Wye March 2016 by The Village Directory

The 106

village directory

March 2016

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Wye Area

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Welcome Hi everyone, Welcome to the March Issue. As we head rapidly towards Spring and the time change at the end of the month, it’s the longer hours of daylight I find myself looking forward to, rather than the prospect of warm weather. One of the reasons for this is that over time I have fallen out of love with driving and I have a particular aversion to driving in the dark. For darkness to fall before the end of the afternoon is no fun in my books. Maybe it’s an age thing, when I passed my driving test at the age of 19 I was in my element, it represented independence and the world was my oyster. Now in my 50’s self-drive cars can’t come quickly enough, I would snap one up in a moment if I had the money. I’m sure they can’t be as disconcerting as sitting beside my son when he took to the road for the very first time at the age of 17! Talking of my son, it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday the 6th, hopefully my husband has had a quiet word in his ear to bring him up to date on where we are in the year and what day of the week it is – I have a dream and chocolate delivered with a massive hug plays a big part in it! With the Easter break approaching at the end of the month, yet again chocolate will be on the menu - whoopee what a month! Until next time, have a great time!

~ Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@

thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk

April Issue Deadline 7th March

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the garden

Go On, Grow Your Own! by Pippa Greenwood

Enjoying a delicious meal which includes some home grown ingredients is a wonderful feeling – it fills you full of just the right sort of pride (and maybe even a little bit of smugness!). That meal might be a dinner party, a family supper or even a quick sandwich grabbed whilst you go about your daily work; it makes no difference, it simply feels good to indulge in a bit of Grow Your Own and then reap the rewards. If you’re a hardened vegetable grower you may well have been sowing and potting on for a while now, but if you’re a bit behind schedule or if you’ve simply not dared to venture into vegetable production to any extent before, don’t panic – there’s still time to grow just about any crop in your plot this year. If you want to raise some plants from seed yourself then most could be sown now, but there are a few that are likely to produce a much better yield if given an earlier start. I’d give seeds of

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crops such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilli peppers, melons and aubergines a miss now, but buy in a few plants over the next month or so and you’ll be going great guns in no time at all. Some vegetables can be directly sown now (i.e. just sow the seed into a well-prepared area of garden soil in a suitable spot) in all but the coolest gardens – beetroot, lettuce, beans, peas, carrots, rocket, spinach to name but a few. Other slightly more tender crops such as sweetcorn, squash and courgettes would fare better if given a bit of extra heat when you are germinating the seeds. That’s where an electrically heated propagator comes into its own, and you will also find it really useful if you are trying to make up for lost time as it will speed up germination of many seeds by several days. The seedlings may then need pricking out and potting on until they are sturdy enough to live in the great outdoors. With these more

tender crops, try to ‘harden off’ the young plants before you put them into their final positions: having been raised and grown on inside (either in a greenhouse or on a warm, sunny windowsill) they will be a little ‘soft’ and tender, and easily damaged by cold, wind or rain. Hardening off isn’t difficult, just put the trays or pots of young plants outside on warm days once the weather has stabilised, and bring them back under cover at night. Do this for a week or so and then leave them outside, covering them with some fleece at night. The resulting plants will now have had the chance to acclimatise to ‘real’ conditions and will grow far better, whilst also being much less likely to suffer from weather damage. If you find seed sowing and the subsequent pricking out and potting on too much when juggling with a job or other commitments, then buying in some small plants is a great plan

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as it gets you past the highinput bit at the beginning and allows you to just get on with the growing on, maintaining… and eating! You will get a good range from seed merchants or garden centres, but if you like the idea a bit of at-your-elbowadvice from me to ensure great results, don’t forget that you can still order garden-ready plants, accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails specific to the vegetables you’ve chosen to grow. There are more details at www.pippagreenwood.com/ grow-your-own and if you use the code 12419-E7SPS at the checkout, you’ll also get £4.00 discount, whichever pack size you choose. Garden-ready plants can be planted out as soon as you get them and, provided you follow the instructions, keep them wellwatered during drier weather and

apply feed at regular intervals, it won’t be long until you will be harvesting crops such as climbing French and runner beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, sugar-snap peas, peppers, chillies, onions, melons, butternut squash, beetroot and courgettes. Most vegetables need a good fertile soil and a sunny or only partly shaded spot if they are to perform well, so choose your growing area with care. If space is short or your garden is limited to a paved back-yard, patio or balcony, there is no need to go without the delights of Grow Your Own – most vegetables will do well in good sized containers (minimum 30cm x 30cm x 30cm) with good-quality compost. If you can manage even bigger pots, then maintenance will be easier as they will need watering slightly less frequently. But, whether

the garden

you plant and sow vegetables in pots, tubs, greenhouses or open ground, the end result will be gorgeous tasting, super-fresh vegetables to be enjoyed on your own or with company. So go on, get growing! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa (don’t forget your offer code 12419-E7SPS for a £4 discount), Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.

Open Weekend Dates for 2015 PLUCKLEY ROAD BETHERSDEN KENT

www.stonegreennurseries.co.uk Wholesale Nursery Open to the Public

Easter Weekend 25th - 28th March We grow our vast range of plants with passion and pride for garden designers, landscapers, local nurseries, farm shops and other horticulture outlets. We have a truly exquisite range to offer you from the tried and tested to the more unusual. You will be making your selection direct from our growing beds! You can’t buy fresher. Fantastic range and fair prices. Should you need help with your selection we also have knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions.

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the garden

Located in Kennington, Leigh Mower Services offer competitive rates for the repair of all leading makes of petrol garden machinery.

07514 720526 Leigh Mower Services We also offer: Servicing Sales

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Collection and delivery available

Contact Mark on 07514 720526 or 01233 663014 email leighmowerservices@gmail.com

Located in Kennington, Leigh Mower Services Powerbase - Rhyas - Sanli - McCulloch - Q Garden - Draper - Gardencare - Hayter - Einhel offer competitive rates for the repair of all leading makes of petrol garden machinery. We also offer: • Servicing • Sales • Blade Sharpening

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the garden

Collection and Delivery Available Contact Mark on 07514 720526 / 01233 663014 email leighmowerservices@gmail.com

All Seasons Garden Services

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GENESIS LANDSCAPING & gARDEN SERVICES Based in Wye - Established in 1985

Contact - 01233 811974 / 07850 834477 genesisgardens@btinternet.com

Tree Surgery & Freelance Climbing www.mr-hills-trees.co.uk

All Tree & Hedge Work Hard & Soft Landscaping All Aspects of Gardening Experienced, NPTC qualified & insured Reliable, local, affordable & efficient Quality service & friendly advice Book your free, no obligation quote today!

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the garden

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the garden

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Mowgli by Montgomery Vets

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

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

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

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

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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Call Simon: 01233 612222 or: 0770 478 9155 E-mail: info@computer-repairs-ashford.co.uk

PETS

Does Your Pet Have An Allergy? It’s not just unwanted visitors that make your pet scratch. Allergies are common in most domestic pets, and scratching is just one sign that something’s not right.

You might notice a loss of fur if your dog has dermatitis, and is constantly scratching to relieve the itch. Potential triggers include new shampoos, a different type of food, or a seasonal allergy, as these affect animals just as much as humans. General signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction Here are one or two signs to look out for so you can treat your pet as quickly as possible: • Cats: lesions, lumps and bumps on their skin – these are often felt rather than seen, and may be accompanied by bald patches around the base of the tail or underside of the body. • Dogs: frequently shaking its head – look for signs of redness in the ears, as it could be the start of an allergen-based infection. • Rabbits: flaky skin or soreness in the ears can be caused by an allergy to mites. Bee stings are particularly dangerous A puppy’s natural inquisitive and playful nature invariably leads it into dangerous situations, but if it chews or swallows a bee, the resulting reaction can be severe. It could cause their face to swell, with breathing problems developing from a narrowed airway, and you’ll need to get emergency help from your vet in such cases. They may prescribe an EpiPen so you’re prepared if it happens again. http://www.petplan.co.uk/allergies.asp http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/ healthypets/archive/2012/06/22/ pets-seasonal-allergies. aspx By Ann Haldon

www.computer-repairs-ashford.co.uk

Home & Interiors Planning A Master Bedroom

Your bedroom is a highly personal space, but if you are considering selling, or simply want to enhance your property’s value in the long term, you’ll also need to design it so it has general appeal, says Katherine Sorrell. Your first consideration when planning a master bedroom, large or small, should always be comfort. Zone the space according to how you use it – sleeping, dressing, exercising, checking your laptop, reading – and, if it helps, draw a scaled plan of the room so you can play around with the layout. It’s nice to have your bedhead opposite the window, for example, with

a bedside table each side; remember to allow enough space (experts recommend at least 450mm) around the bed to give you room to change the sheets. To create calm and order while minimising clutter, try to include as much storage as you can squeeze in. A whole wall of fitted wardrobes, with well thoughtout internal drawers and divisions, is a great option, and you can add free-standing pieces such as chests of drawers and blanket boxes for character and flexibility. Given enough floor space, it may also be possible to create a separate dressing area, using a tall bedhead, a bookcase or wide wardrobe as a partition. We can’t escape technology

By Katherine Sorrell

anywhere, and although watching TV is not necessarily conducive to a good night’s sleep it is still a lovely idea to include a TV in the bedroom – ideal for a languorous Sunday morning lie-in with croissants, coffee and a newspaper. If you don’t want to look at a blank screen the rest of the time, fitted furniture manufacturers can provide cupboards from which TVs pop up or slide out, while music specialists offer all sorts of sleek and good-looking speakers and sound systems. You will probably also want a place to connect and site a landline phone, a small desk on which to pop your computer, e-reader or tablet, and somewhere to plug in a charger for your mobile. Even in a bedroom, you can’t have too many plug sockets. Luxurious, wall-to-wall carpet is always a good idea for a master bedroom, and pure new wool has just the right warm, soft, snuggly-toe feel. Choose a high quality underlay for extra bounce and softness. That said, you could combine underfloor heating with engineered wooden boards and beautiful rugs for a more traditional look with plenty of character – and still enjoy warmth underfoot. The latter option, though only possible if you are undertaking major renovations, will also save the space that would have been otherwise taken up with a radiator. Well-designed lighting is an asset in any room, and the master bedroom is no different. A central pendant is fine for general, overhead light, but you

www.stellineinteriors.com

can be more creative elsewhere by adding wall-mounted reading lights beside the bed, a bright, adjustable light above your dressing table and perhaps a table lamp or two to create a gentle glow. Such layers of light will provide a pleasing ambience and give you great flexibility. Conversely, for restful darkness while you are sleeping, ensure your curtains have a good blackout lining, or else choose well-fitting shutters – which will help block out noise, too. The days of carefully matched bed linen and window treatments are long gone, yet it is still important to get this combination right. When the bed is plain, some pattern at the window is lovely, and vice versa – simply avoid two patterns that clash. Plain curtains can look absolutely beautiful if made from a generous amount of fabric, hung from a pole with

pretty finials at the ends, and finished with an edging of ruffles or a contrast border. If privacy is a problem, it may be necessary to add sheer or lace curtains, either full-length or covering the bottom half of the window only. Considering adding an en-suite? Once a luxury, these days they are virtually a necessity, and will certainly make your home more saleable – and may even add value, too. If you have enough room for a walk-in wardrobe, there’s probably enough space to convert to an en-suite, though if you want a proper bath you’ll need to allow a little more room. Alternatively, you could knock through and steal a little space from an adjacent room. When space is tight, compact fittings can be effective, but do make sure they are practical for regular use. While any arrangement is possible in theory, the least expensive place to install an

the home

en-suite bathroom is close to other plumbing, particularly the soil pipe. And, because the room leads directly off the bedroom, install low-noise sanitaryware and lights on dimmers, with a high-powered extractor fan that’s controlled separately from the light. Image - Soft carpet, sumptuous curtains and a deeply buttoned headboard all add up to a sense of luxury. Huntington bed, £1,175, Sweetpea & Willow, tel 0345 257 2627; www.sweetpeaandwillow.com.

13 NEWOOM WR PEN! SHOW NO O

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Older, But Not Always Wiser The main characters of these books may be in their twilight years, but they certainly aren’t content to sit back and spend their pensions on Werther’s Originals and bingo nights. With amateur sleuths, explosive experts and adventurers amongst them, they’ll keep you reading well past a sensible bedtime.

Elizabeth is Missing – Emma Healey 82-year old Maud is determined to solve the mystery of where her best friend Elizabeth has disappeared to. While she’s at it, she’d also like to figure out what happened to her sister, who went missing more than 60 years ago. The problem is that Elizabeth has been getting a bit forgetful lately, and the clues keep getting muddled in her head. With twists and turns aplenty, you’ll be left guessing until the end. Definitely a ‘just one more chapter and then I’ll go to sleep’ kind of book. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper – Phaedra Patrick Arthur Pepper likes the quiet life, but that all changes when he discovers a charm bracelet hidden away in his late wife’s things. Arthur’s cross-country quest to discover the meaning of each of the charms sees him uncovering a side to his wife he never knew existed. But will his new found knowledge help him come to terms with her death, or forever taint his memories of her? A thoroughly enjoyable read, with great characters and a pageturning storyline, this is Phaedra Patrick’s debut novel, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see her on the bestseller lists very soon. The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81 – J.B. Morrison

Being run over by a milk float wasn’t on Frank’s to-do list for the day, and he sure as heck isn’t going to let some interfering home-help try to baby him. Nope, he’s quite content on his own, with his cat Bill, his DVDs and a series of cold callers trying to sell him things he doesn’t need. But home-help Kelly Christmas proves rather more likeable than he expected, and he starts to realise that life can indeed begin again at 81. With his biting sense of humour, Frank will keep you laughing all the way through this immensely entertaining book. George’s Grand Tour – Caroline Vermalle When George tells people he’s going to do the Tour de France, some are rather concerned. He is, after all, 83. However, George has a slightly less taxing plan in mind; he’s going to do the Tour by car, with a friend. Agreeing to check in with his granddaughter, Adele, by text along the route, he sets off across the country. In the end, the journey may prove as life-changing for Adele as it is for George, as she starts to really appreciate the man who, until now, has just been a name on her birthday cards. The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry – Rachel Joyce Staid, reliable Harold lives with his wife Maureen in Devon. When Harold receives a letter from an old friend, Queenie, telling him

she’s terminally ill, he pens a short reply and sets off to the post box. But his walk to the end of the road turns into a somewhat longer trip, as he decides to deliver the letter in person, and on foot. As he travels the long road north, both Harold and Maureen are given the time to look back on their long marriage, and figure out whether it can be saved. Beautifully written, and at times extremely poignant, this book is highly recommended. The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonasson Allan has just about had enough of his care home, with its condescending manager, rubbish food and endless rules. So on his 100th birthday he makes his escape, in his slippers. After stealing a suitcase full of money, Allan begins a dash across country, picking up new friends as he goes (including an elephant called Sonya). As we learn of his extraordinary life, it becomes clear that there’s rather more to this centenarian than meets the eye, including a passion for explosives…

the home

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

Canterbury Bedroom solid oak available in standard or mini sizes Danube Rustic Dining, all solid reclaimed oak N E W Lacquer, N Wax or I rustic finish E W N Now available in painted French Grey or Ice White N or I rustic finish Lacquer, Wax E N N Lacquer, Wax or rustic finish Danube Rustic solidavailable reclaimed oak French Grey or Ice White in painted E W Dining, all Now W I N Cotswold Distressed Pine INrustic Danube Dining, allfinish solid reclaimed Lacquer,Rustic Wax or Now availableoak in painted French Grey or Ice White Danube Rustic Dining, all solid reclaimed oakFrench Grey or Ice White Now available in painted Cotswold Distressed Pine N E Danube Rustic Dining, all solid reclaimed oak W CotswoldDistressed Distressed Pine Cotswold INrustic finish Pine Lacquer, Wax or Price Promise Guarantee Now available in painted French Grey or Ice White Danube Rustic Dining, all solid reclaimed oak

Cromer Painted Oak in Duck Egg Blue and French Grey

N N Cotswold Distressed Pine Ripon Painted Oak Bedroom E E W W N N N N E E I E IN E Now NW available in painted or ice white W W NNE W E withW rustic oak tops in painted French GreyFrench or IceGrey White N IN N W IN Now available IN Available in Rustic, Cream, and I Now available in painted or ice white E E N N I IN Now available Duck Egg Available in Cream or French Grey Available inBlue Rustic, Cream, and W NE N with rustic oak tops in painted French GreyFrench or IceGrey White EW N N Duck Egg Blue Available in Cream or French Grey W I N IN W E E N Now available N in painted or ice white W Cotswold Pine Ripon Painted Oak Bedroom IN E IN Distressed EW Now available in painted or ice Available white in assorted fabrics with rustic oak tops Now available in in painted French Grey Grey or Ice White WGenuine W IN Irustic Available Rustic, Cream, and NLeather with oak tops available in painted French GreyFrench or Ice White &Available leather Full Recliningfabrics in assorted Cotswold Distressed Pine Ripon Painted Oak Bedroom Genuine Leather IN IN Now Available in Rustic, Cream, French Grey and Duck Egg Blue Available Cream or French Grey & leatherin Full Reclining N N Duck Egg Blue Available in Cream or French Grey E E N N W W CotswoldE Distressed Pine Ripon Painted Oak Bedroom E Bedroom Available in assorted fabrics Cotswold Pine RiponIN Painted Oak Genuine Leather IN Distressed W W available Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses Now in painted or ice white & leather Full Reclining Irustic withLeather oak tops Genuine N

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

Available in assorted fabrics & leather Full Reclining

Available in Cream or French Grey

Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses

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

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

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

Beaver Road . Ashford 01233 633928

TN23 7RR Genuine (next Leather to Ashford International)

Dockside Outlet Centre .fabrics ME4 3ED Available (next in Chatham assorted to The Range)

Gala Bingo)

The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

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

01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com

& leather Full Reclining Black, Cream, Red, Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2 Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 (next to The Range) Mocca Manhattan 3+2to Ashford International) (next

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

all in stock

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

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

Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2

ASHFORD ASHFORD

Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 CHATHAM CHATHAMMARITIME MARITIME

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

01233 633928

01634 891306

01634 880699

01622 609519

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

CHATHAM MARITIME

CHATHAM

ASHFORD

Sept15 Working File.indd 11 Dockside Outlet Centre

Beaver Road . Ashford TN23 7RR

(next to Ashford International)

Chatham . ME4 3ED (next to The Range)

The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

MAIDSTONE

St Peters Street . ME16 0ST

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

01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com

(next to Ashford International)

(next to The Range)

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

www.homeplusfurniture.com

Please Mention The

village directory When Responding to Adverts

08/08/2015 09:44:43

Home Improvements “Absolutely Considering a Water Softener? Editors Choicebrilliant!” - By Debbie Allen

“I’ve lived in Kent my whole so living about £70 a year for Fraser Christie lives life in Ashford with hard water is something that I’ve always our family of three. I spend that just on washing in but Kent, renowned for liquid over the course of a year! accepted, in thean lastarea few years my frustration with the effects of limescale on my home has its extremely hard water It’s now three really come to a head. months since our His parents are both Scottish and live in We spend precious time and money dealing water softener Edinburgh where the water is naturally soft, so with the effects of limescale but the he was installed. the visible hard water of Kent was not something used occurring to. hiddenwas damage in our pumps, fittings The installation and water heaters often creeps up on us with an was smooth and “I was born in the UK, and after years in the unexpected appliance failure or 40 maintenance efficient, and I’m United States moved back here around three years problem. It can be soul destroying to invest hard so pleased with ago,” says Fraser. “Firstly living in London, and then earned moving moneyhere on toappliances and nice fittings, the results I’ve Ashford in Kent largely for the high I knew it would fit under the sink. In the States, the only tospeed findrail them gradually deteriorate due toas an recommended it connection to London. ” Fraser works water softeners are much larger and therefore in limescale. mythey brother information technology (IT) contractor with most the garage, whereas here in thetoUK are in and the of his work in London. sister-in-law. kitchen so need to be smaller. Being compact was aIt For some time I’ve been curious about the has revolutionised very big sell for me.” benefitsWhen of anotwater softener. I’ve playing enjoyed working, Fraser enjoys golf,the sailing, my housework, reducing the number of cleaning experience showering in “Scuba soft water whileyou Limescale-free scuba of diving, and travelling: diving means products I need. I can now run the washing see lotsbut of the world and Iconsidered particularly enjoy on holiday, never really how ocean it As Fraser familiar with living in amore soft machine andwas thealready dish washer on quicker, diving.my ” home. might help water home, he has enjoyed all the benefits he efficient programs, using half the amount of knew it would bring. The last straw came last year when we finally detergent. Glasses rinsed under the tap look Compact and versatile decision to buyloved a water softener was a very dry, ratherofthan water marked. My had to His replace a much luxury shower unit.easy clean He when says: “No build-up limescale in my new home one, as in America theymodel come as in most new as it did beforeand it came into It was irreplaceable as the wasstandard no longer is shower great forsparkles the plumbing, appliances, especially houses. having weren’t lived for either! many years the shower. It’s sowater, much and nicerisshowering witheasier soft with hard now much available, theSo,funds We with hadsoft contact water, when Fraser moved to London and expe- water as your skin doesn’t dry out as much. My skin to clean. All I need now is an appliance that will replaced and fixed so many parts as a result of rienced hard water and all the problems it brings, isn’t as dry now as it was in London.” the limescale but limescale we finally had toheadmit includingattack, excessive build-up, knew a do the same for my son’s bedroom! defeat and replace the whole thing. water softener was a must-have. recommend JustHighly before Christmas Fraser isto veryreplace happy toour recommend Harvey Water we had When Harveys Water Softeners began advertising “My house in Ashford is brand new,” explains Softeners, and believes it’s something every hard washing machine, but in the magazine I seized the opportunity to find Fraser. “So purchasing a water softener was high water home should have. I did it knowing that out more. Following littlewith research of my on my to-do list aalong furniture and own paint!”I the new asked Harveys for help with some of my queries, theHelifespan adds: “It’sof absolutely brilliant! The whole process While the decision to buyand onehow was iteasy, which onewaswould they also advised us on where could very easy.be The much installation was quick – in, out, one toto choose wasmost less so.benefit After conducting some and done in a couple of hours – and it now does be installed get the within our improved.” ~ Debbie research, Fraser chose Harvey Water Softeners what it’s supposed to do. For homes in traditionally property. The unit is not very big (it easily fits because it ticked several essential boxes: cost, size, hard water areas, it’s a must-have.” under no anpower average kitchen sink) and doesn’t needed, low maintenance, easy to use. require power. so it could go precisely where Want findout outmore moreand andbook bookaa FREE FREE no Want to to find we hadSays planned, in me a closet Fraser: which “What is sold on a where Harvey the Water obligation no obligation demonstration call 225665 demonstration, call 01233 was itsthe reasonable fact itis didn’t mains Softener water enters house. price, All itthe needs a or 01483 visit www.harvey.co.uk 736 877 or visit any salt, power which would complicate supply require of block approximately one block the www.harvey.co.uk installation member process, and it was nice and compact per household per month, which is so

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Clubs & Societies East Kent Morris Men Do you like dancing, beer,

socialising, music, having fun? Why not try Morris Dancing? We are recruiting for new members. Weekly Wednesday dance practices start on September 9th at Mersham Village Hall, 8pm to 10pm; afterwards we practise drinking in the pub opposite! No experience required. Why not give it a try? Details from www. ekmm.org.uk or 01795 536 262 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 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

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. Ashford Soroptimists Second Tues of the month, 7.15pm, except August, in Tesco Crooksfoot Community Room. We are part of a global organisation whose aims are to improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment or enabling opportunities and to be a global voice for increasing access to education and leadership for women and girls. We support local, national and international projects which have the same aims. In addition we also have fun, with a programme of social activities. If you think you may be interested in joining us do please give us a call. Contact Sue Wood 01233 623902 Stanford & Postling WI meet in the comittee room at the rear of Lympne Village Hall on the 3rd monday of every month. we are a small but friendly group who would love to wlecome new members. Our speakers at the next few meetings are: March 21st Porchlight, Kate Lumley, April 18th Agatha Christie, Rosemary Piddock. for any futher information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390.

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Finance Don’t be Taken In By The Pension Scammers By Ann Haldon advantage of a lack of regulation within the industry, plus an uncertainty about how best to invest such a large amount of money.

Since new pension regulations were introduced in 2015, conmen have been using the new freedoms to target people approaching retirement. One of the scams involves telling those under the age of 55 that a ‘legal loophole’ allows them access to their full pension, with no requirement to pay tax on the money withdrawn (in reality, a rate of up to 55%). Pension monies are then moved into an alternative scheme run by the fraudsters, with savings either being stolen or severely diminished after extortionate charges are made for the ‘service’. To make matters worse, HM Revenue and Customs has been sending out bills to reclaim tax on the amounts withdrawn, leaving victims of the scam with no pension savings and in largescale debt in some cases. How can the conmen operate so effectively? Although younger people are a clear target for pension scammers, those aged 55 and over are also under threat. With no restrictions on how pension savings can be used, unscrupulous individuals and criminal groups are taking

Inefficient systems also form part of the problem, enabling conmen to set up these rogue pension schemes. HM Revenue and Customs are not pension regulators, but having introduced a ‘fit and proper person’ test in 2014, they have at least attempted to control the potential for fraudulent activity. HMRC has the power to deregister or refuse to register a new pension scheme, but some have said they should take more responsibility for what is happening to victims, rather than chasing them for tax payments. What exactly are the new pension freedoms? There’s no longer a requirement to buy an annuity with your pension savings in order to fund retirement, although it is still an option. Some people choose a staged income drawdown, which involves purchasing stocks and shares and cashing them in over a period of time. Others prefer to invest in property at home or abroad, earning an income from renting out their investment, and benefiting from the increase in its capital value. People searching for the best return on their pension savings are now more vulnerable to conmen, however, especially in an industry with such complex products. Watch out for these

common phrases used by the scammers Specific phrases have been used by conmen to garner interest in their schemes, and to motivate their victims into taking action. They include: • ‘legal loophole’ to avoid paying tax on pension withdrawals if you’re under 55 • ‘sophisticated investor’ • suggesting you invest in an ‘alternative’ area or those ‘not traditionally available’ • ‘free pension review’ or a ‘free transfer of your pension pot’ By telling you about a free pension or government review, scammers may be attempting to obtain personal and financial information. ‘Guaranteed level of investment’ is also a phrase to watch out for, as are time-limited offers and any form of pressure to make you sign quickly, i.e. before you’re able to access other professional advice. Project Bloom taskforce A new taskforce has been set up by the government and the National Crime Agency to combat the problem of pension fraud. A ‘perfect storm’ of new pension regulations, lack of awareness about where to reinvest, and the fact that large sums of money are involved, has enabled scammers to get away with too many sophisticated cons. It’s hoped that Project Bloom will bring awareness to the issue, however, and specific advice is offered to anyone concerned about their pension. You need to be wary of: • Anyone offering a ‘free pension

review’ or access to your pension pot if you’re under the age of fifty-five • Offers of help to obtain a pension statement, or to provide a tracing service for lost Template.qxd 07/12/2009 pensions Template.qxd 07/12/2009 • An alternative investment product for your pension pot that seems too good to be true The Pensions Advisory Service provides free advice if you’re worried about potential scams, or to discuss your pension options in general. A sophisticated approach One of the problems is that scammers set up sophisticated systems and procedures that include glossy brochures and polished, well-rehearsed speeches. This makes the entire con appear legitimate unless you’re aware that this type of fraud is taking place. Bringing awareness of what’s happening is key to combating

crimes like this, and hopefully Project Bloom will help to prevent more people suffering the devastating loss of their retirement income. Those involved in Project Bloom

11:42 include thePage National1 11:42 Page 1Crime

Agency, Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, The Pensions Regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Watch out for fake websites Fraudsters are even setting up fake websites with names very similar to legitimate bodies offering free advice. They may be able to gain access to your personal information in this way, and then contact you directly via phone or email.

arsenal of tricks. http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/ money/investing-pensions/ pension-liberation-scamvictims-facing-huge-taxbills-11364036908047 http://www.thisismoney. co.uk/money/pensions/ article-3419232/Should-pensionscam-victims-let-tax-bills.html http://www.thisismoney. co.uk/money/pensions/ article-3397828/Three-tell-talesigns-duped-pension-fraudsters. html

It pays to check the web address you’re typing in very carefully, to ensure that the site is legitimate and not part of the fraudsters’

In In South South East East Kent Kent there there is is only only one one company company to to turn turn to to for for your your double double glazing glazing and and conservatory conservatory requirements requirements “ ” • • Windows A Rated Windows • Windows • • Conservatories Conservatories Conservatories • ••Doors Doors Doors & Facia • ••Soffits Sofﬁ & Sofﬁts ts & Facias Facias • •Door Canopies WEATHERMAN HOME WEATHERMANWINDOWS HOME IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS WEATHERMAN LIMITED

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Cake and Bake Rhubarb & Coconut Meringue Cake There’s plenty of field grown rhubarb about this time of year and it’s perfect for pies, puddings and cakes. When buying choose firm plump stalks of rhubarb – avoid any that are floppy or bruised.

Ingredients:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, fan 160C, Gas 4. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Grease a 20cm round springform cake tin and line the base with baking paper.

22 • 100g butter, softened • 100g light soft brown sugar • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 50g self-raising flour • 50g ground hazelnuts • Zest of 1 orange • 300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped • 2 tbsp caster sugar

2. To make the base, place the butter and brown sugar in a bowl and beat together until pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs then sift over the flour and fold in. Gently fold in the ground hazelnuts. Spread the mixture in an even layer in the base of the prepared tin. Arrange the rhubarb over the top and sprinkle over the 2 tbsp caster sugar and orange zest.

3. To make the topping place the egg whites in a clean grease-free bowl and, using an electric hand held mixer, whisk until stiffly peaking. Whisk in the caster sugar until glossy then fold in the coconut.

FOR THE TOPPING • 2 medium egg whites • 50g caster sugar • 75g desiccated coconut • Whipped cream or Greek yoghurt, to serve

Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes

4. Spread the coconut meringue over the top of the rhubarb. Place the tin on the hot baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the topping is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or Greek yoghurt.

TIP

Placing the cake tin on a hot baking sheet will help to ensure that the hazelnut sponge base is cooked through.

Local Markets 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 Hamstreet Victory Hall every third Sunday 10-12pm Contact 01797 344437 Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall

Dirty Oven?

It’s not your fault! With busy, hectic lives and off the shelf cleaning products that don’t seem to do the job, keeping the oven clean feels an impossible task. Let Oven Wizards take care of this job for you. We use a specialist, non-toxic and effective process to get your oven looking spotless and take pride in working tidily in your home. Over 10,000 local customers trust us to make their oven sparkle! Take a look at our website to see before & after pictures and read their reviews. Professional oven cleaning from just £49 £44 Call James to book your clean oven!

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Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April)

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

Rye Country Market Formerly WI Market Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill. Every Friday 10am -11.30am Tenterden Country Market Every Friday 9.30am -11.00am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road. Tenterden High Street Market Friday’s – 0830 – 1400 Wittersham Market Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01797 270757 Wye First and third Saturday of every month on the Village Green in Wye. Tel: 07804 652156 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

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Unique professional intensive valet process Range & AGA specialist All ovens, hobs, extractor fans & microwaves Environmentally friendly, no toxic chemicals, no fumes Contact Richard at Ovenu Ashford 01233 380023 or 0800 1409800 See www.ovenu.co.uk for a video and more info Have you been cooking? Treat yourself to a clean oven!

L i v e Ja z z

March/April 16 T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b At T h e To we r To B o o k C a l l : 0 1 3 0 3 2 7 7 1 7 5 March 3rd THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE HUMPHREY LYTTLETON BAND £12 March 10th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ ALEX & WILLIE GARNETT QUINTET £10 March 17th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE JUM MULLEN TRIO ++ DAVE LEWIS £10 March 24th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ STEVE WATERMAN & HIS ALL STAR SEPTET £12 March 29th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE ROGER BEAUJOLAIS QUARTET £10 April 7th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE CLARK TRACEY QUINTET £10 April 14th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE MICK FOSTER SEXTET £12 April 21st Bernie Stringle & The FJC Present JAZZIN’ JOLSON £12

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

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

Monday 14th March Smeeth W.I will be hoding an Open meeting at the Brabourne and Smeeth Village hall at 7.30pm when all will be welcome to hear a presentation by Geoff Turner on “Those Dirty Miners” a History of Kent Coalfields. It should be an interesting and fascinating meeting to which we extend a welcome to men as well as our usual warm invitation to women to come aong. Should members or visitors reqire further information then please contact either Joy taylor on 01303812165 or Margaret Garrett on 01303813932 Tueday 15th March, The Ashford Decorative & Fine Arts Society meet at Aldington Village Hall, 10.00 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Medicine in Art thoughout the Ages”. For more than 500 eara the mysteries of medicine have inspire works of

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

April 28th Modern Jazz at it’s Best PETER KING & MORNINGTON LOCKETT WITH THE DAVE BARRY TRIO £12 May 3rd BIG BAND JAZZ AT THE FJC The Christ Church University 16pc Big Band Directed by Steve Waterman £12 May 12th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ GEORGINA JACKSON & KAREN SHARP with THE CHRIS INGHAM TRIO £12

The Folkestone Jazz Club is a non profit making jazz club. Run by & for people with a like minded interest in OUR KIND OF MUSIC Derick Woodland 01303 260330

Raffle quilt to be won

Exhibition to include a showcase of the groups work, demonstrations of techniques and trade stands Light refreshments served all day (sandwiches & cakes etc) Disabled access & ample parking. Quilt will be raffled for the charity - Pregnancy Sickness Support (Hyperemesis) UK. For more details contact Julie Coney – quirkyjules@gmail.com

Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Chalkpit Farm Rural Shopping, Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury CT4 5EU Email: shop@essentiallyhops.co.uk

tel: 01227 830666

www.hopsandflowers.co.uk

art around the world. The talk looks at some of the bizzare & amusing depictions of illness & heling in art. Call Christine on 01233720241

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

Falcons Centre, Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch. Raising funds for Canterbury Oast Trust. Tickets £5 for further details ring 01233732685 or email hanlon1@ btinternet.com

Wednesday 24th February The Biddenden Horticultural Society meets in the New Village

Hall (7:15pm for 7:30pm start) when Jeff and Sylvia Wagner will be presenting “ Phantasmagoria” – Magic Lantern show brought up to date. Members £1.50, Non Members £2.50. Annual membership £5. New members always welcome. Contact Irene on 01580291777 or Lesley on 01580291931.

25th March the Tenterden & District Museum

opens for the 2016 season. Dont miss the opening exhibition, come and see the worlds smallest paperweight and guess the weight of the largest in the exhibition. Open every day from good Friday 25th March to Sunday 3rd April. for deatils phone 01580764310 or see www.tenterdenmuseum.co.uk. Email enquiries@tenterdenmuseum.co.uk

Friday 1 April Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society will be meeting in the Village Hall, 7.15 for

7.30pm, for the Annual Spring Show (staging from 6.30 until 7.20 pm) followed by a light hearted quiz. Visitors will be made most welcome. For further information contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813 451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com .

Saturday 2nd April Little Chart Spring Flower Show in the Parish Hall at 3pm. Entries welcome.

Schedules from Julie Lilwall at julielilwall@hotmail. co.uk. (For setting up times see schedule). Come and enjoy the show even if you do not wish to make entries.

MAGIC EVENING WITH ETIENNE PRADIER Famous magician Etienne Pradier of The Magic Circle will entertain us to an evening of tricks and surprises! 10% off food at The Tickled Trout on the night for ticketholders In aid of

TUESDAY 8 MARCH at WYE VILLAGE HALL 7pm AND 9pm CASH BAR TICKETS £12 FROM TICKETYBOO or Tel: 01233 813762

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

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

Spring Grove School

Resilience

• •

the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity. the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

Growing up in an independent boarding school, learning the discipline of being a chorister in a cathedral choir and having to adapt to living away from home taught me valuable lessons for the future. There were plenty of highs, with endless games in the evenings and singing brilliant music on a daily basis, but there were many lows too: long days, long terms, loneliness, not getting picked for teams or solos. An ex-cathedral choirboy once said that anyone who could survive the life of a chorister could pretty much cope with any troubles that followed in later life. Resilience or bouncebackability was a vital characteristic. I have written before how failure helps us develop our resilience: there is so much we can learn from the mistakes we make or the experience of coming second or lower. Alternatively, there can be a danger for those who always succeed and achieve top grades from a young age: if you do not know what it feels like to lose, play 2nd fiddle or the bridesmaid throughout your childhood, a vital component of resilience may be missing. Parents beware: in an era when teachers are under pressure not to allow anyone to fail and to cushion from them from any kind of fall, schools are in danger of letting down their pupils by shielding them from experiencing disappointment! Failure is a reality in life. We do not get that job we hoped for; we miss out on that university place; we are dropped from a sports team; we do not get cast in a school play. In response here is how parents might respond when their children do not achieve their immediate goals.

•

Share not only in your child’s hopes but also in their disappointment when hopes are not realised.

•

Remind them that when one door closes, another may open.

•

Explain that disappointments are common to all and can have a positive effect.

•

Encourage them to be pleased for the person who got the job or the part their child craved.

•

Do not blame the school if your child slips from an A grade to a B: a disappointing (but fair) mark can often spur a child on to improve.

•

Challenging the school to account for its apparent unfairness will not solve the problem and children will not thank their parents for interfering.

•

Trust the school – that it makes fair decisions about selection!

•

Explain that good things come to those who wait – perseverance is good for you!

Good teaching and parenting encourage children to develop character, a major component of which is Resilience: that quality that allows us to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome and drain resolve, we find a way to rise from the ashes. Such people believe, “everything will be alright in the end, and if it is not alright, it is not the end.” Bill Jones, Headmaster Spring Grove School www.springgroveschool.co.uk 01233 812337 / 07732329163

Hobbies Hallelujah! Why Joining A Choir Is Something To Celebrate By Kate McLelland “Circle your shoulders … shake out your whole body … move your mouth as if you’re chewing a toffee …” It’s my first session with my local community choir but we’ve spent the past five minutes doing physical exercises. “He always does this,” whispers a fellow choir member at my side, referring to Graham, the Choir Director. “He says it’s important to get rid of tension.” The activity changes to breathing exercises and tongue twisters and I’m wondering when I will actually get the chance to sing. As if he could read my mind, Graham launches into an explanation of why it’s so important to spend time warming up both our bodies and our voices. “You are your instrument,” he tells us. “Preparation is everything if you really want to sing well.” As the session progresses I learn how to breathe from deep down in my ribcage rather than taking shallow breaths that use only a third of my lungs’ capacity. I also find out how to control my breathing, counting in-breaths and out-breaths and releasing air in a steady stream rather than letting it all go at once.

Finally we get to sing, and by this time my head is buzzing with all the extra oxygen I’ve taken on board. The real bonus is that my singing voice suddenly seems louder and more tuneful than usual simply because I’ve been using my lungs to their full capacity. At the end of a two-hour session, during which we tackle songs ranging from “All That Jazz” from the musical Chicago to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, my new choir buddies and I are all excited and elated. The sound we created together was impressive and we are already discussing the possibility of taking part in a local festival. Back at home, reflecting on my first ever choral session, it occurred to me there’s a lot more to joining a choir than just enjoying a good singalong, and this view is backed up by a number of high profile experts in the world of the arts, education and medical science. Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London has extensively studied the developmental and medical aspects of singing. He claims that the health benefits are both physical and

psychological. “Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting.” He believes that singing is also important for mental health: “Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system, which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone, because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour.” No wonder, then, that joining a choir has become such a popular hobby. Gareth Malone, who has started a number of choirs on TV, encourages singers to “Get out there and find what’s right for you”. On his website www.garethmalone.com he advises applicants to have an initial chat with the Choir Director to ask if they will need to read music and whether they will have to audition, adding the following reassurance: “What usually happens is that you take a piece which you know to sing to the choir director. It is

nothing like the X-Factor!” Choirs come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important to find one that suits you: Classical concert choirs or choral societies Large choirs that stage several concerts throughout the year, sometimes with an orchestra. They may perform concert works such as Mozart’s Requiem or Handel’s Messiah. Church choirs Depending on the type of worship practised by the congregation, you could find yourself singing traditional sacred music, gospel songs or modern hymns that sound more like pop hits. Community choirs and other singing groups Depending on what’s available in your local area you might

Auctioneers

C&T

Valuers

find choirs that sing rock and pop, songs from the shows, folk songs or even beatbox and rap. Generally speaking any choir that describes itself as a ‘Community choir’ is less likely to require you to audition or read music. When looking for a choir to join you can either do some research on the internet (try www.choirs. org.uk) or ask around locally. Look at the arts page in your local newspaper to find out which choirs are performing in your area or visit your local library for a list of community groups.

It may not offer instant fame like X-Factor or The Voice, but being in a choir provides an opportunity to sing songs you love with like-minded people, and to share your love of music with others through performance. If that doesn’t persuade you to join, then the health and wellbeing aspects of choral singing certainly should.

Many choirs offer a ‘taster’ session where you can sing with the group, chat to current members and also find out the costs involved (which can vary enormously, from £5 per session to £100 per term, depending on the size and profile of the choir).

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health & Lifestyle

Beauty Spring Is In The Air by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Spring is a great time to clear out the makeup bag (or overflowing cupboard in my case) and treat yourself to a few new goodies. How pretty is this new palette from Paul & Joe? Teaming an eye 30 shadow duo with a powder blush, the palette is available in two shades: Papillons de Printemps and Floral Nectar (pictured). Retailing at £28 each, they’re not cheap, but the colours are easy to apply and you’ll be the envy of the other bathroom mirror hoggers on a night out. If you really want to splash out, Paul & Joe have also released some new lipsticks, in three vibrant spring shades. Many people find that they need to buy a new foundation for spring/summer, their skin loses its winter hibernation paleness. (Or that’s my excuse anyway.) The new Aqua Glow

Serum Foundation by Stila combines foundation with a treatment serum. It gives great, natural looking coverage, while hydrating and softening skin. 94% of testers reported dramatically improved skin tone. If you can’t wait to take your makeup off at the end of the day because your face feels dry and uncomfortable, you need to try this foundation. It contains hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that help to keep skin hydrated for up to 12 hours after applying it. Available in 10 shades, the Aqua Glow Serum Foundation retails at £34.50. If your hair is looking a little ‘meh’, but there’s still weeks to go until your next trip to the salon, try a KC Color Mask. Available in 14 shades, including platinum, golden copper, plum and coffee, these masks revitalise coloured hair. A small amount helps to maintain the hair colour and add brightness, while a larger amount can deepen the colour intensity. Just apply to freshly washed hair, comb through, leave for up to ten minutes and wash out. They’re particularly useful for toning down brassy tones in blonde hair, and giving depth

to darker shades. The masks also contain Pro-Vitamin B5 and keratin derivative, to help repair the cuticle. Prices start from under £5. Spring demands a lighter, fresher fragrance, and Yardley London has just released the perfect one. English Daisy is reminiscent of a wildflower meadow – floral, but not too sweet. It’s unashamedly girly, with notes including hyacinth and white rose, warmed with sandalwood and musk. And, at just £19.99 for 50ml, it’s a bit of a bargain. Team it with the English Daisy body lotion, £6.50 and embrace the warmer weather.

health & Lifestyle

means it’s a lot easier to drag the kids out for a walk (although it’ll be a while before we’re out of our wellies I reckon). Along with wet wipes and plasters, the one thing I always take with me is Pure & Light Organic’s Essential Family on-the-Go Cream. It’s packed with plantderived vitamins, and helps to treat everything from insect bites and bruises to eczema. The 18 natural active ingredients include soothing calendula, hydrating shea butter and nourishing avocado. Priced at £15, it’s available from www. pureandlightorganic.eu and www.lovelula.co.uk.

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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.

C O O L

Across 7. Sight (6) 8. Female relative (6) 9. Largest continent (4) 10. Fit and healthy (8) 11. Beetles, ants etc (7) 13. Animal furs (5) 15. Invoices (5) 17. Considers (7) 20. Taking small bites (8) 21. Solely (4) 23. Distributed (6) 24. A capital city (6) Down 1. Fasteners (4) 2. Buccaneer (6) 3. Young children (7) 4. Sailing boat (5) 5. Involuntary action (6) 6. Menacing (8) 12. Loudest (8) 14. Harshly (7)

W A R M

Crossword 1

13 14

19 21

16. Hard work (6) 18. Drenches (6)

19. Feathered friends? (5) 22. Stolen goods (4)

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

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Samaritans www.samaritans.org

08457 90 90 90

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

Doctors Surgery Willesborough 01233 621626 Wye 0844 387 8419 Veterinary Surgeons Barrow Hill Vets 01233 624687 Montgomery Vets 01303 813756

Parish Councils: Brabourne & Smeeth 01233 623902 Boughton Aluph & Eastwell 01233 720392 Brook 01233 750415 Challock 01233 740351 Hastingleigh 01233 750415 Wye & Hinxhill 01233 812459 Westwell 01233 623902 Ashford Borough Council 01233 331111 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 Volunteer Centre

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Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UK, Ashford Branch

Contact Mike Wharrad 01233 623520 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 www.eastkentstrokes.org

SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com NSPCC: Tenterden & District Mrs J Coombs 01580 763733 Pregnancy Sickness Support Kent and Sussex www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Contact: Denise Clifford deniseclifford@btinternet.com Royal Mail Residential Customer Services 08457 740740 Bus Enquiries Arriva Bus Enquiries 0844 800 44 11 Stage Coach East Kent: 0871 200 22 33 (Timetable) 08456 00 22 99 (Customer Services) National Train Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk Wealden Wheels: 01233 840000 Village Halls: Boughton Lees Brook Challock Westwell Wye

01233 714540 01233 665 535

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

Age UK Ashford 01233 668 765 www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com CARM E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk

01233 623639 01233 812803 01233 740504 01233 712107 07504 839 858

Cesspool Emptying Service

01233 840624

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The Village Directory Coverage

Delivered by Royal Mail to 56,400 Homes & Businesses Challock Boughton Aluph

Charing

Egerton

Westwell

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Eastwell

Orchard Heights

Smarden

Bodsham Hastingleigh Brook Elmsted Wye

Ashford 20,000

Charing Area 4,000

Wye Area 4,000

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St Michaels

Dymchurch Newchurch

Appledore

Tenterden Small Hythe Wittersham

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

Ivychurch Brookland

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

The Marsh 10,400

Iden Playden East Guldeford Rye Camber

Lydd Dungeness

Call: 01233 720488

or email info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

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Coverage 56,400 via Royal Mail

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