Charing Mar 2013

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The Delivered by

villag ge directory for Charing and surrounding villages Delivered FREE to 4,000 homes in TN27

March 2013

Spring Grove School

Spring Grove School A great place to grow

Open Morning with children’s activities

Saturday 16th March 9.30am - 12.00pm • • • • • •

Small classes - ensuring 1:1 attention and support A family atmosphere - we know every child and their family A rich programme of Music, French, Art, PE and Science Outstanding Results in our National assessment exams Exceptional Kent Test Results The production of charming, motivated and happy children

Spring Grove School, Harville Road, Wye, TN25 5EZ Tel: 01233 812337 Email: office@springgroveschool.co.uk www.springgroveschool.co.uk

GOLF CAN SERIOUSLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

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Tenterden offers a variety of Memberships to suit all lifestyles, from the total beginner, casual player or avid enthusiast.

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Golfers tend to be healthier and live longer than the average person* they walk over 4 miles per round and often play 2 or 3 times a week so it’s not surprising.

Tenterden Golf Club is a members club with a friendly welcoming atmosphere. Call us now and find out about joining or learning to play. *Swedish medical university Karolinska institute study. †6 months membership.

www.TenterdenGolfClub.co.uk Woodchurch Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7DR

T01580 763987 Eenquiries@tenterdengolfclub.co.uk

E N J OY THE CHALLENGE

Welcome to the village directory Hi everyone, March not only represents the onset of spring but also brings Mother’s Day, this year on the 10th. For my mum it used to be a particularly special month, her birthday was the 7th March and then Mother’s Day would usually follow about a week later. So she had two full weeks of non-stop adoration and love poured upon her. Not that the adoration and love should ever stop, it’s just that with the busy lives we lead, it’s easy to take our loved ones slightly for granted, until a special day comes along to make us focus on what they mean to us.

Although my mum is no longer around, in my heart March will always belong to her, but these days I can share a little of it with her, that is if my son cottons on to the hints that I leave for him, usually he has no idea what day of the week it is, let alone the month and date! So, don’t forget your mum this month, all it takes is a big hug and a kiss to let her know how you feel, although chocolates, flowers or both are much appreciated too.

I know it’s too early to be certain but I really hope the worst of the winter weather is now behind us. I can’t wait to start spending time in the garden. If your garden is anything like mine it’s probably looking a bit worse for wear and needs a good dose of TLC. Don’t forget, if time is limited, or if it’s a task you’re really not inspired by, you’ll find plenty of help within these pages. Have a great month.

~ Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk April Issue Deadline 1st March

MARY HEMSLEY INTERIORS Handmade Curtains • Tracks & Poles Blinds • Wallpapers • Upholstery Designer Fabrics

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BIDDENDEN SQUASH CLUB

Gordon Jones Playing Field, Biddenden, Kent 01580 291130 email info@biddendensquash.co.uk www.biddendensquash.co.uk Friendly club with 2 courts and a bar

Challock Based Plumber Radiators, pumps, power flushing, bathrooms, mobility, sanitary and drainage and more...

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the garden

The Garden Shed March

By Jackie Witcher - Tenterden & District Horticultural Society

I

think I spoke too soon on my last report regarding the weather – the following week we had snow!!!! Well at last it has gone, but what amazed me was that prior to it snowing

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a lonely crocus showed its beautiful yellow flower in one of the wall basket on the upper patio and actually survived the snow and frosts that followed it without drooping or looking sad at all! I think that the snow must have acted like a type of lagging and kept the crocus protected! Wish I could say the same for my snowdrops. I havn’t had a single one come through, neither has my neighbour.

They were planted “in the green” two years ago and flowered both years, but this year – nothing.

Perhaps it was too wet, with all the rain that we had last year, and they are sulking. Well time will tell as usual.

Spring is springing all around the garden now, the

primula look lovely with the crocus in the baskets. If you remember I reported about a mouse that had got into the greenhouse and made a meal of all my crocus bulbs that I had stored so had to buy new.

I replaced them with a mix of purple and yellow crocus, and these against the more paler yellow of the primulas stand out beautifully. Later there shall be a show of tete a tete in the baskets to replace the crocus as they die back. Talking of which, a report on the primula that were split last year and replanted. Well surprise, surprise, they actually

grew on quite well and are flowering. OK they are not as smart as ones that are grown fresh from seed but are good enough to infill around the beds and borders and a lot cheaper than buying new plants. I also did the same with the drumstick primula I had in the raised beds. So I for one shall be happy to lift and split my primulas again. I have even planted them under the raspberry row to give a little spring colour whilst the canes start showing leaf.

the garden

Trying to give winter interest to the garden is a

pain, especially where there are shrubs that are not evergreen. A few years back I under planted my small shrub border with some ferns, planting some in broken pots sideways on. I didn’t think that much would occur, but it really worked and although I have little going on late Autumn after the leaves have fallen, from late Winter /early Spring onwards the ferns take over and look quite delicately interesting. They are interspaced with some purple drumstick primula, (courtesy of the raised beds), and the two marry well, the primula giving much need colour under a shady area.

The snow, I am happy to say, held back the hyacinth

from flowering but now they have started to really show. It’s the hyacinth perfume that really tells me that Spring has arrived, and also that Summer is just around the corner and time to start the vege patch into action. I am not going to try out all types of vege this year, although I said that last year and did end up giving those basket tomatoes and giant tomatoes a go, but as you know they were quite unsuccessful, so better the devil you know etc etc.

But don’t hold your breath as you know what I’m like as soon as I step into a garden centres seed department, I just can’t resist ……………, but before I do it’s a light dig and a good rake over the patch so the birds can have a good mooch around for any creatures they consider a delicacy to eat. The birds are going haywire getting the bird boxes ready for nesting. Naughtily they keep stripping the loose bark from the honeysuckle and fibres from the patio baskets to line their nests. But how do you stop them? Well you can’t really, just enjoy the show they put on as they precariously balance upside down, beaks already overfilled to get their booty!!!

Coffee time and only one slice of cake left!!! and its

chocolate cake at that - and I have got to make the husbands sandwich box. Well he can have biccys in his box for a change. Nasty aren’t I? JW Please Mention The

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the garden Sudoku

How to Play: Fill in the grid so that every row,

every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition! That’s all there is to it. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up. It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s addictive!

A Cut Above Tractor Hedge & Verge Cutting Fully Insured / References Available

Contact Steve on M: 07775 866 519 T: 01233 733330 E: acutabovesf@yahoo.co.uk

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Quick Crossword 1

Across 1.

Outermost (7) 5.

Six sided objects (5) 8.

Turn (5) 9.

Woman’s holdall (7) 10. Media notice (13) 11. Relaxed (6) 12. Idiotic (6) 15. Exhibition (13) 18. Not quietest (7) 19. Very angry (5) 20. Perfume (5) 21. Meals (7) Down 1.

Additional (5) 2.

Robbers (7) 3.

Amusement (13) 4.

Racial group (6) 5.

Deep thought (13) 6.

Religious text (5) 7.

Seen (7)

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11. Hugs (7) 13. Not public (7) 14. Commented (6)

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16. Small rodent (5) 17. Requirements (5)

the garden 01795 427060 01233 714680

j .b. landscape design, construction & grounds maintenance

www.jblandscape.co.uk

GARDENS • GROUNDS MAINTENANCE • COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING WE HAVE BEEN CREATING BEAUTIFUL GARDENS FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS. FROM WATER FEATURES TO PATIOS, POOLS TO PAGODAS, WE WORK CLOSELY WITH YOU TO TURN YOUR IDEAS INTO REALITY.

LAWN MOWING AND GRASS CARE For Large Gardens & Paddocks (½ to 5 acres) Large professional machinery provided by small local business Est. 7 years. Competitive prices.

Call Nick Horton for free estimate on

07787 411685 or 01233 662041

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Tel: 07979 003 291 / 01303 875246 30 years y Experience p - fullyy insured - www.fabbuilders.com

All Seasons Garden Services Over 20 years experience All aspects of garden care undertaken Fully insured

T: 01233 665322 M: 07941 205 374 Email: rob@ashford-gardening.co.uk

Tel: 01233 756626 T. A House FULLY INSURED & NPTC Qualified

Carved Oak House Signs erss Made to Order with Painted Letters and an Oiled Finish

The Carvers Stable, Bethersden, Kent Contact us on 01233 820812 or carversstable@btconnect.com for a price for your commission Please Mention The

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The perfect alternative to kennels

Let us arrange for your dog/s to stay with one of our local, carefully selected, very special families – because at Barking Mad we believe your dog deserves a holiday too!

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For more information, or to find out how to become a host family, please contact Trish Feely

Tel: 01303 812902 Email: trish.feely@barkingmad.uk.com

www.barkingmad.uk.com

CLUBS & SOCIETIES The Biddenden Horticultural Society Annual membership £5. New members welcome. Contact Irene Orsborne on 01580 291777 or Lesley Lidgett on 01580 291931.

SMART DOGS GROOMING SERVICE

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

Egerton Over 60’s Club

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We have a few vacancies for anyone, any age at the moment and from any district.We are a friendly group who enjoy stimulating speakers and interesting, enjoyable and relaxing outings.Example of speaker’s subjects--A Trip Along the Military Canal, Baird-the Pioneer of Television and Kent Photo Archives. Outings will include Groombridge Place, a river cruise on the Kentish Lady plus picnic,and more.

Interested? contact one of the following --David on 756544, Graham on 756620 or Sheila on 756294.You will be made most welcome.

Little Chart Bridge Club Friendly duplicate bridge every Tuesday afternoon at Little Chart Village Hall. For more information please contact Carmen Gunther on 01233 840 395.

Kennington Badminton Club, play at the Norton Knatchbull School on a Wed evening from 7.30 p.m.-10.00 p.m. Contact Mark Feeney on 01233 663030 or Shirley Mountford on 01233 610134.

Smarden Heritage Centre - Smarden Charter Hall, Smarden. Open every Friday 9:30am to 1:30pm visit: www.smardenheritagecentre.synthasite.com Biddenden Squash Club 01580 291130 email info@biddendensquash.co.uk www.biddendensquash.co.uk Biddenden Junior Football Club - Always looking for new players 7 -18, for fun and enjoyable football. Contact Steve on 07958 447948.

Charing Scottish Dancing Beginners Club Friday evenings, Charing Parish Hall, 7.30pm. We guarantee a relaxed and enjoyable evening. But we desperately need a few younger members

- who might eventually with training form a small demonstration team for pub events or fetes . Do come along and bring a friend. Ring Evelyn or John Voller on 01233 713758.

The Biddenden Horticultural Society Annual membership £5. New members welcome. Contact Audrey Davies on 01580 291624 or Lesley Lidgett on 01580 291931

Smarden Short Mat Bowls Club We welcome new novice or experienced bowlers of all ages. We meet every Thurs. morning at 9.45am and the first Tues. of month at 7.15pm, in the Charter Hall Smarden. Contact Malcolm 01233 770572.

Clandestine Cake Club is a great way to meet new people, catch up with friends and the perfect excuse to eat cake! We meet approximately every six weeks with a different theme for each meeting to make things even more interesting! It’s a social thing - not a cake competition, so everyone from complete novices to professional bakers are welcome. The idea is to share your cake and have some fun! For more information, contact Zarina Hawkins on zjbm1965@gmail.com

Headcorn Flea & Collectors Market held at Headcorn Methodist Church Hall. 9th of the month. 9.30am to 2.30pm Free Entry 01622890735

WORKSHOPS AT CHARING SURGERY FOR YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING Yvonne Fernando, NLP Master Practitioner & Life Coach is running the following interesting workshops to support your health and well-being.

TIME – WHERE DOES IT ALL GO? Improve your relationship with time Thurs 21 Mar 10-1pm

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NLP, YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING empower yourself for better wellbeing Thurs 16 May 10-1pm

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the home

Time For A Spring Clean

By Claudia Leaf I had invited an old school friend around for coffee and was trying hard to make a good impression. Suddenly a shaft of spring sunlight flooded my lounge, making me cringe with embarrassment.

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With a growing sense of shame I watched as this unforgiving shaft of light slid across the room, showing up the grubby finger marks on the door, the ring marks on my glass table and a thick layer of dust on the mantelpiece.

When it finally landed at my friend’s feet, close to a dirty paw mark our dog had left on the carpet, I saw a look of alarm on her face.

“I’m so sorry, I’ve just noticed. Did I do that?”

I had a nanosecond to decide whether I should openly confess my domestic shortcomings or keep quiet.

“Oh, don’t worry”, I replied. “It’ll brush off when it’s dry.”

She left soon afterwards, still apologising. I took a deep breath and realised it was time for some spring cleaning.

An article in the Manufacturer and Builder magazine of 1872 (a “practical journal of industrial progress”) describes spring cleaning as “The season of general cleaning, when all the corners and closets are

overturned and hidden things are brought to light”.

Whilst period dramas such as “Downton Abbey” have inspired a new generation to revive traditional kitchen skills, it’s questionable whether 21st century householders will be tempted to adopt the cleaning methods recommended by the magazine, which include blackleading grates, whitewashing walls and scalding bedsteads.

The Victorians may have excelled at spring cleaning but they certainly didn’t invent it. Some historians believe that the origins of this tradition date back to the ancient Persian New Year, the Iranian Norouz, which falls on the first day of spring. Iranians still practice “khooneh tekouni” – which literally translates as ‘shaking the house’ – at this time.

The Jewish feast of Passover is a religious festival that also hints at a possible origin for spring cleaning. During the holiday the faithful are instructed to refrain from eating any leavened foodstuffs (‘chametz’).

The Bible commands that even tiny crumbs must be removed from the house and this results in a ritual hunt for crumbs by candlelight during the evening before the holiday begins.

Christianity has its own spring cleaning traditions. In Greece, householders clean everything

thoroughly either before or during the first week of Lent, as a physical manifestation of Lent’s message of spiritual cleansing and renewal.

For the ancient Chinese, the concept of New Year cleaning is associated with good fortune.

They believed that people should sweep their floors and clean their houses to rid them of any negative influences that may have accumulated during the last twelve months. Householders then locked up the broom for a few days to prevent sweeping away any good luck that might have entered at the turn of the year.

When ancient cultures share such similar traditions it’s hard to say exactly when and where the idea of ‘spring cleaning’ originated. However, it’s obvious that the urge to clear away the cobwebs of winter and prepare for the summer months is hardwired into human DNA. Personally I believe that our seasonal enthusiasm to get busy with a mop and broom is always motivated by the same thing: it’s that accusing beam of sunlight that shows us up in front of guests.

LOCAL MARKETS CHALLOCK Challock Memorial Hall, Blind Lane.

1st & 3rd Friday of each month 1pm to 4pm Contact Pauline Hickson 01233 740979

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

CHARING FARMER’S MARKET Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thurs 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 (12pm 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

Done & Dusted Lifestyle Services

Professional Domestic Cleaning Services • Regular Cleans • Moving and Tenancy Cleans • One off Cleans • Holiday Lets

Tel: 07852 193 404 Also Offering Pet Sitting/Walking/Feeding • Ironing Gardening • Catering • Floristry • Shopping

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

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

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

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the home

BespokeHandmadeUnique ContemporaryTraditional .LWFKHQV %DWKURRPV %HGURRPV 'UHVVHUV +RPH 2ŧFHV 'LQLQJ 5RRPV At Thoroughly Wood every piece of furniture is bespoke, therefore we can FUHDWH GHVLJQV VSHFLÀFDOO\ WR ÀW WKH most awkwardly shaped room Our furniture is hand crafted from beautiful solid wood using traditional joinery techniques backed up with the latest in computer-aided design.

From rustic country designs to cutting edge avant-garde our custom made furniture is built to last for generations.

Thoroughly Wood, Little Woodlands Farm, Woodlands Road, Lyminge Kent, CT18 8DP

www.thoroughlywood.co.uk

Tel: 01303 863334

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Images courtesy of Voyage Decoration

Call Now For a Free Consultation

Open Tues - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat 10am - 1pm

the home

Danube

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Just arrived - the Ripon painted oak range

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EVERYTHING IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE COLLECTION / DELIVERY Barcelona solid oak

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the home

you if you move. Freestanding doesn’t have to mean mismatched - it can look as seamless as fitted furniture and can be perfectly integrated with your existing fitted elements.

Smart bespoke looking storage such as dressers and open shelving give an independent, freestanding look which is very on trend, making kitchens feel bigger Open any interiors magazine at the moment and and brighter. For an elegant look, display you’ll see a key trend for freestanding kitchen pieces. favourite pieces of tableware in an open rack dresser.

Lots of style, lots of benefits The beauty of incorporating freestanding elements If space allows an island unit makes a to your design is the ability to mix, match and fit stylish and practical addition to any virtually anywhere. Ideal for spaces where fitted kitchen. We’re seeing them used to bridge units would look too cluttered particularly if you kitchen and living areas with add on have a small or awkwardly shaped kitchen. family dining tables. If the kitchen isn’t big Freestanding units give you the flexibility of enough for a full sized island, a peninsula

Beautiful, Bespoke Freestanding Kitchens

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arranging your kitchen space in a way that suits your lifestyle. If one layout doesn’t work, or your needs a change, you can easily alter it. You can also create your perfect, unique kitchen over time adding pieces that you will be able to take with

can provide many benefits from an area for informal seating to an extra prep zone.

If you are even tighter on space a mobile butcher’s block is perfect for added utility and prep space.

JMINTERIORS

the home

Over 30 years exper tise in manufac turing and installing fine kitchens, bedrooms and bespoke furniture for your home

Showroom: Park Farm, Frit tenden Road, Biddenden, Kent TN27 8L J

Tel: 01580 291221 Web: w w w.jmi-kitchens.co.uk

Colourful kitchens Original freestanding kitchen pieces from J M Interiors can be blended in endless combinations to create a unique kitchen suited to your own personal needs and be painted in endless choice of colours. Mixing colours is a great way of accentuating the beauty of a freestanding design – shades of blue, off white teamed with warm oak combine for a calming country look. For a more contemporary feel, cool mid grey tones are a clean, sophisticated choice but with a slight underlying warmth.

J M Interiors is a family business with over 30 years expertise in the design, manufacture and installation of fine kitchens, bedrooms and bespoke furniture for your home.

JMINTERIORS The painted kitchen and bedroom specialists

Tel: 01580 291221 www.jmi-kitchens.co.uk Please Mention The

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Seasonal Delights Lemon Chicken with Tabbouleh Serves 4

Ready in 45 minutes

This is a great way to turn simple and very economical chicken portions into a delicious Mediterranean-style supper. If you have time, make the tabbouleh a few hours in advance to let the flavours fully develop.

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Ingredients: • 1 lemon, thinly sliced • 4 large chicken thigh portions (or 8 small thigh portions) • 4 tbsp olive oil • 3 tbsp lemon juice • 2 tbsp clear honey, warmed • 225g bulgar wheat (see tip) • ½ cucumber, finely diced • 4 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped • 2 tbsp fresh chopped mint • 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Tip: Bulgar wheat is a type of wheat grain that has been parboiled, dried then finely crushed. It is similar to couscous but has more texture and bite. You’ll find it in most large supermarkets or health food shops.

Preheat the oven to 190C, 375F, Gas 5.

Push a lemon slice under the skin of each chicken thigh. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken over a medium-high heat until golden brown all over. Transfer to a shallow roasting tin and arrange the rest of the lemon slices around the chicken.

Mix together 1 tbsp of the lemon juice with the honey and pour over the chicken.

Roast for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Meanwhile, place the bulgar wheat into a bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Leave for 30 minutes until grains are soft. Stir well and drain off any excess water.

Stir in the rest of the olive oil and lemon juice and season with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the cucumber, spring onions, mint and coriander and mix well. Serve the hot roast chicken on the tabbouleh with any juices from the roasting tin poured over.

In Season: Fruit Apples Rhubarb

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health & beauty

The Hypnotic Gastric Band The Hypnotic Gastric Band is an exciting new procedure engulfing the weight loss world.

You may well have seen it on television or read about it. The procedure is a tried and tested method of weight loss using the power of hypnotherapy. There is no physical operation, no anesthetic, no scarring, no food is forbidden….

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By working on a one to one basis the therapist is able to tailor make the sessions for your particular and individual needs.

Usually there are a minimum of six hour-long sessions, where the therapist works with the client to ‘uninstall’ negative learnt patterns of eating and ‘re-install’ healthy patterns of behavior which aims to enable the client to release their old eating habits.

Once the therapist is satisfied that the root cause of over-eating has been released and positive patterns established the client undergoes a ‘gastric band operation’ through the power of visualization and suggestion.

Hypnosis is a totally natural state, which most people experience several times a day, for example, when we wake up or get engrossed in a book or film. This relaxation enables the conscious mind to rest and allows communication with the subconscious.

It is in the subconscious mind that ‘neural pathways’ are formed and where automatic responses and habits are established.

Sometimes no amount of willpower will correct these habits or negative patterns of thought and so these thoughts, which are often unconscious, could be with the client for the rest of their lives unless they have support to change.

Hypnotherapy aims to install positive neural pathways or ‘automatic positive thought patterns, and uninstall negative beliefs and patterns. This supports you, the client, to break free and create the body you want.

Effective weight loss is most effective with calorie reduction and increased activity. It is best to contact your GP before any treatment.

Kim Bromley is a qualified psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and Wellbeing Coach. Why not call her today on 07809 124786 or visit www.artofwellbeing.co.uk for more information.

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now £40 now £45 now £55 now £80 now £135 now £155

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Gary Perry, RSHom, DSH Walnut Tree Homeopathic Practice gary@wthp.co.uk www.wthp.co.uk 19

01233 714030 Open Tuesday to Friday 9-30 to 5-30pm Saturday 9-00 to 5-00pm Late Night Appointments Available

VISION HAIR Unit 2, Brenchley Mews, School Road, Charing TN27 0JW. Please Mention The

10% Off Your First Visit TVD March 2013

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business

Are You Running The Risk Of Outliving Your Savings?

In a world of low interest rates, volatile markets and increasing life expectancy, the State Pension provides a limited income (currently £5,587 for a single person,per annum, based on a full NI record), it falls drastically short of providing a comfortable lifestyle.

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JAMIE WELLER WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

Mastermind your financial future I provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in a wide range of areas including:

x Investment growth x Retirement planning x Inheritance Tax planning x Protection planning For further details contact Jamie Weller on:

So how do we avoid poverty in retirement?

Tel: 07790

First, decide how large a fund you will need.

One method is to multiply your target retirement income by 25. So, if you think you’ll need £25,000 a year, aim for a fund of £625,000.

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Next, select the most appropriate investment vehicles to achieve your goal.

Property, Investment Bonds and ISAs have all proved popular over recent years but don’t offer the same tax breaks or guarantees as a pension. Be sure to take advice from a financial professional, and remember, retirement funds are coming under increasing pressure from the fact that we’re living longer. In 1981, a person’s pension was expected to last them for 13 years. Now it needs to last 18 years.* So where £100,000 provided an annual income of £6,250 in 1981, £137,500 is required today to achieve the same income. So what are your best income options? You can exchange your pension pot for a guaranteed annual income called an annuity. They are fixed for life but can be linked to inflation and provide your partner with an income when you pass away. The annuity rate offered by the life assurer is affected by the prevailing yield on gilts and corporate bonds. Annuity rates have recently been falling. Nevertheless,

690141

Email: jamie.weller@sjpp.co.uk

it is imperative to exercise the Open Market Option – your right to compare annuity rates in the market – before making a decision. An alternative to an annuity is income drawdown which seeks a superior return by investing in assets such as stocks and shares. With recent market volatility they have not performed well but bear in mind markets will, eventually, bounce back.

Deciding how you take your pension benefits is complex and necessitates professional advice.

Call 01285 678910 *Source: The office of National Statistics, March 2012 National Population Projections For further information please contact Jamie Weller on 07790 690141 or 01233 222721 by email Jamie.weller@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jamieweller

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

House Sales & Purchases Wills & Probate Family & Cohabitation Elderly Client Care Company Formation Employment Fixed Fee Interviews 39/41 High Street Tenterden Kent TN30 6BJ

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

x x x x x x x

Accounting, Bookkeeping and Payroll Cloud Accounting Regulation and Compliance Tax Planning Fixed Fees Agreed in Advance Straight & Direct Communication Local Presence and National Strength

Use an Accountant: The HMRC will help you calculate your tax correctly but they do not usually help you to keep it to a minimum. Accountants can save you money and let you run your business.

Gary Robinson - Alison Robinson 01233 756148 Gary.Robinson@aims.co.uk www.AlisonRobinson.aims.co.uk

21

business

Family Law and Child Maintenance all change‌for the better?

In the latest of a series of articles about legal matters affecting the family, Nigel Clarke, Collaborative Lawyer, Resolution Trainer & Accredited Family Mediator from Johnson Clarke Solicitors writes: Even in these times of 24 / 7 readily accessible information from the internet, when separating or divorcing couples are trying to plan for their futures apart it is not always easy to find a way through the maze of legal and financial information that is available.

When there are children to consider, couples have to plan how best to provide on-going financial support.

Many couples will already be familiar with the Child Support Agency (CSA) (which was originally introduced to make the whole process of assessing child maintenance simpler, quicker, clearer‌hmm). The reality is that the CSA 22 has a history of inefficiency and ineffectiveness which is

why it is being phased out and the government is now reforming the current system.

To its credit the government believes that not enough children in separating families benefit from effective child maintenance arrangements. The new arrangements are intended to put better support in place to help parents collaborate with one another and make arrangements for the future. Where this is not possible the CSA will be replaced by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)

Parents do not have to use the CSA or CMS. They are free to make their own family based arrangements between themselves that suit their individual needs. Research suggests that these couples are far more likely to be happy with their own family based arrangements than those that are currently implemented by the CSA. Their own arrangements remain private and can be more flexible than the statutory CSA system which only takes into account percentages of income and has a very limited ability to take other factors into account which may be significant to particular families.

However where family based arrangements are just not possible or appropriate parents do have other options. In these cases the Child Maintenance System will replace the CSA in time and will work out how much should be paid and will collect payments in appropriate cases.

The new system is intended to be more efficient and simpler (sounds familiar?).

One important thing to remember - whatever arrangements are made between parents, child maintenance does not affect the benefit entitlement of the parent receiving the payment.

business Family Mediators can help couples make family based arrangements that take account of emotional needs, provide support, information about the law and the choices that are available.

Often this process can help preserve good parenting relationships for the benefit of the couple and their children.

And Collaborative Lawyers can often work together with couples to commit to finding fair, practical resolutions without the need to look to outside involvement and the courts Good legal advice should always be open minded and provide full information about the choices that are available to couples in conflict. Only then will couples who feel vulnerable or fearful about the future feel reassured that their family’s needs are really being taken into account.

You can find out more about Child Support by visiting the Resolution website at: www. resolution.org.uk Nigel Clarke -Johnson Clarke Solicitors ‘Looking after you and your family through Life’s ups and downs’www.johnsonclarke.co.uk

23 Initial Consultation

£25 Nr. Ashford, Kent

“Are you struggling to resolve issues in your relationship and need some help?”

For confidential, non-judgmental relationship counselling contact us now: 01233 714059 - 07919 108021 Charing - Kent sian@relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk

www.relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk Please Mention The

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24

Kids Corner

kid’s corner

Making Use of Wye Whilst schools closed across the county, Spring Grove remained open during the recent snow.

Just a little preparation beforehand – our resident gap students and I salted our hazardously sloping entrance drive and built a uniformed snowman to welcome the children arriving at school – ensured that we were ready for another busy week. With

Our musicians have brought tremendous pleasure to the old people at Brambles Old People’s Home and have been involved in important services at Wye Church. In November, the Year 6 pupils visited and studied the graves of Wye Churchyard, in particular those of soldiers and airmen killed in the two World Wars. Equipped with trowels, forks and brooms, we tidied

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most children present we were able to enjoy a normal timetable but still found time to play in the snow, build sculptures and ambush the teachers.

Our extensive games sessions were obviously disrupted but we adapted to the weather and enjoyed our now traditional snowy walk to Wye Crown and give the children a chance to enjoy some stunning views across the county on a chilly but beautiful day.

the churchyard ready for the Remembrance Service, in which three of our young trumpeters played The Last Post. We were recently surprised and of course delighted that the pupils had been given a special School Community Award by the High Sheriff of Kent, Mike Bax, who has led a campaign to serve our communities by keeping them free of litter.

Our pupils enjoy a busy and broad academic programme but also benefit from making full use of our rural community. Classes visit the church, the Chinese restaurant and even the pub! We go out to the lifeboat station at Dungeness, we visit castles and the Cathedral in Canterbury. We enjoy visits to local farms and learn about the crops, the animals and environmental issues.

Education that goes beyond the confines of the classroom undoubtedly broadens horizons and encourages children to appreciate their rich, local, rural heritage.

Bill Jones, Headmaster Spring Grove School www.springgroveschool.co.uk 01233 812337 / 07732329163

what’s on There will also be exhibitor stands and wedding cars at the Village Hall.

Events March Headcorn Flea & Collectors Market is on the 9th of the month and the times this year will be 9.30am - 2.30pm Monday 11 March 2013 ASHFORD MUSIC SOCIETY - ERATO PIANO TRIO The Erato Piano Trio is at the forefront of young British ensembles today. Their virtuosic playing, outstanding musicianship and imaginative programming have rapidly made them favourites with chamber music audiences around the UK and abroad. When they come to Ashford they will be playing piano trios

by John Ireland, Mendelssohn, Shostakovich and Brahms. A concert not to be missed.

Venue: The Norton Knarchbull School at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets: £12 (Adults) and £3 (Students) Contact: Brenda McCormack on 01233 622971 or Hilary Pittock on 01233 623700.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

For further details, please contact: The Rev’d Tricia Fogden on 01233 758250 or email patricia.fogden@btinternet.com Do you provide a first class wedding service within The Romney Marsh, Tenterden and Ashford area?

Would you like to exhibit at our Wedding Fayre alongside the cream of local businesses?

If so we need to hear from you! We have a limited number of stands available in each wedding supplier category.

Wednesday 27th March in the Village Hall (7:15pm for 7:30pm start).

lf you have any queries or you wish to discuss in more detail any individual requirements, please don’t hesitate to call get in touch, details as above.

Alexis Datta – Head Gardener at Sissinghurst Castle will be giving a talk. Contact Irene on 01580291777 or Lesley on 01580291931.

Charing Farmers Market Update

The Biddenden Horticultural Society meets on

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A complimentary goody bag will be available for the first 50 brides to register with a celebratory glass of buck’s fizz on arrival.

Members £1, Non Members £2.50. membership £5. New members welcome.

Annual

Members £1, Non Members £2. Annual membership £5. New members welcome.

The Weald of Kent Computer Club will meet onWednesday 20th March in Biddenden New Village Hall at 8 pm. The topic this evening will be:“Buying and selling on Ebay”. Annual membership is £10 plus £2 per meeting. Non-members are welcome (£3, but first visit is free) Full details: http:// www.wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk/Enquiries: secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk

Appledore Wedding Fayre 2013 The event will be held within the Parish Church and grounds of St Peter and St Paul, Appledore on Saturday 20th April 2013.

The Fayre will be open from 11am to 4pm with a bridal fashion show in the church in the afternoon - see the brides & grooms walk down the aisle!

We would like to thank everyone who supported us over Christmas.We delivered Christmas hampers to repeat customers, had a really wonderful Christmas Market which was so well attended. Ellie’s Dairy attended with their speciality cheese and chutneys, hearts delight organic fruit juices and preserves also came along.

Mothers day market is 10th March and Easter market 28th March so please make all your orders as soon as possible for hampers, planters, knitwear, crafts,and cards. We also do cakes and cookies.

The next special market is to be held on 2nd May as it is our first anniversary as a farmers market. Come and help us cekebrate a really special occasion. Tea and coffee on the lawn weather permitting.Teas and coffees are available from 9 am to 11 30 am so join us for a chat with friends Thank you Charing Farmers Market Secretary

the home ARCHITECTURAL + INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANTS Designing the future Building our Heritage

t: 01233 639822 f: 01233 639825 e: thestudio@jpdarch.co.uk w: www.jpdarchitectureuk.com The Studio, Tower Farm House, Faversham Road, Boughton Aluph, Ashford, Kent TN25 4HT

Derek Hales MASTER TILER

• • • • •

Industrial • Commercial • Domestic New Installations • Energy Saving Advice Showers / Extractor Fans • Solar Panels Emergency Lighting • Inspection and PAT testing CCTV • Full and part rewires Garden Electrics • General electrical repairs • Under floor heating

Call: 01233 665107

E: jacqueline@tbelectrical.org.uk FREE Quotations!

Plumbing & Heating Services

Specialist in all Forms of Wall and Floor Tiling

All plumbing work undertaken no job too small!

Burst pipes, Blockages, Taps, Pumps, Radiators & Drainage work. Bathroom & Shower Installation

Clean, friendly and reliable For your free quotation call Derek on

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

07905 700 142 Mersham, Ashford, TN25 7HP

Dial a Plumber

Tel: 01233 642233

Plumbing & Heating Services Plumbing P

Heating

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

Installations Repairs Pumps & Radiators Specialist Power flushing and De-scaling Service

Please Mention The

NO JOB TOO SMALL www.dialaplumber.com NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK GUARANTEED OAP DISCOUNT

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27

wit & wisdom

Wit & Wi sdom

So I was in my car, driving along, and my boss rang up. He said ‘You‛ve been promoted.‛ I swerved and then he rang up a second time and said “You‛ve been promoted again.‛ I swerved again. He rang up a third time and said ‘You‛re managing director.‛ Then I went into a tree. And a policeman came up and A young ventriloquist is touring, and said ‘What happened to you?‛ one night, he‛s doing a show in a small I said ‘I careered off the road.‛ fishing town. With his dummy on his knee, he starts going through his usual dumb blonde jokes.

The embarrassed ventriloquist begins to apologise, and the blonde yells:

Crossword Solution

“You stay out of this! I‛m talking to that little $!*! on your lap.”

Sudoku

28

Suddenly, a blonde woman in the fourth row stands on her chair and starts shouting, “I‛ve heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype blonde women that way? What does the colour of a woman‛s hair have to do with her worth as a human being? It‛s men like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in the community, and from reaching our full potential as people. It‛s people like you that make others think that all blondes are dumb! You and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against not only blondes, but women in general pathetically all in the name of humour!”

the home

Smiths Plastering JJamie Smith - Plasterer

07890 410 189 01580 291805 smithsplastering@yahoo.co.uk

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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JOIN US AND DO SOMETHING FUNNY FOR MONEY.

rednoseday.com rednoseday.com

Photo credit: Dave Nelson, Trevor Leighton, Rhian Ap Gruffydd, © Disney, John E. Barrett. In support of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland). RND13/231

Photo credit: Dave Nelson, Trevor Leighton, Rhian Ap Gruffydd, © Disney, John E. Barrett. In support of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland). RND13/231

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useful information Emergency Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden Crimestoppers

999

CARM

01622 690690 0800 555 111

Macmillan Cancer Support

Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Samaritans www.samaritans.org

08457 90 90 90

Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG

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

Doctors Surgery

The Charing Surgery 01233 714 490 Headcorn Surgery 01622 890294 Parish Councils:

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Biddenden: 01580 890750 Charing: 01233 713599 Egerton: 01622 853558 Headcorn: 01622 892496 Pluckley: 01622 890596 Smarden: 07752 395412 Headcorn Rural Community Warden

The Headcorn Community Warden is Stuart Ellesmere. Stuart is based at Headcorn Library in King’s Road. Telephone contact number is 07969 583923.

Ashford Borough Council 01233 637311 www.ashford.gov.uk Ashford Gateway 0845 8 247 247 info:ashfordgateway.co.uk www.ashfordgateway.co.uk Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185 CPRE Kent 01233 714540 Veterinary Surgeons

Barrow Hill Vets 01233 624687 Pierson Stewart & Partners 01580 713381 Charing Business Association

www.charingkent.co.uk Volunteer Centre 01233 647 422 Age Concern 01233 620 635 www.ageconcern.org.uk

E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk www.forget-me-nots.co.uk Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch

Contact Robert Gurney 01233 666577 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com NSPCC: Tenterden & District Mrs J Coombs 01580 763733 Pregnancy Sickness Support Kent and Sussex www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Contact: Denise Clifford deniseclifford@btinternet.com Bus Enquiries

Arriva Bus Enquiries 0844 800 44 11 Stage Coach East Kent: 0871 200 22 33 (Timetable) or 08456 00 22 99 (Customer Services) National Train Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk Wealden Wheels: 01233 840000 Village Halls:

Biddenden Charing Charing Heath Egerton Headcorn Little Chart

01580 291320 01233 713599 01233 713317 01233 756416 01622 890708 01233 840 590 or 01233 840 395 01622 890596 01233 770258

Pluckley Smarden Charter Hall

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

High Pressure Jetting Service and Repair to Sewage Treatment Plants

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.

mcmotors@btconnect.com • • •

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

Have your MOT carried out using the latest Automated Test Lane equipment.

For A Friendly and Reliable Service

Tel: (01233) 626176 Bodyshop: (01233) 638006 3 ELLINGHAM WAY, ELLINGHAM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ASHFORD, KENT TN23 6NF 31

WILLESBOROUGH & KENNINGTON GARAGES LTD    

SERVICING REPAIRS MOT’s CAR AND LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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

01233 622808

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

01233 623946

Private Escort Care Service

Our Private Care Service carers can come to your house; help assist you with an outing in either your car or theirs. This help can form part of a tailored package of care that could help you stay in your own home for longer, rather than going into a care home before its really needed.

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

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk

Domestic Care

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

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