As with all Green People products, they’re organic and free from SLS, parabens, alcohol, lanolin and artificial fragrances. £50, from www.greenpeople. co.uk.

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Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Sleep: How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep • • • •

A poor night’s sleep might seem like just an inconvenience. But research has shown that insufficient or poor-quality sleep can contribute to serious health problems, including: • Weight gain and obesity. • Weakened immunity. • Increased risk of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, heart attack and stroke. • Reduced fertility and libido. • Reduced memory, concentration and reaction times. • Increased risk of depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and psychotic episodes. This means it’s vital that we all get enough good quality sleep, which usually means at least seven hours. However, it’s not always easy. The Enemies of Sleep • Burning the candle at both ends, trying to fit in relaxation and domestic duties. • Sleep disorders: night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, sleep paralysis, teeth grinding, restless limb syndrome and sleep apnoea. • Needing the toilet. • Pain e.g. from arthritis. • An uncomfortable mattress or pillow. • Menstruation (pain, heavy bleeding and hormonal changes that affect temperature and production of the sleep-inducing

hormone melatonin). Snoring. Blue light. Smoking and alcohol. GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) or LPR (laryngopharyngeal or ‘silent’ reflux, in which stomach acid can damage airways, causing asthma-like symptoms)

Ten Tips to Help You Sleep: 1. Stop snoring. Maintaining a healthy weight can help. Try sleeping on your side, nasal strips, sprays or mandibular adjustment devices. If these don’t work, consult your doctor, as you may be receiving a reduced oxygen supply at night. 2. Don’t go to bed hungry but don’t eat late. Don’t eat less than two hours before bedtime. If you’re hungry in the evenings, choose something light and easily digestible. Milk can make you feel full and its tryptophan can help sleep, but it’s absorbed poorly (a carbohydrate-rich snack at the same time may help). 3. Stop smoking and eliminate evening alcohol and caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and both nicotine and alcohol affect our sleep length and quality. All three can contribute to GORD and LPR. 4. Look after your body and its clock. Our bodies need exercise and daylight during the day and a more relaxed, dim environment in the evening to trigger our body clock regulation hormones. 5. Avoid blue light two hours before bedtime. Blue light, produced by modern TVs, tablets, computers and mobiles, interferes with

melatonin production. While blue light filters help, most just reduce, rather than eliminate, blue light. 6. Declutter your brain. Try writing down your worries and to-do lists before bedtime. It can be therapeutic in itself, and relieves the stress of trying to remember everything. 7. Have a night-time routine. Choose relaxing activities like reading in the hour or two before bedtime. Try having a warm (not hot) bath with relaxing aromatherapy oils. 8. Make your bedroom a haven. Avoid using your bedroom as a work space or dumping ground for clutter. Keep your bedroom well ventilated, not too hot or cold, and softly lit. Try blackout blinds - and earplugs if you have noisy housemates or neighbours. Invest in a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillows. 9. Don’t lie there worrying about not sleeping. Instead, get up and do something relaxing, such as reading a magazine or doing a jigsaw, until you feel sleepy. 10. Finally, see your doctor if you have problems with hormonal changes, night time urination, mental health, GORD, LPR or pain – or if these tips don’t work. Your GP can investigate possible causes and recommend helpful treatments and lifestyle changes.

Positive Change Inspires New Workshops

Health & Fitness

Yvonne Fernando, NLP Master Practitioner & Life Coach, is delighted to announce a new programme of inspiring workshops for positive change, to enrich lives, build confidence and improve health & wellbeing. It recognises the distinct ways different people are inspired, the affect of different environments and how all of this works together. Yvonne has created an interesting, engaging and valuable selection of workshops, which include collaborations with other Kent-based specialists. Positive change is at the heart of Yvonne's work. In recent years, her workshops have grown in popularity and Yvonne recognised that people with similar interests were keen to learn and develop together. The group dynamics have always been strong, fun and supportive while the experience of doing something together has been positive, leading to transformation. This informs her expansive new schedule of workshops for 2018, which are all designed to inspire positive change. Yvonne's workshops include a combination of personal selections and collaborations. One such joint-venture is with the founders of Blooming Green, an enchanting organic flower plot in Linton, nr Maidstone. Creative Journaling, one of Yvonne's own series of workshops, is a great way for people to get to know themselves better, express feelings and find direction. For those who would like a clear mind, calm emotions and healthier body, the enduringlypopular Relaxation Mindfulness Meditation 8 week programmes continue at Charing Surgery. Plus a new NLP & Health series, which focuses on

Make positive life changes

• Life Changes • Confidence • Improved Relationships • Better Communication • Stress Management • Health & Wellbeing • Self-esteem • Overcome Fears, Phobias & Traumas Yvonne Fernando Certified NLP Master Practitioner & Life Coach T : 01233 878474 M: 07968 785714 www.yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk

Visit www.ultrashape3d.com

T: 01233 224987 E: ultrashape3d@gmail.com Evegate Business Park, Smeeth, Ashford TN25 6SX

Educate Your Body - Exercise Your Mind Get a Head Start into Motherhood

Karen’s Fit Tums for Mums Ante and Post Natal Programme Expertly Run with Mums in Mind Karen Beer HCPC MCSP

e:karensfitumsformums@aol.com

Amanda Banham BSc. MSHAA independent Hearing Aid consultant

• Digital Hearing Aids • Hearing-Aid Repair • Ear Moulds

• Noise Protection Ear Plugs • Home Visits Call 07775 952609 (Mobile)

Puzzle Time

Word Ladder

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

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

B U L L

F R O G

Crossword Across 7. Swap over (6) 8. To be on a ship (6) 9. Not new (4) 10. Outside (8) 11. Angry (7) 13. Funeral fires (5) 15. Almost two pints (5) 17. Below (7) 20. Observing (8) 21. Story (4) 23. Educational establishment (6) 24. Required (6) Down 1. Female sheep (4) 2. Recording room (6) 3. Burglars (7) 4. Belief (5) 5. Every sixty minutes (6) 6. Widest (8) 12. Inconvenience (8) 14. Combining (7) 34

16. Calculate (6) 18. Respect (6)

19. Foolish (5) 22. Vegetable (4)

The Home

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...

Plumbing Masters No Callout Charge Free Esitmates No Callout Charge • Free Estimates 24 hour Emergency Service 24 hour Emergency Service All Work Guaranteed No Job Too Small

All Work Guaranteed • No Job Too Small

Call Tony 07738 g 907 717 bin lumon

D. KENWARD & SONS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

DOMESTIC - INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL - AGRICULTURAL Free Estimates - Established Tenterden 1970 - Family Run Business Rewires • Fault Finding • Test & Inspection Extra Sockets/Lights • Maintenance • Extensions DBS enhanced certificate for schools Approved Electrical Contractor for over 25years Call Andrew: 07786 342454 or Dave: 07880 680046 e: dkenward@btconnect.com

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

PLUMBING & HEATING Heating SERVICES

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

BATHROOM Telephone: 01303SUITES 812148 BLOCKAGES BURST PIPES Mobile:&07738907717 www.plumbing-masters.co.uk TAPS BALL VALVES HOT & COLD TANKS INSTALLATIONS

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

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Call Noel @ Dial-a-Plumber

07711 666 656 / 01233 642233 35

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Has Your Local Bank Closed Down? Dealing with Branch Closures

An increase in the number of customers using online, telephone, and mobile banking, in conjunction with a drive to reduce costs, led to hundreds of local bank branches closing their doors in 2017. According to market research company, Statista, “In 2016, 64 percent of all individuals used the internet for online banking ...”¹ So how do you sign up for this if you’re not ‘tech-savvy,’ and are there any alternatives if you live in a remote area, have limited access to the internet, or simply don’t want to use online banking? Telephone, internet, and mobile banking Bank systems and requirements vary in terms of registration, but in essence you’ll provide your personal details, decide on a password, and choose some security questions or memorable information that can be used as an added layer of security. When you register online, you’ll also be prompted to download the bank’s mobile app to your smartphone, where you can sign in using the same information as for internet banking. Banks may send part of your login information through the post for security purposes, and in some cases you may have to use a small device to log in or transfer larger sums of money. Some new banks are

expanding their branch network It’s not all bad news with regard to in-person banking, however. A few banks are expanding their networks in the UK, bucking the trend of high street branch closures. Handelsbanken Established Swedish bank Handelsbanken has a network of more than 200 branches in Great Britain, with further expansion plans being reported in the press. Its business model means that branches are located away from the high street, in order to reduce their operational costs. Metro Bank Metro Bank branches, or ‘stores,’ are open seven days a week, 362 days a year. You can carry out all the usual banking transactions at Metro, and they have your cheque book and bank card printed in the branch on the same day that you open an account. Day-to-day banking at Post Office branches A further development that will help if you’re missing your local bank branch is the new partnership between the banking industry and the Post Office. You can now carry out day-to-day banking transactions at your local Post Office, such as depositing and withdrawing cash, paying in cheques, and checking your balance. Although some of these services were previously available to a limited number of customers, the new arrangement allows 99% of personal high street banking customers, and 95% of small businesses, to use Post Office branches for their day-to-day banking needs.

Mobile branch banking One new initiative is helping customers to access vital banking services once or twice every week. Lloyds Banking Group has partnered with security firm G4S to provide ‘banks on wheels. ’ In other words, armoured vans that travel to locations where smaller branches have been closed. Third party authorisation It’s also possible to authorise a trusted friend or member of your family to carry out certain bank transactions on your behalf. They won’t be able to control your account, but could pay in, withdraw money, and obtain a balance for you if you provide the necessary written authority. Branch closures are a significant issue, particularly for older people living in rural areas of the UK, but with alternative methods such as the mobile branch banking service, access will hopefully be improved for those who need it. ¹www.statista.com/statistics/380884/ online-banking-penetration-in-theuk/ www.telegraph.co.uk/ business/2017/10/08/swedishchallenger-bank-handelsbankencommits-uk-wants-brexit/ www.handelsbanken.co.uk/shb/inet/ IStartRb.nsf/FrameSet?OpenView&a mp;iddef=&amp;navid=Handelsba nkenRB_AbouttheGroup&amp;sa=/ shb/inet/icentrb.nsf/Default/ qF5D7D0EC8FA6784F802576 23002D9974 www.metrobankonline.co.uk/waysto-bank/ personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/ways-tobank/mobile-branch.html

www.obsplumbing.co.uk

The Home

R&T

OBS Plumbing & Maintenance Boilers, Bathrooms, Heating and Repairs

R oofing C ontractors L td

PLUMBING

Robert Lawrence

Charing, Ashford, Kent

07921 717 241

New Roofs & Repairs, Guttering, Fascia & Soffitts Flat Roofing including Fibreglass No job too small / Fully Insured

otmoorbuildingservices@hotmail.co.uk

Plumbing & Heating Services

All plumbing work undertaken no job too small! Burst pipes, Blockages, Taps, Pumps, Radiators & Drainage work. Bathroom & Shower Installation

01233 841924 / 07710 574321 e: d.tolfrey@sky.com

Electrical & Plastering 07803 417098

www.gpelectricalandplastering.co.uk Friendly, Professional Service - Free Estimates, Fully Insured Plastering Artex Covering Walls and Ceilings Renovations & more...

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

Electrical Work Consumer Unit Changes Full Rewires Outhouses / Exterior & more...

Easy Access Bathrooms Safe, sound and stylish

Walk-in showers â&#x20AC;˘ Walk-in baths â&#x20AC;˘ Wetrooms Beautiful bathroom & shower conversions

Family run business with over 15 years of Knowledge & experience Zero VAT on Mobility bathrooms

To find out how we can help you call:

01233 210808

w w w . b a t h e i n s a f e t y . c o . u k

Important Information Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden 101 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Samaritans 116123 www.samaritans.org Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG

Doctors Surgery The Charing Surgery Headcorn Surgery Veterinary Surgeons Barrow Hill Vets Pierson Stewart & Partners Cinque Ports Vets Milbourne Equine Vets 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 Charing Business Association www.charingkent.co.uk Volunteer Centre Age UK Ashford www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com

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

01233 714 490 01622 890294 01233 624687 01580 713381 01233 885145 01233 885145 01580 890750 01233 713599 01622 853558 01622 892496 01233 770739 07752 395412 01233 331111 0845 8 247 247 01233 626185

Ashford Counselling Service 01233 610083 info@ashfordcounselling.org.uk www.kentcounselling.co.uk CARM E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support www.forget-me-nots.co.uk Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UK, Ashford Branch Contact Mike Wharrad 01233 623520 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 www.eastkentstrokes.org SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com NSPCC: Tenterden & District Mrs J Coombs 01580 763733 Pregnancy Sickness Support Kent and Sussex www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Contact: Denise Clifford deniseclifford@btinternet.com Royal Mail Residential Customer Services 08457 740740 Travel www.arrivabus.co.uk www.stagecoachbus.com www.nationalrail.co.uk Wealden Wheels: 01233 840000 Village Halls: Biddenden Charing Charing Heath Egerton - Millenium Hall Headcorn Little Chart or Pluckley Smarden Charter Hall

01580 291320 01233 713599 01622 858296 01233 756630 01622 890708 07753 802814 01233 840395 01233 840280 01233 771947

01233 714540

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

01233 665 535 01233 668 765

Cesspool Emptying Service

01233 840624

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

The Village Directory Delivery Area Postcode Coverage Regions

Delivered by Royal Mail to 58,000 Homes & Businesses Coverage 58,100 via Royal Mail Delivered by

Egerton Challock

Charing Smarden

Boughton Aluph

Pluckley

Westwell

Charing Area 4,100

Eastwell

Orchard Heights

Biddenden

Ashford 20,200

Hothfield

Wye Area 4,400

Kennington, Willesborough, Repton Park, Great Chart, Kingsnorth, Park Farm, Sevington & Orbital Park

Little Chart Bethersden High Halden

TN26 Area - 5,300

Bodsham Hastingleigh Brook Elmsted Wye

Brabourne Brabourne Lees

Aldington Area - 4,000

Bridgefield Est.

Woodchurch

Sellindge Mersham Aldington Stowting Bilsington Stanford Bonnington

Warehorne Hamstreet Ruckinge Appledore

Dymchurch Newchurch Ivychurch

St Michaels Tenterden

Brookland

Small Hythe

St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay New Romney

The Marsh 10,600

Wittersham

Tenterden & Rye Stone-in-Oxney Area 9,500 Iden Playden East Guldeford Rye Camber

Lydd Dungeness

Call: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk 01233 720488 Call: 01233 720488 or emaile: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk PUZZLE ANSWERS Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner: The crossword answers are... 1. Ping Pong Ball 2. Dartboard 3. Bowlingball 4. Net Rate Card & Map 2018.indd 2 5. Basketball 6. Sportsbag 7. Pin 8. Alley, 9. Table Football, 10. Bat

Word Sudoku: Ladder: BULL boll bolt colt coot clot clog flog FROG

Crossword:

22/02/2018 13:55:08

The Old School House Restaurant Indian Cuisine

The Finest Indian Cuisine in the Area!

Now Taking Online Orders for Takeaway www.tosindianrestaurant.co.uk Open 7 Days a week

5.30pm - 11.00pm Saturday & Sunday 12.00 - 2.00pm & 5.30pm - 11.00pm including Bank Holidays

01233 733350

10% Discount on Takeaways (Cash Only) Last orders 10.30pm

Your satisfaction is important to us, please let us know if you have enjoyed your visit, we value your opinion.

The Street, Hamstreet, Ashford, Kent TN26 2HG