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village directory
The
March 2017
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Welcome Hi everyone welcome to the March Issue. It has been a long cold winter, but don’t worry, there is light at the end of the tunnel. British Summer Time will begin on Sunday 26th of March, which also happens to be Mother’s Day. We may lose an hour in bed, as our clocks go forward, and it may take a little longer before Spring truly arrives, but I for one will be more than happy to welcome the onset of longer days and lighter evenings. With Spring waiting in the wings my mind has turned to fitness, or rather my lack if it. I’ve just returned from my first skiing holiday for seven years and it was a shock to discover just how unfit I have become. With hospitals overworked, and seeing this for ourselves when my son was admitted in November, my husband has made a strong case for us both being fit as we approach our old age. I totally agree with him, and being a little closer to it than he is, I have promised to make some changes. Running the magazines means that I spend endless hours sitting at a computer, I have taken to standing for some tasks, but this is nowhere near enough. A few months back one of my son’s friends, Sam, began working with me, she has made a big difference to my workload, meaning that I no longer have an excuse for taking a little time out for some exercise. So here it is in black and white, I promise to do some form of exercise every day for a minimum of 30 minutes. If I am successful my next challenge will be to continue beyond the end of Brithish Summer Time. Wish me luck! See you next time!
Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk April Issue Deadline 10th March 2017
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3
How To Hedge by Pippa Greenwood
There is nothing better than a living boundary around or within your garden - bricks and fencing are all very well, but as far as lifting your spirits and keeping wildlife happy, it is difficult to beat a hedge. Hedges can take on many guises – they can look smart or informal, be neat and compact or thicker and sturdier, evergreen or deciduous and, if you want you can even include some hedging with pretty flowers. The options are many, the potential is huge - and now is an ideal time to plant a new hedge. First, prepare the area in the same way you would for any other long-term planting: fork the soil over thoroughly, removing large stones, debris and pernicious weeds. This will eliminate anything that might make establishment tricky or subsequently reduce hedge growth. This preparation also helps to break up any compaction and to aerate the soil, making it a better place for plant roots. If the soil is either very sandy and light or very heavy with clay, then fork in well-rotted garden compost, manure or proprietary compost,
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as this will help to improve the soil’s texture and its ability to hold moisture and nutrients to just the right extent. At the same time incorporate a complete fertilizer. A young hedge will not create a perfect barrier for the first few years, so if you anticipate problems with next door’s pets or children breaking through you may initially need to use a less attractive barrier such as galvanized stock fencing. Don’t be tempted to plant right up against an existing fence, as the plants simply won’t grow well. At this time of year, when hedging plants grow very little or not at all, you can create a hedge very effectively using ‘bareroot’ plants, but if you want to plant a hedge at any other time you will need container-grown plants. Small pot-grown conifers, for instance, will have wellestablished roots and should thrive. If using pot-grown plants, carefully remove each plant from its pot just before planting, having watered them thoroughly first if the compost is dry. The roots should not be too tightly packed in the pot, but if they are, tease them out firmly before planting. If you’re using bare-root
plants, make sure that you’re ready to plant them as soon as they are delivered and that the soil is also ready and waiting. It is essential to space the plants correctly to achieve the desired effect, and to make sure that you plant them properly if they are to get off to a good start and establish well. Once out of the pot, position the plant in the prepared soil, making sure that it is at the same depth as it was in the pot. If you’re using bare-root plants then make sure that only the roots are beneath the soil. If planted too deeply the plants will suffer and may even die; if planted too shallowly they will be more prone to drying out. Firm the soil around each so that it is in good contact with the roots. Hedging plants generally need a spacing of about 30-45cm. For a much thicker or denser hedge it is often worth planting them 45cm apart, but using two parallel rows of plants, positioned so that the planting is staggered like bricks in a wall. Once the whole hedge is planted, water the soil thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots and so allow the plants to establish.
The Garden On windy sites or with larger plants it may be worth using small, temporary stakes such as bamboo canes to stabilise the plants. For the hedge to grow well, it is essential that you keep it well watered, especially during dry or windy weather. The first 18 months is the most vital period. Some great hedging plants: • Yew - perfect for a formal, super-smart evergreen hedge. • Thuja - makes a stunning conifer hedge for year round colour, and is not too inclined to be rampant! • Beech - a deciduous plant that gives a good effect for much of the year because the gingery brown autumn leaves often last well. Both purple and greenleafed forms. • Hornbeam - similar to beech but with few leaves held over winter and more prone to mildew. Great as a neatly
clipped hedge. • Cypress – the ‘Leyland Cypress’ is notorious, but kept well clipped and cut back regularly this does actually make a great hedge. • Pyracantha - a very spiny evergreen plant excellent for keeping out unwelcome visitors, with pretty creamywhite flowers and red-orange or yellow berries. • Privet - the classic town hedge, which looks great neatly clipped and has evergreen leaves that make a good foil for nearby flowers. • Euonymus (pictured) - a useful evergreen with many forms, some variegated green and cream, others green and yellow. • Hawthorn - deciduous and potentially thorny too, perfect as an ingredient of a ‘native’ hedge and good for wildlife. • Blackthorn - deciduous and very thorny, great for ‘native’
hedging and wildlife, with pretty white flowers followed by sloes - ideal for sloe gin drinkers but can easily get too vigorous! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.
T: 01233 428096 M: 07941 830035 “We never make a mountain out of a molehill”
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Stephen Bailey Landscaping 99Garden Landscaping 99Rock Walling 99Patios & Drives 99Fencing & Decking 99Turfing & Tree Work 99Clearance & Groundwork 99Hedge & Shrub Cutting 99Water Features
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Mowgli by Montgomery Vets
H O
ello everyone, Mowgli here! We hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather and the beginning of spring.
ur humans have had quite a few people to the house recently to mend or make things. I make visitors my personal business so I always wait at the door for Jane to pick me up, open the door and find out who it is. These days after this I usually get shut in the attic bedroom as apparently I am a liability…. I think this is grossly unfair- I am just very interested in what goes on in my house and always make sure that the work is up to standard. Clive always cites the chimney sweep incident (I had to be manually removed from the chimney), the boiler service incident (I got in the toolbox, asked to be carried around in it and refused to get out) and the day a man came to plaster our ceiling (I tunnelled under all the dust sheets, pounced on the man’s feet and then sat between his feet on the top of his ladder yelling my encouragements to him. Apparently I put him off.....) Anyway, we have recently had a couple of men come and look at the drive (this wasn’t very interesting for me as I stayed inside and just yelled comments from the porch) and two come and look at making a new loft hatch. The loft hatch was something I could get fully involved inladders, hatches, tape measures- bliss! I am really looking forward to a couple of weeks’ time when the new hatch gets made. Then we will have a built in ladder I will be able to run straight up- a whole new place to play! Clive is already rolling his eyes as I type this…..
I
t is getting towards the time of year now when everyone thinks of taking their holidays. Ebony and I always hope that Clive
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and Jane will take us with them one year. Clive says no chance of that as I am so naughty I am bound to cause major breakages and disgrace (I don’t know what he is thinking about although I have to admit that right now whilst helping type this up I have tipped a large mug of hot tea all over Jane’s antique bureau- she had to run my paws under the tap to prevent scalds or burns and then was ranting about water marks on the wood or something. Humans are so odd!). Ebony and I always look out for the tell-tale signs of bags and packing. Ebony gets very depressed as soon as the bags come out and hides herself away. I always just jump into the bags and hide myself amongst the contents. They
AT THE EVEGATE CENTRE SMEETH, ASHFORD ‘We treat your pet as if it was our own’ Specialising in all pet animals including exotics & avian. Calm and friendly family run clinic.
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The Home haven’t fallen for this yet but I am hoping that if I hide well enough and lie still enough one year I might get to be a stowaway. Do any of you cats out there get taken away on holiday?
Mowgli
~Montgomery Veterinary Clinic
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Home & Interiors Invaluable Decorating Tips By Katherine Sorrell
Planning some changes to your home? Interiors expert Katherine Sorrell has some handy hints… Living rooms • To help plan where to place your furniture, draw a scale plan of your room and cut out mini sofas, chairs and other furniture. Move them around until you find the right positions. Lifesized cardboard cut-outs can also be a great help. • The alcoves either side of a chimney breast are perfect for creating extra storage. A combination of cupboards at the bottom and shelving above works really well. • To let maximum light into the room, fit a pole or track that overhangs far enough each
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on side of the window to allow the curtains to be drawn right back. Bear in mind that very full, thick curtains need more ‘stack back’ space than light, thin ones. • Talking of lighting, avoid using a central hanging pendant as your one and only light source if at all possible. Add in table lamps, floor lamps and – if you’re renovating – wall lamps for a more flexible and flattering ambience. • The TV is, often, the focal point of a living room. But you don’t always want to look at a blank black screen, so consider ways to disguise it when not in use – especially if you socialise a lot in your living room. Can you adapt a piece of furniture, such as an armoire, so that it sits behind closed doors when necessary? Kitchens • Aim to have tall .cupboards at one end of your cupboard run, with the hob nearby and the maximum amount of worktop space between the hob and the sink. Add the dishwasher next to the sink at the other end. • If possible, make worktops deeper than usual at 700mm instead of 600mm – that 100mm is more useful as working space
than floor space, and will better accommodate a large sink. • In an open-plan kitchen, choose the quietest appliances possible, and design it so that you can hide the washing up from the view of the dining table. • If you paint the inside of a wall cabinet door with blackboard paint, you’ll always have somewhere to write a shopping list. • Base cabinets on legs, or recessed plinths, make the room seem larger because you can see more floor. Bedrooms • Plan storage with precision, and divide the interior of your wardrobe into full, half and three-quarter hanging space, fitting shelves, drawers and shoe racks as necessary. Look for clever storage gadgets such as tie racks, belt racks and pull-out trays. • Squeezed for space? Use the full height of the room and build fitted wardrobes right up to the ceiling, using the less accessible high-up space for storing things you don’t often need. • Add a blackout lining to your curtains, or choose wooden shutters for additional sound and draught-proofing, and security. • Swing-arm lights on either side of the bed are great for reading, and free up space on bedside tables. • A blanket box at the end of the bed is an ideal place to store spare bedding, also providing a handy seat.
The Home Children’s rooms • Kids’ tastes change rapidly as they grow up so, unless you want to redecorate every few years, keep the walls, floors and major items of furniture relatively neutral, just changing accessories, such as rugs, cushion covers, bean bags, blinds and lamp shades, as necessary. • Add interest to boring walls by covering them with blackboard paint, magnetic wallpaper, peg board, cork tiles, blown-up digital images, maps, flags or wall stickers. • A high-level bed is great for providing extra space beneath for study, play or storage. • Fit a dimmer switch so you can adjust the light level from bright for playing or reading to soft and calm at bedtime. • Storage is all-important. Felt tips and paint brushes can be
kept in old baby-milk tins, or any other large, washed-up tin, as long as it doesn’t have sharp edges. Cover in an offcut of wallpaper for a unified look. For storing tiny Lego sets and the like, plastic takeaway boxes, ice cream tubs or shoe boxes are ideal. Bathrooms • If you’re on a budget, invest more in the moving parts – taps, shower doors and bath screens – and save on a plain white suite, adding decorative appeal with tiles and attractive accessories. • Wall-hung WCs and washbasins create the illusion of extra space. • Hide pipework under floorboards or behind false walls – not forgetting to include access panels where necessary. You can punch shallow shelves into the
studwork to create useful storage niches. • A single light above your washbasin mirror creates really unflattering shadows. Try to fit lights on both sides instead. • Design your shower so you can turn it on from outside, thus avoiding having to stand under a stream of cold water. • Chosen a cast iron bath? Check it will fit up the stairs…
Main Image: Galaxy square mirror with integrated lighting, £200 Astro Lighting: 01279 427001; astrolighting.co.uk.
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The Home
Court at Street, Lympne
Sellindge
Smeeth
Seven bedroom detached village property, offering flexible accommodation and far reaching countryside views.
Surprisingly spacious property with excellent ground floor accommodation comprising of lounge, double bedroom/ office, quality fitted kitchen, dining room, family bathroom and conservatory.
Spacious individual detached bungalow, standing on a slightly elevated plot in the heart of the sought after village.
£575,000
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Sellindge
Ashford
Brabourne Lees
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Arranged over three floors this very well presented property offers excellent space, making a practical and attractive family home.
A rarely available two bedroom semi-detached village bungalow. This property is tucked away in a small pedestrian area to the rear of the large village green.
£300,000
£285,000
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Kennington
This excellent sized house offers 3/4 bedrooms, good size kitchen, dining room/bedroom 4, lounge with Juliette balcony, family bathroom and en-suite.
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Brabourne Lees
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Willesborough
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LEES ROAD • BRABOURNE LEES • Nr ASHFORD • KENT TN25 6QB
SALES: 01303 812515 • LETTINGS:01303 812541 www.stevenjmooreestateagents.co.uk
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Hobbies A Hobby That Spans 150 Million Years By Kate McLelland When plumber Steve Etches began collecting fossils as a young man, he could hardly have imagined that one day he would open the doors to his own fossil museum. Since the 1980s, when he started hunting for fossils in his spare time, Steve – now aged 66 - has dug up more than 2,000 specimens, some of which are rare examples of ancient species that experts believed did not previously exist in that area. The £5m Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life – to give it its full title – is the pinnacle of this Dorset plumber’s remarkable achievements. As well as showcasing his impressive collection, it uses CGI displays to recreate the marine environment of 150 million years ago, allowing visitors to see how the creatures would have moved and interacted when alive. The word ‘fossil’ comes from the Latin word ‘fossus’, which literally means ‘something obtained by digging’. There are different types of fossil: ‘body fossils’ include the petrified remains of animals, fish and plants and even microscopic organisms such as bacteria. Another type of fossil is the ‘trace fossil’, which shows an imprint of
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something that has once lived, such as a human footprint. A fossil is usually formed when an animal or plant dies and is rapidly buried by sand, soil or mud. Fossilization occurs when the circumstances for preserving the body are just right, and an ancient seabed – where bodies are quickly covered up – is one of the best places to look. Steve Etches was fortunate to live near Dorset’s Jurassic coast, but you don’t need to live near a rich excavation site to make fossil collecting your hobby. Fossil collectors are a diverse group and vary from the casual collector to the dedicated hobbyist, who might even travel the world looking for rare specimens. Some individuals even combine a fossil hobby with collecting crystals and minerals. If you’re not sure where to start, you could visit displays at the Natural History Museum in London or explore www.fossilmuseum. net: a virtual museum of fossils, with timelines, records and information on fossil sites throughout the world. Alternatively, visit one of the
hundreds of locations in the UK that are known for fossils. During the summer many fossil-rich coastal resorts offer opportunities to go hunting with an experienced guide, and that is a great way to establish a basis for your collection. Fossils are commonly found on the beach, or in quarries, but others have been found in more unusual places. Be aware that if you are entering a farm field or a quarry to search, you may need to obtain permission before you can enter. There are some places – for example, where fossils form part of the construction of sea defences and walls – where you may be breaking the law if you try to remove them. A sharp pair of eyes is the best tool for finding new specimens, as most fossils are lying in plain sight amongst the stones on the beach (although you may need help to identify likely fossils at first). Special geological hammers can be used to gently crack open the rock encasing them if necessary. If you intend to hunt for fossils in the great outdoors, make sure you are well equipped. You’ll need:
• A tide timetable, so you can avoid getting trapped by the tide. • Sturdy plastic bags for your specimens. • Old newspaper to wrap up delicate finds. • A mobile phone. • A camera. • A geological hammer and safety glasses. • A notebook and pen to record your finds. One of the best sources of information about fossil collecting is www.ukfossils.co.uk. Here you’ll find a list of activities taking place throughout the country, including organised fossil hunts and fossil shows where you can chat to experts and buy specimens. Alternatively, discuss your finds with other fossil hunters at www. discussfossils.com.
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If you are buying items to add to your collection, then it’s best to stick to recommended sites, as forgers can create spectacular fakes out of resin that are almost impossible to differentiate from the real thing. You can pay anything from under a pound for a fossilized shark’s tooth to hundreds of pounds for a really good specimen, but the sky’s the limit when it comes to the rarest examples. The highest price ever recorded for a fossil was $7.6 million, paid for a T-Rex skeleton nicknamed “Sue” in 1997.
work. As this article began by describing Steve’s extraordinary achievements, it’s only right that he should have the last word: “You don’t need to go to university to do this. You can’t learn what I’ve learned from a three or four year degree. You can do it as a hobby and take it from there.” Happy hunting.
As a fossil collector you can scale your hobby exactly as you wish: either keep a few items in a display box at home or make a trailblazing contribution to science like Steve Etches, who is now considered a worldwide authority on fossils and has even been awarded an MBE for his
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Cake and Bake Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes Based on the classic lemon drizzle cake these tangy cupcakes are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea! Ingredients:
1. 1 Preheat the oven to 180C, Fan 160C , Gas Mark 4.
• 175g unsalted butter, softened
2. Place the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder and eggs
Line a 12 hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases. in a large bowl and whisk with an electric whisk until thoroughly blended and pale and creamy. Fold in the lemon curd.
• 175g golden caster sugar • 175g self-raising flour • 1tsp baking powder
3. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases and bake for 15-20 minutes until risen and golden brown. Whilst the cakes are baking mix the topping ingredients together in a small bowl.
• 3 large eggs • 2tbsp lemon curd TOPPING • 100g granulated sugar
4. Remove the cakes from the oven and leave for 1-2 minutes then spoon some of the sugar and juice mixture over each cupcake. Leave to cool in the tray the sugar topping will go crisp on cooling.
• Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon
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Makes 12
TIP
Ready in 40 minutes, plus cooling
If you don’t have lemon curd use 1-2 tbsp of milk or soured cream and 2 tsp grated lemon zest instead.
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Thai Green Curry Serves 4
Ready in 35 minutes
This classic curry is great for a mid-week family supper – it’s quick to make and tastes delicious!
Ingredients: • 200g Thai jasmine rice • 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced • 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste • 1 large red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced • 1 large courgette, sliced • 450g chicken breast fillets, cut into chunks
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion for 5 minutes. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the pepper and courgette and fry for a further minute. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink, stirring all the time. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Stir in the soy and fish sauces and lime juice.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
Drain the rice and use a small heatproof cup or bowl to make four mounds of rice on warmed serving plates. Sprinkle the nigella seeds on top and spoon the curry on the side.
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
TIP
• 400ml can coconut milk
• Squeeze of lime juice • 2 tsp nigella seeds
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Cook the rice in a large pan of boiling, lightly salted water for about 15 minutes until tender, or follow the packet instructions.
Add a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves to the curry at the end of cooking time, if liked. Or for a spicier flavour, garnish with shredded red chilli pepper.
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Bring this advert along to the Market on 18th March to be entered into a free prize draw to win a Wye Farmers Market Hamper. www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk marketmanager@wyefarmersmarket.co.uk
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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)
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
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L i v e Ja z z 2016/17
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 2017 March & April All gigs start at 8pm ~ All gigs £12 admission Seat Bookings 01303 277175 Email twinklewood@btinternet.com Info on website www.towertheatrefolkestone. co.uk THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ March 2nd / £12 This is Ronnie Scott’s music! 8pm MORNINGTON LOCKETT & DICK PEARCE “ Back together “ Plus -- The Dave Barry Trio March 9th / £12 British Jazz Awards All Star Special THE STEVE WATERMAN ALL STAR SEPTET March 16th / £12 Direct from downtown New York City MARLENE VERPLANCK & Her Trio March 23rd / £12 The Original “ Humph “ Band (-plus trumpet !!! ) THE HUMPHREY LYTTELTON BAND March 30th / £12 Tenor Madness with 3 top tenor saxes & 3 rhythm... Derek Nash’s TENOR MADNESS April 4th / £12 The Music of Oscar Peterson By this award winning Quartet THE CRAIG MILVERTON QUARTET April 13th / £12 From The Ronnie Scott Orchestra GEORGINA JACKSON & PETE LONG With THE CHRIS INGHAM TRIO T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b i s a n o n p r o f i t m a k i n g j a z z c l u b. R u n b y & fo r p e o p l e w i t h a l i k e m i n d e d i n t e re s t i n OUR KIND OF MUSIC D e r i c k Wo o d l a n d 0 1 3 0 3 2 6 0 3 3 0
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W h a t’s O n Smeeth W.I. will meet on Monday 13th March at Brabourne and Smeeth Village Hall at 7.30 pm and this will be an OPEN Meeting, where anyone male or female is most welcome to join us. Andrew Ashton, an Art Lecturer will tell us all about “The Art of Beryl Cook” who painted voluminous fun characters in her work. We know that this will be a most interesting presentation and look forward to welcoming all. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Joy Taylor on 01303 812165 or Margaret Garrett on 01303 813932 Ashford Flower Club invites you to a demonstration by Jane Patterson entitled ‘My World of Colour’ on Tuesday, 21st March. It will take place at Furley Hall, Maidstone Road, TN24 8TX, and starts at 7.30pm. Visitors - £3.00 at the door. Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society will be holding their Spring Show on Saturday 25th March in the village hall. The show will include floral arrangements, cookery and crafts as well as cut flowers. There will also be children’s classes. The doors 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 Brabourne & Smeeth Garden’s Society will meet in the village hall Friday 31st March at 7.15 for 7.30pm when the Spring Show will be held followed by a quiz. Staging is from 6.30 pm until 7.20 pm. Visitors will be made most welcome. For further enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@ gmail.com Little Chart Spring Flower Show will be held Saturday 8th April in the Parish Hall at 3pm . Entries welcome . Schedules available from Julie Lilwall 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. The Lunch Club, Hamstreet no longer meet in the Church of the Good Shepherd Hall. We still meet alternate Wednesdays in The Dukes Head public house at 12 noon. Further details from Rosemary 01233 732644 or Jennie 01233 732766 Coffee Mornings every Wednesday in the bistro area of quarryhouse from 10am. Quarry Bistro, Aldington.
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Clubs & Societies 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 Aldington Corner Quilters is a long established group of friendly ladies meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Aldington Village Hall, 7.00pm - 9.00pm. We have a mix of beginners and experienced ladies who share their latest projects and ideas. We always welcome new members so if you are interested come along one evening and meet us. For more information contact Julie Coney - quirkyjules@gmail.com or call 01303 813944 (eve). Aldington WI on 3rd Mon every month. All ladies welcome, 7 for 7.30 at The Walnut Tree, Aldington. Ashford Model Railway Club - We meet on Wednesday evenings at the barn café at Willesborough Windmill. between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, and the club would welcome new members. Club members are currently building a model of Rye in 00 gauge in the SR period. Contact John White on 01233 733416 for more information Ashford Radio Aeromodellers, we have a field at Sellindge for flying seven days a week, and fly indoors in Ashford Market on various Thursday evenings during the Autumn, Winter, & Spring, please visit www.araclub.co.uk for more details, or phone Iain on 07956501510, or myself (Roger) 01233 627694. Ashford Decorative & Fine Arts Society (part of NADFAS). A great way to expand your knowledge of the arts, with inspiring monthly lectures given by some of the countries top experts, together with days of special interest and arts visits. All lectures are in Aldington Village Hall, usually on the third Tuesday of each month, from September to June. Membership is open to all. See www.ashforddfas. org.uk 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. 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. East Kent Morris Men Do you like dancing, beer, socialising, music, having fun? Why not try Morris
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Dancing? We are recruiting for new members. Weekly Wednesday dance practices 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 Lympne Short Mat Bowling Club meets every Monday and Thursday 7 00 pm. to 9 30 pm September to May in Lympne Village Hall. We currently have vacancies for new members. It is a small, friendly, sociable club. Do come along and try your hand at an enjoyable, skilful game. The first three weeks are free. There is no need to buy any bowls as the club has a selection which can be used until you have decided whether you are going to enjoy the game. All you need is a pair of carpet slippers or smooth soled flat shoes If you decide to become a member the Annual Subscription is £20 and the green fees are £2 per evening. Do come along you will be made most welcome. For further details pcall : Joyce Groom Match Secretary on 01303 230983 / 0750 652 5971 or email trevor_groom@sky.com 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. Bimonthly meetings, for further information contact Marion on 01233 750319 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. Sellindge Table Top Sale the 1st Saturday of each month in the village hall Sellindge. Tables 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. 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 Stanford & Postling WI meet in the committee 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. For any further information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390. The Get Together Club meet second Wednesday of the month in the Durling Hall, Sellindge from 2pm to 4pm. new members welcome.
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Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Types of ovarian cancer Epithelial ovarian cancer About 90% of ovarian tumours are epithelial (starting in the layer covering the ovary).
Around 7,300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK each year and less than half are alive five years later, often due to late diagnosis. Yet early diagnosis can increase the fiveyear survival rate to over 90%. Unfortunately, the symptoms of early stage ovarian cancer can be mild and easily mistaken for symptoms of other conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). That’s why Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, occurring every March, is so important. Protecting Yourself from Ovarian Cancer There are a few factors shown to reduce ovarian cancer risk. These are: • Taking the contraceptive pill – the longer you take it, the more protection it offers. Protection lasts for at least 30 years after you stop. • Having children – each child lowers your risk. • Breastfeeding – the longer you breastfeed, the higher the protection. • Having your tubes tied (sterilisation).
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Primary peritoneal carcinoma A few ovarian cancers are primary peritoneal carcinomas, which develop from the membrane around abdominal organs. Germ cell and other rare ovarian tumours Around 1 to 2% of ovarian cancers are germ cell cancers, formed in the egg making cells of the ovary. Benign forms of germ cell tumour also exist, sometimes called dermoid cysts or mature teratoma. Rare stromal tumours and sarcomas can also affect the ovary. Borderline ovarian tumours Borderline ovarian tumours do not grow into the supportive tissue of the ovary (the stroma) and grow slowly. Abnormal cells can sometimes break away and settle elsewhere in the body, usually the abdomen, but do not usually grow into the underlying tissue. Risk Factors Increasing age Most ovarian cancer sufferers are post-menopause. Faulty genes Between 5 and 15% of ovarian cancers are thought to be caused by an inherited faulty gene, including BRCA1 and BRCA2,
which also increase the risk of breast cancer. Previous breast cancer Risk is up to double in women who’ve had breast cancer and even higher if their breast cancer diagnosis was before age 40. Being infertile or having fertility treatment Some studies indicate that infertility raises risk, but fertility treatments are no longer believed to do so. There does seem to be an increased risk of borderline ovarian tumours in infertile women treated with IVF. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Less than 1% of ovarian cancers are linked to HRT. Being overweight or tall A BMI of 28 or over increases risk in premenopausal women but has no effect on risk in postmenopausal women. Taller women also have a higher risk. Endometriosis Using talc Using talcum powder between your legs is thought to increase ovarian cancer risk due to its irritant effect. Smoking The longer you’ve smoked, the greater the risk increase for certain ovarian cancers. Diet factors There is no definitive evidence on the effect of diet on ovarian cancer risk, although some studies suggest a high fat diet may increase it. Symptoms Ovarian cancer symptoms aren’t
Health & Fitness always easy to identify and may be easily mistaken for the symptoms of conditions such as IBS or PMS in the early stages. However, if symptoms are new, severe, frequent or persistent (occurring most days for three weeks or more), you should see your GP immediately, although often, a less serious condition is to blame. Look out for: • Abdominal swelling and persistent bloating. • Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain. • Difficulty eating, nausea and feeling full unusually quickly. • Back pain. • Needing to urinate more frequently. • Pain during sex. Remember that ovarian cancer is rare in women under 40, but that you should be particularly
cautious if you are over 50 or have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Diagnosis First, the GP will examine you externally and internally, checking for any lumps or swelling. They may also send you for an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound scan and do a blood test for CA125. CA125 is a protein produced by some ovarian cancers but also other conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy. The CA125 level is raised in about half of women with early stage ovarian cancer and 90% of women with advanced ovarian cancer. You’ll usually be referred to a specialist who will examine you and order a blood test and ultrasound scan if the GP hasn’t done so. They may also order a
CT or MRI scan. To assess whether any abnormality indicates cancer they use the risk of malignancy index (RMI), which combines scan results, CA125 levels and menopausal status. Women with a high score are referred to a multidisciplinary team. However, sometimes it’s impossible to diagnose ovarian cancer definitively without surgery. Treatment Most women with ovarian cancer will require surgery. If your cancer is diagnosed early enough, you may only need the affected ovary and attached fallopian tube removed. More advanced cancers may need more extensive surgery, and chemotherapy may be used before and after to treat cancerous cells and reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
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27 VillageDirectoryJULY.indd 1
10/10/2016 15:34
Kid’s Corner
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A View from Spring Grove
Mindfulness and Forgiveness
Today I received a delightful letter from one of our youngest pupils and it made me think about the act of forgiveness and what is involved in saying sorry. Thoughts I would like to share with you all. Sometimes ‘sorry’ really can be the hardest word. Whilst the act of forgiveness may be a painful process for some it is arguably less painful than holding a grudge. It has been said that resentment ert has isbeen created for you onthe other like hurting yourself andbased expecting to feel Please the pain. advise It is youus that ou haveperson supplied. bysuffers not the other person. any errors or corrections otherwise we forgive is his ad. Choosing Manytothanks ‌a way to release the distress that arises again and again from the memory of how you have been wronged, but the process of forgiveness is often a long and difficult one. After we suffer at the hands of another the primal human impulse of retaliation may be difficult to ignore. To resist the urge and to forgive instead is a conscious decision not an emotion, all the time where your emotions are running high. It would not be a stretch to suggest our brains need training and re-training to ignore the negative thoughts that are associated with a whole number of feelings that we experience for example loss, grief, worry, resentment.
RTWORK
And this is where mindfulness comes in – something that the pupils at Spring Grove understand. Is it possible to forgive those who are unrepentant? Well, I had forgiven the boy long before I received his letter and the issue was clearly bothering him more than it had me. Is it harder to forgive the bigger the perceived offence? What about 01233 660 forgiving acts T: done to people you 220 love? Is that easier or harder to forgive? The complications Email: theadvertiser@aol.com arise because no two situations are the same. At Spring Grove, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we work with parents and teach our pupils to be resilient so they have the core skills needed later in life to make brave decisions and to have the courage to choose ‘forgiveness and love rather than exclusion and hate’. Springgrovians are perfectly placed to stand out from the crowd and be the empathetic leaders of tomorrow. It is due, in part, to this individually focused approach of understanding oneself and others that I believe Spring Grove offers children from the age of 2 the very best possible start in life, providing not only ‘a great place to grow’, but also ‘a great place to be!’ Do come and see for yourself. I look forward to welcoming you to this truly unique and independent school. ~ Mr Bill Jones, Headmaster
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Puzzle Time
Word Ladder
Sudoku Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition! That’s all there is to it, you solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic there’s no maths involved and no adding up. 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.
F I S H
©Puzzlepress.co.uk
F O W L
Crossword Across 7. Stylish (13) 8. Talking (8) 9. Remove (4) 10. Soaked (7) 12. Attacks with knife (5) 14. Crawled (5) 16. Scratched (7) 19. Female sheep (4) 20. Ten hundred (8) 22. Support (13)
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Down 1. Wealthy (4) 2. Sculpture (6) 3. Motors (7) 4. Protrude (5) 5. Accompany (6) 6. Achievable (8) 11. Slinging (8) 13. Dicken’s character (7)
15. Type of gun (6) 17. Presume (6)
18. Mixes (5) 21. Zero (4)
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Online Dating: Not Just For Twentysomethings by Kate McLelland
My sympathies were aroused the first time I met Abby, a friend-of-a-friend who had recently moved to my neighbourhood after a divorce. Aged 47, she had made the move in order to seek a different life for herself and her fifteenyear-old son. However two years later, after regular meet-ups at which I offered coffee, a supportive chat and sometimes – literally – a shoulder to cry on, Abby was still bemoaning her inability to meet a new man. That’s when my sympathy began to wear a little thin. Each time, after attending a local fundraising event, pub quiz night or social gathering, she would turn up at my house with a woeful tale of dashed expectations. The men she met were either ‘too old’, ‘too young’ or ‘too married’. On every occasion I would remind her that online dating was her best option for meeting a new partner, but she remained stubbornly unmoved, even when I pointed out that nowadays around one in four relationships begins online.
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The process of online dating is very simple: just create a profile, check out potential matches, communicate with your chosen date through direct messages and then arrange to meet. Given the scare stories we hear about fake profiles, romance frauds and stalking, Abby was right to be cautious, but probably not to the point of spoiling her best statistical chances of finding love. Staying safe online It’s natural to feel a little nervous about meeting a stranger for the first time, but there are certain common sense precautions you can take to stay safe. • Check if the dating site you are using is a member of the Online Dating Association (ODA) by looking for the ODA’s logo on the site. • Choose a username that doesn’t reveal who you are and don’t give away your surname, contact information, home address or place of work when first setting up your profile. • Don’t give away too much information about yourself right away. Take things slowly,
sharing more information when you feel comfortable to do so. • Never release financial information or give in to pressure to lend money. • Meet in public and stay in public on your first couple of dates and always let a friend know where you are, and who you’re meeting. Setting up a successful online dating profile The UK dating site Match.com says that when registering with a site it’s important to answer questions accurately for the best possible chance of finding your ideal match. When writing about your personality they recommend that you should “avoid clichés and overused phrases such as ‘looking for love’. Instead, consider what makes you different from everybody else … above all, be sure to inject humour to show people how friendly, fun and approachable you are.” Match.com recommends reading other profiles for inspiration or asking a friend to describe your personality. People tend to scan profiles rather than read them in depth,
so an eye-catching opening paragraph, using key words that relate to your passions and interests, will capture more interest. As you can imagine, a profile with a photo attracts more attention than one without, but there are a few factors to bear in mind when choosing an image. The dating site Zoosk found that women get 60% more attention if their photo is taken indoors, while men get 19% more attention if theirs is taken outside, particularly if the photo includes other friends or involves an active pursuit. Are there alternatives to oneto-one meetings? Many dating websites hold singles events where you can get together with other single people in your area and test out the chemistry face-to-face.
Some websites, such as the London-based DoingSomething. co.uk, are set up so members can suggest fun activities that other members can join in with, taking the awkwardness out of meeting for the first time. What do I have to pay? Some sites are free to join, whereas an average paid-for site might cost between £13 and £50 per month. Some online services charge considerably higher membership fees. Are there sites specifically for mature people? You don’t have to restrict yourself to age-specific sites unless you feel more comfortable in doing so. Two of the most popular sites for UK dating are ukmaturedating.com and maturefreeandsingle.com.
has boomed recently with the addition of mobile apps, with 37% of people surveyed by smartphone manufacturer HTC saying they had met a partner via a dating app. The message has finally got through to Abby, who went on her first date through an online site last week. Unfortunately he wasn’t the man of her dreams, but she nevertheless enjoyed the date. Thanks to that experience, she’s confident that it’s now only a matter of time before she meets Mr Right.
The popularity of online sites
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35
BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH
Plain Road, Brabourne Lees, Kent TN25 6QN Enquiries: Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152 or Babs Ruck 01303 813743 Art Club Subs are only £15 a year & we have a varied programme, which includes; trips to the countryside to paint/draw, visit to an Art Gallery, visits from different artists to demonstrate their different skills (with participation) summer cream tea and a workshop. We all have a varied amount of skill & it is interesting to learn from each other as well! Our next meeting is on Tuesday March 14 from 10am – 12noon. Further details from Mike on 01303 812484. New members will be made very welcome! 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 17. 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 Meeting Point; Please contact Cathy on 01303 814132 for details of this month’s meeting.
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Café Wednesday The Café is open every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am at Brabourne Baptist Church. Drop in for coffee, biscuits, company and a warm friendly atmosphere. Choice of books available. Everybody welcome! Don’t Forget! First Wednesday of the month, David Vine (a church member) holds a clinic on behalf of Hi-Kent, to service and provide batteries for hearing aids, FREE OF CHARGE!! Church Bookings If you wish to book the church hall for a meeting or function, please phone Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152 Sunday Services: There is a regular service at 10.30am every week. Morning Worship is followed by refreshments in the side hall. Lively Discussions! Home Groups meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Everyone is welcome to come and join us! We are very informal and friendly. Please phone David 01303 814437 or Geoff 01303 813152 Ladies Coffee Morning: We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday morning of the month in the cabin at the back of the church. We have a short time of Bible study and prayer, and we welcome all ladies. Please phone Pat 01303 812219
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ANDREWS garage The Plain • Smeeth • Ashford • Kent • TN25 6RA
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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
www.samaritans.org
0845 770 8090 0800 783 8866 0800 111 999 Details on tank
01233 730190 01303 812180
Parish Councils: Aldington & Bonnington
01233 721757
E: clerk@ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk www.ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Brabourne & Smeeth Mersham & Sevington
www.eastkentstrokes.org
SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc.
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
St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com
Samaritans 116123 Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG
01233 623520
01233 623902 01233 750415
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 01233 720213 Brabourne & Smeeth 01303 813746 David Smith, keen.smith@btinternet.com Bilsington 01233 720818 Hamstreet 01233 732568 Mersham 01233 503192 Smeeth 01303 814977 Stowting 01303 862819 Sellindge 01303 813250 Sellindge Spts & Soc. Club 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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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
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The grid can be filled in as follows... tiger, rhinoceros, snake, elephant, toad, donkey, yak, koala, alligator, reindeer & rabbit. The mole collects 6 worms when taking the most direct route down the tunnel.
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