Aldington March 2016

120

village directory

The

March 2016

for the Aldington Area

Delivered FREE to 4,000 homes in TN25 by Royal Mail

Spring Grove School

Saturday 12th March 2016, 9.30am - 12.00 noon

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Welcome Hi everyone, Welcome to the March Issue. As we head rapidly towards Spring and the time change at the end of the month, it’s the longer hours of daylight I find myself looking forward to, rather than the prospect of warm weather. One of the reasons for this is that over time I have fallen out of love with driving and I have a particular aversion to driving in the dark. For darkness to fall before the end of the afternoon is no fun in my books. Maybe it’s an age thing, when I passed my driving test at the age of 19 I was in my element, it represented independence and the world was my oyster. Now in my 50’s self-drive cars can’t come quickly enough, I would snap one up in a moment if I had the money. I’m sure they can’t be as disconcerting as sitting beside my son when he took to the road for the very first time at the age of 17!

Talking of my son, it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday the 6th, hopefully my husband has had a quiet word in his ear to bring him up to date on where we are in the year and what day of the week it is – I have a dream and chocolate delivered with a massive hug plays a big part in it!

With the Easter break approaching at the end of the month, yet again chocolate will be on the menu - whoopee what a month!

Until next time, have a great time!

~ Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@

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the garden

Vertical Cover With Climbers by

by Pippa Pippa Greenwood Greenwood

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Take a look at the boundaries of your garden; are they rather uninteresting, drab or perhaps even downright boring? It is time to start thinking about doing some vertical gardening - don’t just concentrate on beds, borders and beautiful containers, but think about all those upright surfaces just itching to be clothed in glorious climbers or wall shrubs. If you have several vertical surfaces then so much the better.

A visit to your local garden centre will reveal a plentiful supply of suitable plants. Start by taking a look at the surface you have to offer, get a rough idea of the size of the area to be covered, the direction it faces and the amount of sun or shade the plants growing on the wall or fence are likely to receive.

Check your soil type too – discover whether it is sandy and free-draining, sticky and full of clay or somewhere in between - as the plant you choose must be suited to the site.

Some climbers are quite quick growing and will look good later this year, and then go from strength to strength as the years pass. Many provide strong colour and others will be a useful backdrop for the garden as a whole. Don’t forget

that most buildings can have climbers grown against them, so if you have an unsightly shed, garage or even a fairly uninteresting looking back to your house, then consider erecting some sort of support system on which you can grow your climbers.

If you have a long stretch of wall you can break up its monotony by planting up with several different plants.

If you grow a wide range of plants and only allow them to reach the height of the first floor, it will make a tall, narrow building seem somewhat broader. A climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris, or selfclinging plants such as ivies are ideal for this situation, but make sure the mortar on your wall is in good shape before planting.

Climbers are best planted in open ground, as they tend to have sizeable root systems.

However, you can grow them in containers if you get really stuck, but make sure that you re-pot regularly and that you have enough space to ultimately use a really good sized container such as a half barrel. You will need to use a loam-based potting compost and add extra grit to ensure

that the compost continues to drain freely. It is also essential to place a really deep layer of crocks at the base of the container so that the drainage holes are loosely covered and will not become clogged by the compost. I always add some controlled release fertilizer granules to the compost, as this will help to ensure that plants get adequately fed at least for the first few months.

If you plant the container up using a triangular or V-shaped trellis panel inserted at the back surface, this will give the plant an initial support and it can then climb up this before moving on to your wall or fence. You will, of course, need to tie the top section of the trellis into the wall or fence, so that it does not rock about.

Once you have decided where to plant the climber, dig a really good sized planting hole, making sure that it is at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the wall or fence. This may sound like a long way, but it ensures that the plant receives adequate moisture and does not suffer any adverse effects from the proximity of the nearby wall. Incorporate plenty of planting compost, well rotted manure or garden

compost, and then once you have soaked the root ball of the plant you can place it in the hole. Ideally you should position it at a 45 degree angle, so that it is already leaning towards the wall. Once you have checked that the levels are right you can spread the root system out and plant in the normal way. If your climber is already attached to some sort of support system, such as bamboo canes, it helps if you gently untie the stems from any central stake and then choose the best looking shoots and train these towards your new support system. You can use the existing bamboo canes to help it on its way. It is essential to keep climbers really well watered, particularly if they are on or near a sunny wall.

Any good garden centre will have a range of plants available,

but here are some suggestions for some of those tricky sites: Vigorous climbers for a quick effect: Actinidia chinensis Akebia quinata Clematis montana Clematis montana ‘Rubens’ Vitis coignetiae Climbers for clay soils: Campsis Celastrus scandens Clematis Ivies Golden hop Climbing hydrangea Honeysuckles (most) Vitis coignetiae

the garden

Jasminum officinale Honeysuckles Trachelospermum jasminoides Wisteria Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa, Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.

Climbers for an alkaline or chalky soil: Actinidia kolomikta Akebia quinata Clematis Ivies Climbing hydrangea

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the garden

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Books for Mother’s Day It’s not always easy to get five minutes to yourself when you’re a mum, particularly if you have young children demanding your attention. So if you’re looking for a gift this Mother’s Day, why not combine a book with the promise of free time? Take the kids to the park for a couple of hours, plough your way through the ironing pile, or make her dinner, so that mum can collapse on the sofa to read in peace.

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Neal’s Yard Beauty Book – Susan Curtis, Fran Johnson and Pat Thomas A fantastic resource for anyone who’s interested in skincare and make-up, the Beauty Book provides a wealth of advice on everything from treating dry skin to make-up application.

The benefits of a huge range of ingredients are listed, from almond oil to black pepper, and there are step-by-step recipes for making a wide range of beauty products, including bath soaks, massage oils, cleansers and moisturisers.

The Happiness Project OneSentence Journal for Mothers – Gretchen Rubin While it can seem that the days of sleep deprivation and explosive nappies will never end, children grow up pretty quickly. This lovely journal asks mums to just write one or two sentences each day, about their children, work, or life in general. It’s set out for one date per page, but with room for five years’ of memories, so the diarist can then look back to see what thought was top of their mind that day a few years ago. Each page also has a reflective quote from Rubin, which are well worth a read in themselves.

Dear Mum, From You To Me We’ll admit, this is as much of a gift to you as it is to her. Unlike a normal journal, Dear Mum, From You To Me uses prompts to help your mum record her memories. The idea is that she’ll pass the book back to you when she’s finished writing in it, so that you can get to know her better and have a record of her life to treasure. Some of the prompts are great conversation starters; not only will you learn more about your mum, but you’ll have an awful lot to talk about.

The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy – Fiona Neill As a Newsnight Producer, Lucy Sweeney had it all under control, but her life as a stay-at-home mum is anything but orderly.

From trying to dodge the yummy mummies and alpha mums at the school gates, to fantasising about Sexy Domesticated Dad, Lucy bounces from one hilarious mishap to the next. A great gift for mums of young children who sometimes wonder if everyone else’s life is quite as chaotic as their own.

According to Yes – Dawn French Rosie Kitto is one of those characters it’s pretty much impossible not to like. Ever optimistic, slightly eccentric and warm-hearted to boot, primary teacher Rosie sets off from England to work as a nanny for the rigidly upper-class WilderBinghams in Manhattan. While there, she helps them to learn to stop living by their social conventions, and start saying yes to new possibilities. At times funny, at times poignant, and with a fair few sex scenes to liven things up, According to Yes is an easy, light-hearted read that just may leave you questioning some of your own conventions.

Eating Well Made Easy – Lorraine Pascale If mum’s harking after a new cookery book this Mother’s Day, Lorraine Pascal’s latest endeavour should be top of your shopping list. While it focuses on healthy eating, these recipes are far from bland. They’re also (as the name implies) straightforward to follow and use ingredients you can pick up from your local shop. Most can be prepared pretty quickly, although there are some more time-consuming recipes for when the mood suits. Recipes include Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken, Mushroom and Chestnut Lancashire Hotpot, and No-Cook Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake Squares.

the garden www.

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Mowgli

by Montgomery Vets

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ello everyone, Mowgli here. Hope you are all well! The good news that you have all been waiting for is that my wound has healed up without any fuss. Well, without much fuss from me anyway...... looking sad from time to time got me more Dreamies!

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o I think by now you have worked out that Ebony and I will do anything for a Dreamie. What are the favourite treats for all you other cats out there? Ebony and I are very good and do not like most snacks or human food with the very odd exception. Ebony (little Miss Perfect of course...) won’t eat any human food and I only like rocket and biltong. I often share Louis the tortoise’s rocket- yum! My love of rocket can lead to fun with guests. Clive and Jane often assure everyone that we are very good cats and won’t eat any of the lunch. This is my cue to leap onto the table, walk straight past all the meat and other things most cats apparently like, stick my head straight in the salad bowl and have a rummage for rocket. It goes down a storm every time and is quite the party trick!

W

hen I was a little kitten and came to live with Clive and Jane I came with a sheet of recommended foods. Those of you who know Clive know that he is quite a stickler about what he thinks pets should eat and when he read the sheet and saw that it was recommended that I liked to share the odd kebab and chips he had to be sat down and brought a gin and tonic. I have to admit I have never seen kebab and chips again but I am not sorry. Jane says that Ebony and I must be the only cats in the world that don’t eat steak or any other kind of meat. It is true- whenever we are given any we pat it around and post it under the dresser. For some reason this is not popular and leads to Clive lying on the floor with a long wooden spoon trying to fish the meat out and Jane going on and on about rotting meat creating a smell. Humans are so very odd!

A

n odd thing at the Clinic this weekSoutheastern rail brought in 8 baby yellow bellied toads that had been found abandoned on one of its trains. They had to be settled into the isolation unit at the clinic rather quickly and some food found for them. I offered up my cat biscuits (generous to a fault as usual) but apparently very small worms or flies were needed- and quickly. This if course fell to the silly humans to sort out- ended up being Jane wearing a headtorch sifting through the compost heap in the evening looking for worms of all things. Anyway, Ebony and I hope the toads find their home sooner rather than later- even a toad needs a place to call home! ~ Mowgli

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Mersham £599,995

Brabourne Lees £215,000

Four bed detached bungalow & two bed Three bed attached cottage in heart of detached annex, immaculate throughout. sought after village. Newly decorated and Backing onto open countryside. carpeted throughout. No chain.

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Willesborough

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Two bed ground floor apartment, generous living room, fitted kitchen and en-suite shower room. Ample parking and secure bike storage.

Three bed detached house, living room, large kitchen diner and good sized private garden to rear. Ample off road parking.

One bedroom house in quiet cul-de-sac, freshly decorated throughout, extended to provide two reception rooms. Private established garden and driveway.

£895 pcm

£645 pcm

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Canterbury

Repton Park

Repton Park

Two bed bungalow, newly refurbished, open plan kitchen and living room, bathroom and new double glazing throughout. Garden with summerhouse and long driveway.

Five bed detached house offering spacious accommodation, living room, dining room, kitchen diner, utility, family bathroom, two en-suite shower rooms and double garage.

Three bed detached house, freshly decorated throughout, master en-suite, living room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom and family bathroom. Private garden backing onto woodland, garage.

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13

Home Improvements “Absolutely Considering a Water Softener?

Editors Choicebrilliant!”

- By Debbie Allen

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“I’ve lived in Kent my whole so living about £70 a year for Fraser Christie lives life in Ashford with hard water is something that I’ve always our family of three. I spend that just on washing in but Kent, renowned for liquid over the course of a year! accepted, in thean lastarea few years my frustration with the of limescale my home has itseffects extremely hardonwater It’s now three really come to a head. months since our His parents are both Scottish and live in We spend precious time and money dealing water softener Edinburgh where the water is naturally soft, so with the effects of limescale but the he was installed. the visible hard water of Kent was not something used occurring to. hiddenwas damage in our pumps, fittings The installation and water heaters often creeps up on us with an was smooth and “I was born in the UK, and after years in the unexpected appliance failure or 40 maintenance efficient, and I’m United States moved back here around three years problem.

It can be soul destroying to invest hard so pleased with ago,” says Fraser. “Firstly living in London, and then earned moving moneyhere on toappliances and nice fittings, the results I’ve Ashford in Kent largely for the high I knew it would fit under the sink.

In the States, the only tospeed findrail them gradually deteriorate due to recommended it connection to London.” Fraser works as an water softeners are much larger and therefore in limescale. mythey brother information technology (IT) contractor with most the garage, whereas here in thetoUK are in and the of his work in London. sister-in-law. kitchen so need to be smaller.

Being compact was aIt For some time I’ve been curious about the has revolutionised very big sell for me.” benefitsWhen of anotwater softener.

I’ve playing enjoyed working, Fraser enjoys golf,the sailing, my housework, reducing the number of cleaning experience showering in “Scuba soft water whileyou Limescale-free scuba of diving, and travelling: diving means products I need. I can now run the washing see lotsbut of the world and Iconsidered particularly enjoy on holiday, never really how ocean it As Fraser familiar with living in amore soft machine andwas thealready dish washer on quicker, diving. ” might help my home. water home, he has enjoyed all the benefits he efficient programs, using half the amount of knew it would bring.

The last straw came last year when we finally detergent. Glasses rinsed under the tap look Compact and versatile decision to buyloved a water softener was a very dry, ratherofthan water marked.

My had to His replace a much luxury shower unit.easy clean He when says: “No build-up limescale in my new home one, as in America theymodel come as in most new as it did beforeand it came into It was irreplaceable as the wasstandard no longer is shower great forsparkles the plumbing, appliances, especially houses. having weren’t lived for either! many years the shower.

It’s sowater, much and nicerisshowering witheasier soft with hard now much available, theSo,funds We with hadsoft contact water, when Fraser moved to London and expe- water as your skin doesn’t dry out as much. My skin to clean. All I need now is an appliance that will replaced and fixed so many parts as a result of rienced hard water and all the problems it brings, isn’t as dry now as it was in London.” the limescale but limescale we finally had toheadmit includingattack, excessive build-up, knew a do the same for my son’s bedroom! defeat and thing. waterreplace softenerthe waswhole a must-have. recommend JustHighly before Christmas Fraser isto veryreplace happy toour recommend Harvey Water we had When Harveys Water Softeners began advertising “My house in Ashford is brand new,” explains Softeners, and believes it’s something every hard washing machine, but in the magazine I seized the opportunity to find Fraser. “So purchasing a water softener was high water home should have.

I did it knowing that out more.

Following littlewith research of my on my to-do list aalong furniture and own paint!”I the new asked Harveys for help with some of my queries, theHelifespan adds: “It’sof absolutely brilliant! The whole process While the decision to buyand onehow was iteasy, which onewaswould they also advised us on where could very easy.be The much installation was quick – in, out, one toto choose wasmost less so.benefit After conducting some and done in a couple of hours – and it now does be installed get the within our improved.” ~ Debbie research, Fraser chose Harvey Water Softeners what it’s supposed to do. For homes in traditionally property.

The unit is not very big (it easily fits because it ticked several essential boxes: cost, size, hard water areas, it’s a must-have.” under no anpower average kitchen sink) and doesn’t needed, low maintenance, easy to use. require power. so it could go precisely where Want findout outmore moreand andbook bookaa FREE FREE no Want to to find we hadSays planned, in me a closet Fraser: which “What is sold on a where Harvey the Water obligation no obligation demonstration call 225665 demonstration, call 01233 was itsthe reasonable fact itis didn’t mains Softener water enters house. price, All itthe needs a or 01483 visit www.harvey.co.uk 736 877 or visit any salt, power which would complicate supply require of block approximately one block the www.harvey.co.uk installation member process, and it was nice and compact per household per month, which is so

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Canterbury Dining Solid Oak available in standard and mini sizes

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Canterbury Bedroom solid oak available in standard or mini sizes

Canterbury Dining Solid Oak available in standard and mini sizes

Canterbury Bedroom solid oak available in standard or mini sizes

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Canterbury Dining Solid Oak available in standard and mini sizes

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Lacquer, Wax or rustic finish P L U S Lacquer, Wax Dining, or rustic Danube Rustic all finish solid reclaimed oak Canterbury Bedroom solid oak available in standard or mini sizes Canterbury Bedroom solid oak available in standard or mini sizes

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Canterbury Dining Solid Oak available in standard and mini sizes Cromer Painted Oak in Duck Egg Blue and French Grey Lacquer, Wax or rustic finish

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Canterbury Dining Solid Oak available in standard and mini sizes Cromer Painted Oak in Duck Egg Blue and French Grey N E W N Lacquer, Wax or rustic finish E IN Now available in painted or ice white W with rustic oak tops N IN Now available in painted or ice white Lacquer, Wax or rustic finish E Nfinish W Cromer Painted Oak in Duck Egg Blue French Grey Lacquer, Wax or rustic with and rustic oak tops E W IN Now available in painted or ice white Ripon Painted Oak Bedroom I N Cromer Painted in Duck Egg rustic Blue available and Grey or ice white Now in painted Lacquer, Wax orOak rustic finish with oakFrench tops rustic oak tops Cromer Painted Oak in Duck Egg Blue and French Grey Ripon Painted Oakwith Bedroom N E in Duck Egg Blue and French Grey Cromer Painted Oak W Ripon Painted Oak Bedroom RiponIN Painted Bedroom Lacquer, Wax or rustic finish Oak Now available in painted or ice white with rustic oak tops

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Now available in painted French Grey or Ice White

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N Duck Egg Blue Available in Cream or French Grey E E N N W W Cotswold Pine Ripon Painted Oak Bedroom EDistressed E Bedroom Available in assorted fabrics Cotswold Pine RiponIN Painted Oak Genuine Leather IN Distressed W W available Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses Now in painted or ice white & leather Full Reclining Irustic withLeather oak tops Genuine N

Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses IN Now Available Rustic, Cream, French and available in French Grey or IceGrey White allpainted in in stock all Egg in stock Duck Blue

Available in assorted fabrics & leather Full Reclining

Available in Cream or French Grey

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Cotswold Distressed Pine Ripon Painted OakGenuine Bedroom Available in assorted fabrics Leather all in stock & leather Full Reclining Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses Black, Cream, Red, N N Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2 E E Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 all in stock NW N W Mocca Manhattan 3+2 EI E ‘AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ I WN W Available in Rustic, Cream, French Grey and N ‘AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ Pocket sprung, foam, coil sprung mattresses IN IN Black, Cream, Red, Duck memory Egg Available in Cream or Bellisimo French3+2, Grey Available inBlue Rustic, Cream, French Grey and Novella 3+1+1 ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME MAIDSTONE all in stock N NCHATHAM Mocca Manhattan 3+2 Duck Egg Blue Available in Cream or French Grey ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME CHATHAM MAIDSTONE E E N N Beaver Red, Road .‘A Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX TE Home Plus Furniture W Black, Cream, E EW VAILABLE FOR DELIVERY’ Beaver Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture Available in Chatham assorted Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 TheIMMEDIA WGenuine W TN23 3+2 7RR .fabrics ME4 3ED In the big blue building on French Grey and IMocca IN Manhattan Available Cream, NLeather TN23 7RR Chatham ME4 3ED In the in bigRustic, blue building on &Available leather Full Reclining.fabrics in assorted 01634 880699 St Peters Street . ME16Cream, 0ST Genuine Leather IN IN 01634 880699 Available in Rustic, French Grey and St Peters Street . ME16 0ST Duck Egg Blue Available in Cream orMARITIME French Grey ASHFORD CHATHAM CHATHAM MAIDSTONE & leather Full Reclining 01233 633928 01634 891306 ‘A V AILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ (on the one way system opposite 01233 633928 01634 891306 (on the one. way system. opposite Black, Cream, Red, Duck EggPlus Blue Available in Cream or French Grey Beaver Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre Chatham ME4 4NX Home Furniture 01622 609519 Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 The Brook (next to The Range) Gala Bingo) (next to Ashford International) 01622 609519 N N (next to The Range) Gala Bingo) Mocca 3+2 (next to Manhattan Ashford International) TN23 7RR Chatham .fabrics ME4 3ED In the big blue building on E E Available in assorted ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME CHATHAM MAIDSTONE Genuine Leather 01634 880699 W W Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil. ME16 sprung St Peters Street 0ST mattresses & leather Full Reclining ‘A VAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ Available in assorted fabrics 633928 01634 891306 Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses IN Beaver01233 INsystem the one way Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The(on Brook . Chatham . opposite ME4 4NX Plus Furniture Available in Rustic, Cream, French Grey and Genuine Leather all inHome stock 01622 609519

www.homeplusfurniture.com www.homeplusfurniture.com all inMAIDSTONE stock CHATHAM 01634 880699 01634 891306 Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses 01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com all in stock 01634 880699 Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses 01233 633928 01634 891306

& leather Full Reclining (next.to TheFrench Range) (next to Ashford International) TN23 7RR Chatham ME4 3ED Available in Cream or Grey ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME

Beaver Road . Ashford 01233 633928 TN23 7RR

Dockside Outlet Centre

.fabrics ME4 3ED Available (next in Chatham assorted to The Range) Genuine (next Leather to Ashford International) & leather Full Reclining Black, Cream, Red, Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2 Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 (next to The Range) Mocca Manhattan 3+2to Ashford International) (next

Gala Bingo)

The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

In the big blue building on Duck Egg Blue St Peters Street . ME16 0ST Home Plus Furniture In the big blue building on St Peters Street . ME16 0ST

01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com (on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

all in stock

CHATHAM MAIDSTONE all in stock www.homeplusfurniture.com CHATHAM MAIDSTONE

‘AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY’ ‘AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses

Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2

ASHFORD ASHFORD

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Beaver Red, Road .‘A Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre TheIMMEDIA Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture Black, Cream, VAILABLE FOR DELIVERY’ Beaver Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX TEHome Plus Furniture Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 TN23 3+2 7RR Chatham . ME4 3ED In the big blue building on Mocca Manhattan TN23 7RR Chatham . ME4 3ED In the big blue building on St Peters Street . ME16 0ST 01634 880699 St Peters Street . ME16 0ST ASHFORD CHATHAM MARITIME CHATHAM MAIDSTONE ‘A V AILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ (on the one way system opposite 01233 633928 01634 891306 (on the one. way system. opposite Black, Cream, Red, Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre Chatham ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture Price Promise Guarantee Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 The Brook Gala (next to The Range) (next toBeaver Ashford International) 01622 609519 (next to The Range) Gala Bingo) Bingo) Mocca Manhattan 3+2 (next to Ashford International) TN23 7RR Chatham . ME4 3ED In the big blue building on 01634 880699 St Peters Street . ME16 0ST ‘A VAILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ 633928 01634 891306 the one way system. opposite Beaver01233 Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The(on Brook . Chatham ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture 01622 (next.to The Range) Gala Bingo) (next to Ashford International) TN23 7RR Chatham ME4 3ED In the big609519 blue building on

01233 633928

01634 891306

01634 880699

01622 609519

www.homeplusfurniture.com www.homeplusfurniture.com CHATHAM MARITIME CHATHAM MAIDSTONE 01634 880699 01233 633928 01634 891306 01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com 01634 880699 01233 633928 01634 891306 ASHFORD

CHATHAM MARITIME

CHATHAM

ASHFORD

Sept15 Working File.indd 11 Dockside Outlet Centre

Beaver Road . Ashford TN23 7RR

(next to Ashford International)

Chatham . ME4 3ED (next to The Range)

The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

MAIDSTONE

St Peters Street . ME16 0ST

Home Plus Furniture In the big blue building on St Peters Street . ME16 0ST

01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com

(next to Ashford International)

(next to The Range)

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

www.homeplusfurniture.com

08/08/2015 09:44:43

15

Home & Interiors Make The Most Of A Small Kitchen

By Katherine Sorrell

EATING AND ENTERTAINING Even in a tiny kitchen, it’s always a good idea to try fit in somewhere to eat and drink. Fold-down tables might work, or perhaps there is room for a small dining table – if it extends for extra guests, so much the better. Or you could add a breakfast bar by forming an ‘L’ shape at the end of a run of worktop, adding a couple of high stools that can tuck underneath when not in use.

Bingo! An eat-in kitchen.

16

They may be small but they can be perfectly formed: the tiniest of kitchen spaces is often extremely efficient – you can wash, slice and cook almost without moving at all. And although the sky’s the limit when it comes to spending on kitchens – even diminuitive ones – if you’re on a shoestring you can create a practical and attractive galley kitchen for very little money, writes Katherine Sorrell.

PLANNING THE ROOM In a small kitchen every centimetre counts, and the first principle of design is the ‘work triangle’ – the movement between the three main areas of activity: cooker, sink and fridge. Each zone should be self-contained, with its own storage and worktop space, but it should also be easy to move between each one. The best way to ensure this is to draw a floor plan with lines connecting each point on the triangle, and avoid

placing any obstructions (such as tall cupboards) between them.

The theory goes that the most efficient length for each side of the triangle is a double-arm span or about two metres. In practice, however, it is rarely possible to create an absolutely equal triangle, and what matters more is that the three work centres aren’t uncomfortably close or too far apart. In a double galley, keep the sink and cooker on the same side, with the fridge pretty much opposite. In a single galley, you can’t create a triangle at all, but its linear shape means that it’s very easy to use anyway, as long as you don’t make the line too long.

Aim to have tall cupboards at one end, then the hob nearby, and the maximum amount of worktop space between the hob and the sink, with the dishwasher next to the sink at the other end. Add a rubbish bin under the sink and, if you have room, add a pull-out larder to store food.

CHOOSING UNITS & WORKTOPS Mixing textures and colours in the kitchen is a growing trend, and top fashion picks at present include metallics, marble and rough, tough industrial accents.

Deep worktops and open shelving will update a kitchen of any size, but what matters most in any kitchen is quality. You can find more or less any look at more or less any price - but you do get what you pay for. Check the quality of the carcass: cheaper ones are made from chipboard, sometimes with just hardboard backs, which may be fine if all you want is a budget option. But for a well-used kitchen that you want to last a number of years, opt for plywood or MDF veneer, the thicker the better. Laminate worktops are the budget choice – choose high-pressure rather than low-pressure ones, as they’re more durable. Wooden worktops can also be inexpensive, but avoid ones that are too cheap or too thin, especially if you’re installing them next to a sink, as they’ll just warp and buckle. Splashbacks are often made from the same

material as the worktop, though if cost is an issue you could opt for a cheaper alternative, such as ceramic tiles, tongue and groove painted with tough gloss, or a fashionable sheet of clear or coloured acrylic.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE WITH THESE IDEAS • Fit wall cupboards that go right up to the ceiling, storing littleused items right at the top • Sliding doors are ideal as they don’t intrude into the room • ‘Magic’ corner cupboards (with special mechanisms that let you get to the stuff at the back) allow you to fit more in • Wall-hung racking systems let you see what you’ve got while still storing it in an organised fashion • Pull-out shelving and slim drawers (eg in the plinth) all add extra storage space • Internal fittings help organise QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

cupboards • When it comes to appliances, choose multi-functional, compact, slimline, built-in and stacking versions • Reflective and/or transparent surfaces and pale colours make the room seem bigger • Base cabinets on legs or recessed plinths allow you to see more floor • Avoid visual confusion by sticking to ultra-plain cabinet fronts with either no handles or very discreet ones • Larger-than-average floor tiles make the floor seem larger

the home

0000; www.ikea.co.uk.

Above: Efficient internal storage can make all the difference in a small kitchen. Storage options, Rational, tel 01543 459459; www.rational.de/en.

Images - Left: Make use of wall space, drawers, slim appliances and freestanding storage such as trolleys. Metod Grevsta kitchen, £47 for a 40x60cm base cabinet with shelves, Ikea, tel 020 3645

17

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Cake and Bake Iced Orange Bundt Cake This delicious citrus flavoured sponge is made in a classic ring-shaped bundt tin. You’ll find them in most good cook shops and larger supermarkets, or you can use an ordinary 1.5L capacity ring mould tin instead.

Ingredients: 18 • 300g self-raising flour,

plus extra for dusting • 200g caster sugar • 3 large eggs, beaten • 1/2 tsp baking powder • Finely grated zest of 1 large orange • 100ml fresh orange juice • 100-150ml milk FOR THE ICING

• 100g icing sugar • Approx 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

Serves 10 Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes, plus cooling and setting times

1. Preheat the oven to 170C, 325F, Gas 3. Thoroughly grease a 22-23cm Bundt tin (measured across the top) with butter then lightly dust with flour, tipping out the excess.

2. Put the butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat

together until pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs, then sift over the flour and baking powder and fold in along with the orange zest and juice. Fold in enough of the milk to give a soft dropping consistency.

3. Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin and gently

level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 4050 minutes, or until the cake is risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes then carefully turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

4. For the icing, sift the icing sugar into a bowl then beat

in the orange juice to make a smooth and thick icing.

Drizzle the icing over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides. Leave in a cool place until set.

TIP

Make sure to grease and flour the bundt tin thoroughly or you may find it tricky to turn the cake out. Use the tip of a small palette knife or silicon spatula to gently loosen the edges of the cake first.

In Season:

Local Markets

March

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

Fruit

Salad

Apples Pears Rhubarb

Lettuce

Vegetables Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Chicory Greens Kale Leeks Parsnips Shallots Swede Turnips Winter Greens

Fish Cockles Cod Hake Halibut Herring John Dory Lemon Sole Mackerel Plaice Salmon Sea Trout

Meat & Game Beef Guinea fowl Mutton Pork Rabbit Veal Venison Wood Pigeon

Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall Hamstreet Victory Hall every third Sunday 10-12pm Contact 01797 344437 Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April)

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

Rye Country Market Formerly WI Market Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill.

Every Friday 10am -11.30am Tenterden Country Market Every Friday 9.30am -11.00am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road.

Tenterden High Street Market Friday’s – 0830 – 1400 Wittersham Market Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01797 270757 Wye First and third Saturday of every month on the Village Green in Wye. Tel: 07804 652156 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

19

Chicken in Red Wine Serves 4

Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes This is a quick, easy and flavoursome way to serve chicken. Use a full-bodied red wine such as a Burgundy for the best flavour, although there is no need to buy a really pricy one!

20

Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 600g skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into chunks • 225g button mushrooms • 200g shallots, peeled • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 300ml red wine • 200ml chicken or vegetable stock • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato puree • 1 bay leaf • 2tbsp cornflour • Sprigs of fresh parsley to garnish • Sautéed potatoes and steamed green beans, to serve

TIP

This dish freezes well, so it’s worth doubling up the quantities to freeze away half for another day. Allow to cool completely then spoon into a shallow freezer-proof container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly then reheat in a flameproof casserole until piping hot.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and fry for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown all over. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Add the button mushrooms and shallots to the pan and fry for 5 minutes until just beginning to brown. Add the garlic and fry for a further minute then return the chicken to the pan and stir in the red wine, stock, tomato puree and bay leaf.

Bring to the boil then reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken and onions are tender.

Blend the cornflour and 2 tbsp water to a smooth paste then stir the paste into the pan. Simmer gently for further 2-3 minutes, stirring all the time, until the liquid has thickened. Serve with sautéed potatoes and steamed green beans and garnish with parsley sprigs.

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21

Finance

Dividend Taxation And Other Changes To Tax Laws in 2016/17 By Ann Haldon

22

A change to the dividend taxation laws is to be implemented from April 2016.

Pension and ISA dividends will not be affected by the new regime and will remain free of tax, but the new dividend rules are likely to have an adverse effect on directors and shareholders of small incorporated companies.

The new proposals will reportedly bring in an extra £2.54 billion in revenue for the 2016/17 tax year,� with smaller amounts continuing to bolster the public purse in future years.

The changes are an effort by the government to equalise tax laws for those who run unincorporated businesses.

Here’s a summary of the changes to be introduced • A maximum annual Dividend Allowance of £5,000 is to come into force (after taking the personal allowance into account) • The existing 10% notional Dividend Tax Credit will be scrapped • Dividends over the £5,000 annual limit will be taxed at the following rates: > 7.5% on dividend income in the basic rate band

> 32.5% (for the higher rate band) > 38.1% (in the additional rate band) People with a low dividend income will see a reduction in their tax bill, but the new measures are likely to hit family-run small businesses the hardest.

for those who set up their own business without incorporation.

The low taxation rate of 10% on dividend income had been introduced at a time when rates of Corporation Tax were much higher, and at the time, was an attempt to relieve the financial pressures being experienced by directors and shareholders.

Any individual in receipt of more than £5,000 in dividends during a tax year will also be required to complete the selfassessment process from April 2016, as the tax on dividends will not be deducted at source.

Strong objections from the business community With the inherent difficulties facing small businesses, fears have been expressed that the government is making it much harder for people in business to survive financially. This includes both individual contractors who have incorporated their businesses, and family-run companies.

In conjunction with the introduction of auto-enrolment and the new minimum wage, abolishing the 10% Dividend Tax Credit could be the final straw for some small limited companies.

In fact, an online petition has been started, objecting to these new rules. Company directors/ shareholders say that the rewards of low dividend taxation compensated for the long hours and risks they took when starting their business, and that their overall contribution to the economy needs to be more widely acknowledged by the government.

The Telegraph reports that an additional £6.8 billion in tax will be paid by small business owners in the next five years,

So why has the Treasury decided to overhaul the current system?

The government is attempting to discourage tax-motivated incorporation, which means setting up a business as a limited company simply to enjoy a lower rate of tax on income.

In the past, directors/ shareholders of a limited company have been able to take a small salary from their business, which attracted enough tax to maintain their entitlement to the state pension. The government’s objection, however, is that company profits are then used to extract a further dividend taxed at the much lower rate of 10%.

Additionally, no National Insurance contributions are required on dividend income, and the Treasury felt the need to act to ensure greater equality

and that some are considering putting their business up for sale.

Are there any other changes to UK taxation in the forthcoming financial year?

Template.qxd 07/12/2009 Template.qxd 07/12/2009 Other announcements made in last year’s Budget include: • Pension tax relief changes Restrictions on pension tax relief for those with an income of £150,000 or more will come into force from April 2016.

Currently, higher rate tax payers enjoy 40% tax relief on their pension contributions.

A fixed rate of 33% will apply for all in the new tax year, regardless of the rate band they are in.

• Savings interest

Said to be an acknowledgement of recent poor returns for savers, George Osborne also announced in last year’s budget that savings interest of up to £1,000 will no

longer be taxed. He said that around 95% of savers will no longer have to pay tax twice on their savings - once when the money was earned, and again when deposited in their 11:42 Page bank account.

11:42 Page 11 • Digital tax accounts One of the biggest overhauls of the tax system in recent times, the introduction of digital tax accounts is relevant for anyone who has previously been required to complete a self-assessment tax return.

The ‘account’ will be similar to online banking in that details on how much is owed will be available to view at any time, and taxpayers will be able to make payments throughout the financial year rather than meeting a specific deadline.

These are all significant changes to taxation laws in the UK, and are set to bring in considerable sums for the Treasury, but the

new dividend tax rules seem to be attracting the most concern and criticism. www.itcontracting.com/newdividend-tax-april-2016/ www.rossmartin.co.uk/directors/ tax-efficient-remuneration/1591summer-budget-2015-dividendtax https://petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/106525 w w w. g ov. u k / g ove r n m e n t / publications/dividend-allowancefactsheet/dividend-allowancefactsheet www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/ saving/article-3000721/Budget2015-Chancellor-scraps-tax-1-000savings-income.html w w w. te l e gra ph . co. u k /n e ws / predictions/money/12049452/ pay-more -beat-pensions-taxchanges.html moneyweek.com/the-summerbudget-what-it-means-for-you/

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23

L i v e Ja z z

March/April 16 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

What’s On March 10th and 31st Ashford Loving Hands

The Cosy kettle, Hamstreet. at 9.15 - 11.45. Come along for as long as you want to knit or crochet for charities. Enjoy good coffee and company. wool, needles, patterns provided. Feel free to come and see what we’re about. new members welcome. for more information contact Helen 01233733408 or visit Ashford Loving Hands on facebook.

Monday 14th March Smeeth W.I will be hoding March 3rd THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE HUMPHREY LYTTLETON BAND £12 March 10th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ ALEX & WILLIE GARNETT QUINTET £10 March 17th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE JUM MULLEN TRIO ++ DAVE LEWIS £10 March 24th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ STEVE WATERMAN & HIS ALL STAR SEPTET £12 March 29th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE ROGER BEAUJOLAIS QUARTET £10

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April 7th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE CLARK TRACEY QUINTET £10 April 14th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE MICK FOSTER SEXTET £12 April 21st Bernie Stringle & The FJC Present JAZZIN’ JOLSON £12 April 28th Modern Jazz at it’s Best PETER KING & MORNINGTON LOCKETT WITH THE DAVE BARRY TRIO £12 May 3rd BIG BAND JAZZ AT THE FJC The Christ Church University 16pc Big Band Directed by Steve Waterman £12 May 12th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ GEORGINA JACKSON & KAREN SHARP with THE CHRIS INGHAM TRIO £12

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

an Open meeting at the Brabourne and Smeeth Village hall at 7.30pm when all will be welcome to hear a presentation by Geoff Turner on “Those Dirty Miners” a History of Kent Coalfields. It should be an interesting and fascinating meeting to which we extend a welcome to men as well as our usual warm invitation to women to come aong. Should members or visitors reqire further information then please contact either Joy taylor on 01303812165 or Margaret Garrett on 01303813932

Tueday 15th March, The Ashford Decorative & Fine Arts Society meet at Aldington Village

Hall, 10.00 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Medicine in Art thoughout the Ages”. For more than 500 eara the mysteries of medicine have inspire works of art around the world. The talk looks at some of the bizzare & amusing depictions of illness & heling in art. Call Christine on 01233720241

Saturday 19th March 7.30pm The Smarden Players present an ‘Old Time Music Hall’ at he

Falcons Centre, Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch.

Raising funds for Canterbury Oast Trust. Tickets £5 for further details ring 01233732685 or email hanlon1@ btinternet.com

Friday 1 April Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society will be meeting in the Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm, for the Annual Spring Show (staging from 6.30 until 7.20 pm) followed by a light hearted quiz.

Visitors will be made most welcome. For further information contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813 451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com .

27th, 28th & 29th May Woodchurch Art Society

will be holding their very popular Annual Art Exhibition at the Woodchurch Memorial hall. 27th 7-9pm, 28th & 29th 10am-4pm. This will be a very special exhibition with extra surprises, as it is the Art Society’s 25th Anniversary. Over 200 paintings on display, artist in residance. have a go Joe’ for the children, raffle, cards & tombola. Delicious home made cakes and refreshments. Comr along and join in the celebrations. Everyone welcome, Free Entry.

Aldington Corner Quilters Exhibition th

th

Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 April 2016 9.30am – 5.30pm (4.30pm Sunday) At Aldington Village Hall, Aldington, Kent TN25 7EE Admission £3

BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH

Plain Road, Brabourne Lees, Kent TN25 6QN Pastor Tim Simpson Tel:01303 813257 Easter Celebrations! Everyone welcome! Maundy Thursday; March 24 at 7pm; Service, including Communion and Reflection. Good Friday March 25 at 10.30 am; Good Friday Cafe with coffee and hot cross buns followed by a Time of Reflection for any who wish to stay. Easter Sunday; Easter Service at 10.30am with Guest Speaker Greg Marlam retired Baptist Minister from Ashford Baptist Church Art Club We will meet on Tuesday March 8 from 10am – 12noon Further details from Mike on 01303 812484

Raffle quilt to be won

Exhibition to include a showcase of the groups work, demonstrations of techniques and trade stands Light refreshments served all day (sandwiches & cakes etc) Disabled access & ample parking.

Quilt will be raffled for the charity - Pregnancy Sickness Support (Hyperemesis) UK. For more details contact Julie Coney – quirkyjules@gmail.com

St Martin’s Church Aldington Coffee Morning & Table Top Sale Aldington Village Hall Saturday 12th March 2016 10am—1pm Tables £5 available to sell unwanted gifts, craft, books, whatever

Bacon Baps, Cakes Tea coffee squash Call Sue on 01233 720652 or Patricia 01233 720410 to book a table Profit to the church for repairs

Art Exhibition On Saturday April 23 10am - 4.30pm.

Presented by the members of Brabourne Baptist Church Art Club. All are welcome to come and see our exhibition of drawings, paintings and other art work. Further details from Mike on 01303 812484 MP’S Surgery: Our MP Damian Collins, will be holding his monthly surgery at Brabourne Baptist Church from 3.45pm to 4.30pm on Friday March 18. If you have any questions, complaints or comments, please book an appointment by e-mailing your name, post code, subject and message to: shepwayconservatives@ btconnect.com or telephone 01303 253 524 Ladies Breakfast; Come along for a cooked breakfast and good company on Saturday April 9 at 8.45am.

Bring a friend! Guest Speaker; Pam Barr will talk about her recent visit to Malawi where she worked in a refuge for trafficked children. She will also be selling handmade tote bags to raise money for mosquito nets. A contribution of £4 per person is requested on the day. Please phone Val 01303 813152 or Tim 01303 813257 Ruth Group at Church All ladies are welcome to join us in the Cabin on Thursday March 3 at 2.15pm.

Our speaker is Margaret Baker, followed by tea and biscuits. Please phone Erica 01303 814911 for more information.

Café Wednesday; The Café is open every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am. Pop in for a warm friendly chat, caring atmosphere, tea coffee and biscuits.

Choice of books available.

Café Wednesday Extra; We are also open every second Wednesday of the month from 12 noon for soup and rolls, coffee or tea followed by a short reflection. Cost is still only £1. All welcome!

Church Bookings If you wish to book the church hall for a meeting or function, please phone Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152

25

Hobbies Enjoy Hands-On History With The Detectorists

By Kate McLelland Last year the BBC TV series “Detectorists” (starring MacKenzie Crook and Toby Jones) not only won a BAFTA, but attracted thousands of fans. The series seems to have sparked a fresh interest in metal detecting, despite the fact that its main characters seldom find anything more valuable than the odd bottle top or metal button.

26

Some detectorists, however, seem to have the magic touch. 1n 2012, 86-year-old Cliff Massey dug up a stash of old coins in a field in Wrexham, North Wales and last summer he returned to the same field to discover a 15th century gold ring together with a 500 year old hoard of gold and silver coins.

If your appetite has been whetted by the many similar stories that have appeared in the media in recent years, here’s some advice to help you get started as a detectorist: What you need How much time will you spend on your new hobby? If it’s just the odd weekend you may not want to invest too much in your detector. A starter model can be purchased from around £140 but a top of the range detector can cost upwards of £1,000.

A reputable dealer can offer expert knowledge on the range and depth of the device’s

detecting capabilities, battery life, weight and ease of handling.

But be warned: the more expensive detectors are often quite complex to use, so unless you are comfortable using new technology, your new gadget may end up unused in the cupboard under the stairs.

As well as a detector, your basic kit should include good quality digging tools such as a strong trowel or spade, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots or Wellingtons, gloves, a water bottle, First Aid equipment, a notepad and pencil, insect repellent and a Finds Bag, to protect those freshly-dug artefacts.

For your own safety, be sure to tell somebody where you are going on every outing and take along a fully charged mobile phone.

Where to search Try gardens, riverbanks, beaches and common land (subject to by-laws) but get permission from the landowner first if you want to dig on private land. Establish a finds sharing agreement (signed by both parties) before you dig to avoid disagreements in the event of a valuable discovery.

Scheduled sites are protected areas of special historic interest (you will find lists in local museums or by going

to Historic England site www. historicengland.org.uk) and you will need local authority permission to dig in those areas.

Dealing with finds If you are fortunate enough to find something of value, you will be expected to share any money received from a sale 50%-50% with the owner of the land.

The website www.finds.org.uk gives a full definition of the rules surrounding ‘Treasure Trove’. All items classed as treasure must be handed over to the state: a committee then decides on the size of the reward to be given to the finder and landowner.

The idea of discovering hidden treasure may be exciting, but metal detecting isn’t just about the money. It’s a popular hobby that is open to all age groups and can be particularly beneficial to older participants as it keeps you physically and mentally fit.

Metal detecting is also a pastime that offers an unrivalled, handson approach to history that will expand your knowledge and appreciation of this country’s rich heritage.

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health & beauty

Beauty Gifts for Mother’s Day

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Treat mum this Mother’s Day, with a luxurious beauty gift that she’d probably never dream of buying for herself.

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Clarins’ make-up palettes are some of the best on the market in my opinion, and their latest offering is no exception. The Natural Glow Eye Shadow Palette, £33, features five very wearable shades, from light beige to warm brown, all housed in an attractive rose-gold coloured compact. They’re easy to apply, and the palette is perfect for keeping in a handbag to transform a natural day time look into night time glam. Get it quick though; it’s a limited edition, and if previous incarnations are anything to go by, it’s likely to sell out pretty fast.

If you’re looking to earn some serious brownie points, perfume is the way to go. Connock London‘s Kukui is brimming with floral notes, including

gardenia, Moroccan rose, white jasmine and calla lily, but it’s given a grown-up, oriental twist with notes of sandalwood, vetiver, white amber and warm vanilla. The result is a truly gorgeous fragrance, and the bottle looks rather lovely sat out on display as well. There’s a very good chance this could become her new favourite scent. At £75 for 100ml, it’s not cheap, but consider it part-payment for all that teenage angst she had to deal with.

Buying a treat for a mum-to-be?

Neal’s Yard Remedies Mothers range has been specially formulated to nurture women during pregnancy. The range includes a balm, massage oil and bath oil. The balm and massage oil can help to prevent stretch marks, while the bath oil aids relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, as well as softening skin.

(It also smells rather lovely too.) Prices start from £15, so the range is great value, as a little goes a long way and each bottle is packed with high quality, natural ingredients, such as lavender oil, neroli and mandarin essential oils.

The Eco Chic Body Lotion and Shower Gel gift set by Green Energy Organics is ideal if you’re

health & beauty on a budget this Mother’s Day. Priced at £14.95, this is luxury on a shoestring.

Not only are the shower gel and lotion packed with skin friendly oils, such as avocado and jojoba, but they smell divine, with notes of blackcurrant, rose, myrrh, jasmine, tonka bean, vanilla, and white musk. They’re also very gentle, as they don’t contain any dyes, sodium lauryl sulphate or parabens. Available from millabaci.com

lotion and hand & nail cream with either the candle or diffuser to create an at-home spa experience. Products are scented with lavender, geranium and other oils to help mum relax, unwind and de-stress. Throw in a glass of prosecco and some music, and there’s little doubt you’ll be seen as the favourite child. Prices start from £6.

Dashing out last minute to buy a gift? Head to Marks and Spencer and check out their Pure Relaxing range. Team the body wash, body

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Aldington WI on 3rd Mon every month. All ladies

welcome, 7 for 7.30 at The Walnut Tree, Aldington.

The Get Together Club meet second Wednesday of the month in the Durling Hall, Sellindge from 2pm to 4pm. new members welcome.

Stanford & Postling WI meet in the comittee room at the rear of Lympne Village Hall on the 3rd monday of every month. we are a small but friendly group who would love to wlecome new members. Our speakers at the next few meetings are: March 21st Porchlight, Kate Lumley, April 18th Agatha Christie, Rosemary Piddock. for any futher information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390.

East Kent Morris Men Do you like dancing, beer, socialising, music, having fun? Why not try Morris Dancing? We are recruiting for new members. Weekly Wednesday dance practices start on September 9th at Mersham Village Hall, 8pm to 10pm; afterwards we practise drinking in the pub opposite! No experience required. Why not give it a try? Details from www. ekmm.org.uk or 01795 536 262 Sellindge Gardening Association meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Durling Hall Sellindge (next to the main hall) at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Our programme includes speakers, a summer show, social events, day trips and an annual holiday.

For further details contact Linda on 01303 813288.

Bilsington Ladies meet in Bilsington Village Hall 2nd Thursday of the month at 2.15pm. Interesting speakers and a warm welcome awaits. Call Jan on 01233 641820.

Smeeth W.I. We meet on the second Monday of the Month at 7.30 pm in the Brabourne & Smeeth village hall for further information do contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165” Sellindge Table Top Sale the 1st Saturday of each month in the village hall Sellindge. Tables

Clubs & Societies booked in advance are £5. 00 Each and on the day (If available) £8. 00. Telephone for more information 01303 813475. Refreshments are available and home made cakes.

A New Quilting Group held in the Oak Room, Smeeth TN25 6SA. If you are interested in quilting or patchwork why not come along and learn new skills and share your expertise with like minded people. Beginners and advanced levels are welcome. Bi-monthly meetings, for further information contact Marion on 01233 750319

Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society

We meet on the last Friday of the month at Brabourne & Smeeth Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm.

New members and visitors will be made very welcome. For further info call Wendy Sanders 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com.

Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the

month in the Aldington Village Hall at 7.45 pm for 8.00. We have a varied programme of talks, shows and social events. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further details please contact Jean Evans on 01233 720618 or colin.e123@ btinternet.com Ashford Soroptimists Second Tues of the month, 7.15pm, except August, in Tesco Crooksfoot Community Room. We are part of a global organisation whose aims are to improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment or enabling opportunities and to be a global voice for increasing access to education and leadership for women and girls. We support local, national and international projects which have the same aims. In addition we also have fun, with a programme of social activities. If you think you may be interested in joining us do please give us a call.

Contact Sue Wood 01233 623902

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Puzzle Time

Word Ladder

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.

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!

H I D E

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

32

Crossword Across 1. Tidy (4) 3. Uneducated (8) 9. Not man-made (7) 10. Tummy button (5) 11. Premature (5) 12. Pacific and Atlantic (6) 14. Stitching (6) 16. Not present (6) 19. Vegetable (6) 21. Big cat (5) 24. Heartbeat (5) 25. Frightened (7) 26. Less than twenty (8) 27. Second-hand (4) Down 1. Rubbish (8) 2. Performer (5) 4. Faster than canter (6) 5. 28grams approx. (5) 6. Move forwards (7) 7. Cash register (4) 8. Used for drawing (6) 13. Surprised (8)

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8 9

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15. Made from fleece (7) 5 20. Representative Across 28grams approx. (5) 17. Double-cross (6) 22. Presents (5) (5) 1 Tidybeverage (4) 18. Hot (6) 23. Unlocked (4) 6 Move forwards (7) 3 Uneducated (8) 7 Cash register (4)

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Jakeman & Jakeman Homecare Steve Jakeman

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

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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...

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useful information Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch

Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden

Crimestoppers

Contact Mike Wharrad

101 0800 555 111

Out of Hours Doctor 0845 4349655 William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331

Samaritans

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

08457 90 90 90

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

01233 730190 01303 812180

Parish Councils: Aldington & Bonnington

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01233 721757

E: clerk@ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk www.ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Brabourne & Smeeth Mersham & Sevington

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

Royal British Legion CPRE Kent

01233 620 167 01233 714540

Royal Mail Residential Customer Services

08457 740740

National Train Enquiries

Doctors Surgery Hamstreet Surgery Sellindge Surgery

01233 623520

01233 623902 01233 720816

Ashford Borough Council 01233 331111 W: www.ashford.gov.uk

Ashford Gateway 0845 8 247 247 Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185 Brabourne and Smeeth Community Warden: Graham Kingston 07813 712805

www.nationalrail.co.uk

Bus Enquiries Arriva Bus Enquiries Stage Coach East Kent (Timetable) (Customer Services)

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

Village Halls Aldington Brabourne & Smeeth Bilsington Hamstreet Mersham Smeeth Stowting Sellindge Sellindge Spts & Soc. Club

01233 720213 01303 813234 01233 720818 01233 732568 01233 503192 01303 814977 01303 863520 01303 813250 01303 812437

Veterinary Surgeons Montgomery Vets

01303 813756

Ashford Volunteer Centre 01233 665 535 Age UK Ashford 01233 668 765 www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com CARM E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com W: Www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk

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

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

Cesspool Emptying Service

01233 840624

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

The Village Directory Coverage

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Ashford 20,000

Charing Area 4,000

Wye Area 4,000

Kennington, Brabourne Hothfield Willesborough, Biddenden Repton Park, Great Chart, Brabourne Lees Little Chart Kingsnorth, Park Farm, Sevington & Orbital Park Aldington Area - 4,000 Bethersden Bridgefield Est. Sellindge High Halden Mersham Aldington Woodchurch Stowting TN26 Area - 5,000 Stanford Bilsington Warehorne Bonnington Hamstreet Ruckinge

St Michaels

Dymchurch Newchurch

Appledore

Tenterden Small Hythe Wittersham

Tenterden & Rye Stone-in-Oxney Area 9,000

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The Marsh 10,400

Iden Playden East Guldeford Rye Camber

Lydd Dungeness

Call: 01233 720488

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