Wye March 2017

117

The

village directory

March 2017

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

for the

Wye Area

Kennington Tandoori

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Friday

Welcome Hi everyone welcome to the March Issue. It has been a long cold winter, but don’t worry, there is light at the end of the tunnel. British Summer Time will begin on Sunday 26th of March, which also happens to be Mother’s Day. We may lose an hour in bed, as our clocks go forward, and it may take a little longer before Spring truly arrives, but I for one will be more than happy to welcome the onset of longer days and lighter evenings.

With Spring waiting in the wings my mind has turned to fitness, or rather my lack of it.

I’ve just returned from my first skiing holiday for seven years and it was a shock to discover just how unfit I have become. With hospitals overworked, and seeing this for ourselves when my son was admitted in November, my husband has made a strong case for us both being fit as we approach our old age. I totally agree with him, and being a little closer to it than he is, I have promised to make some changes. Running the magazines means that I spend endless hours sitting at a computer, I have taken to standing for some tasks, but this is nowhere near enough. A few months back one of my son’s friends, Sam, began working with me, she has made a big difference to my workload, meaning that I no longer have an excuse for taking a little time out for some exercise. So here it is in black and white, I promise to do some form of exercise every day for a minimum of 30 minutes. If I am successful my next challenge will be to continue beyond the end of Brithish Summer Time. Wish me luck! See you next time!

Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk April Issue Deadline 10th March 2017

Piano Lessons

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3

How To Hedge

by Pippa Greenwood

There is nothing better than a living boundary around or within your garden - bricks and fencing are all very well, but as far as lifting your spirits and keeping wildlife happy, it is difficult to beat a hedge. Hedges can take on many guises – they can look smart or informal, be neat and compact or thicker and sturdier, evergreen or deciduous and, if you want you can even include some hedging with pretty flowers. The options are many, the potential is huge - and now is an ideal time to plant a new hedge.

First, prepare the area in the same way you would for any other long-term planting: fork the soil over thoroughly, removing large stones, debris and pernicious weeds. This will eliminate anything that might make establishment tricky or subsequently reduce hedge growth. This preparation also helps to break up any compaction and to aerate the soil, making it a better place for plant roots. If the soil is either very sandy and light or very heavy with clay, then fork in well-rotted garden compost, manure or proprietary compost,

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as this will help to improve the soil’s texture and its ability to hold moisture and nutrients to just the right extent. At the same time incorporate a complete fertilizer. A young hedge will not create a perfect barrier for the first few years, so if you anticipate problems with next door’s pets or children breaking through you may initially need to use a less attractive barrier such as galvanized stock fencing. Don’t be tempted to plant right up against an existing fence, as the plants simply won’t grow well.

At this time of year, when hedging plants grow very little or not at all, you can create a hedge very effectively using ‘bareroot’ plants, but if you want to plant a hedge at any other time you will need container-grown plants. Small pot-grown conifers, for instance, will have wellestablished roots and should thrive. If using pot-grown plants, carefully remove each plant from its pot just before planting, having watered them thoroughly first if the compost is dry. The roots should not be too tightly packed in the pot, but if they are, tease them out firmly before planting. If you’re using bare-root

plants, make sure that you’re ready to plant them as soon as they are delivered and that the soil is also ready and waiting.

It is essential to space the plants correctly to achieve the desired effect, and to make sure that you plant them properly if they are to get off to a good start and establish well. Once out of the pot, position the plant in the prepared soil, making sure that it is at the same depth as it was in the pot. If you’re using bare-root plants then make sure that only the roots are beneath the soil.

If planted too deeply the plants will suffer and may even die; if planted too shallowly they will be more prone to drying out.

Firm the soil around each so that it is in good contact with the roots.

Hedging plants generally need a spacing of about 30-45cm.

For a much thicker or denser hedge it is often worth planting them 45cm apart, but using two parallel rows of plants, positioned so that the planting is staggered like bricks in a wall.

Once the whole hedge is planted, water the soil thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots and so allow the plants

The Garden to establish. On windy sites or with larger plants it may be worth using small, temporary stakes such as bamboo canes to stabilise the plants. For the hedge to grow well, it is essential that you keep it well watered, especially during dry or windy weather.

The first 18 months is the most vital period.

Some great hedging plants: • Yew - perfect for a formal, super-smart evergreen hedge.

• Thuja - makes a stunning conifer hedge for year round colour, and is not too inclined to be rampant!

• Beech - a deciduous plant that gives a good effect for much of the year because the gingery brown autumn leaves often last well. Both purple and green-leafed forms.

• Hornbeam - similar to beech but with few leaves held over winter and more prone to mildew. Great as a neatly clipped hedge.

• Cypress – the ‘Leyland Cypress’ is notorious, but kept well clipped and cut back regularly this does actually make a great hedge.

• Pyracantha - a very spiny evergreen plant excellent for keeping out unwelcome visitors, with pretty creamy-white flowers and red-orange or yellow berries.

• Privet - the classic town hedge, which looks great neatly clipped and has evergreen leaves that make a good foil for nearby flowers.

• Euonymus (pictured) - a useful evergreen with many forms, some variegated green and cream, others green and yellow.

• Hawthorn - deciduous and potentially thorny too, perfect as an ingredient of a ‘native’ hedge and good for wildlife.

• Blackthorn - deciduous and very thorny, great for ‘native’ hedging and wildlife, with pretty white flowers followed by sloes - ideal for sloe gin drinkers but can easily get too vigorous!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug, pullout EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

BENSKO Pest Control Services T: 01303 487401 M: 07857 344770 www.benskoservices.co.uk

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6

The Garden

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STANFORD Conservatory & Building COMPANY www.stanfordconservatories.co.uk All Work Fully Insured Start & Completion Times Guaranteed

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9

Mowgli

by Montgomery Vets

H O

ello everyone, Mowgli here! We hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather and the beginning of spring. ur humans have had quite a few people to the house recently to mend or make things. I make visitors my personal business so I always wait at the door for Jane to pick me up, open the door and find out who it is.

These days after this I usually get shut in the attic bedroom as apparently I am a liability….

I think this is grossly unfair- I am just very interested in what goes on in my house and always make sure that the work is up to standard. Clive always cites the chimney sweep incident (I had to be manually removed from the chimney), the boiler service incident (I got in the toolbox, asked to be carried around in it and refused to get out) and the day a man came to plaster our ceiling (I tunnelled under all the dust sheets, pounced on the man’s feet and then sat between his feet on the top of his ladder yelling my encouragements to him. Apparently I put him off.....) Anyway, we have recently had a couple of men come and look at the drive (this wasn’t very interesting for me as I stayed inside and just yelled comments from the porch) and two come and look at making a new loft hatch. The loft hatch was something I could get fully involved inladders, hatches, tape measures- bliss! I am really looking forward to a couple of weeks’ time when the new hatch gets made. Then we will have a built in ladder I will be able to run straight up- a whole new place to play! Clive is already rolling his eyes as I type this…..

I

t is getting towards the time of year now when everyone thinks of taking their holidays. Ebony and I always hope that Clive and Jane will take us with them one year. Clive

10

says no chance of that as I am so naughty I am bound to cause major breakages and disgrace (I don’t know what he is thinking about although I have to admit that right now whilst helping type this up I have tipped a large mug of hot tea all over Jane’s antique bureau- she had to run my paws under the tap to prevent scalds or burns and then was ranting about water marks on the wood or something. Humans are so odd!). Ebony and I always look out for the tell-tale signs of bags and packing. Ebony gets very depressed as soon as the bags come out and hides herself away. I always just jump into the bags and hide myself amongst the contents. They haven’t fallen for this yet but I am hoping that

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Pets if I hide well enough and lie still enough one year I might get to be a stowaway. Do any of you cats out there get taken away on holiday?

Mowgli

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PETS Should Your Rabbit Live Indoors Or Outside?

When deciding where to house your rabbit, it’s important to balance their sociable nature and preference for company with the need for space to exercise. Wherever you place them, one of the main aspects to consider is their safety.

Living inside With so many potentially dangerous objects in your home, including cables that can be nibbled through and houseplants that are poisonous, you’ll need to give careful thought to where your rabbit will live indoors.

They’re very sensitive creatures, but also naturally inquisitive, which can lead them into danger if left unsupervised for too long. A rabbit can live for up to 10 years, so it’s a long-term commitment and not the easy option.

An outdoor home An outdoor hutch should allow enough space for them to stand on their hind legs, stretch out whilst lying down, and have a substantial run attached. They will also need a quiet area to rest and sleep, away from view.

Rabbits kept in a confined space sometimes develop skeletal problems, so it’s crucial to attach a good-sized exercise area to the hutch.

This also allows you to see more of your pet, and makes cleaning easier.

Their outdoor home should be sheltered from direct sunlight and strong winds, and offer protection from other pets or animals that roam around at night.

Regardless of whether they live indoors or outside, your rabbit will need plenty of space to hop around and play with toys that stimulate their naturally curious and intelligent nature. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/ caring-your-rabbit https://www.rspca.org. uk/adviceandwelfare/ pets/rabbits/ environment

By Ann Haldon

11

Home & Interiors Invaluable Decorating Tips By Katherine Sorrell

Planning some changes to your home? Interiors expert Katherine Sorrell has some handy hints…

Living rooms • To help plan where to place your furniture, draw a scale plan of your room and cut out mini sofas, chairs and other furniture.

Move them around until you find the right positions. Lifesized cardboard cut-outs can also be a great help.

• The alcoves either side of a chimney breast are perfect for creating extra storage. A combination of cupboards at the bottom and shelving above works really well.

• To let maximum light into the room, fit a pole or track that overhangs far enough each

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on side of the window to allow the curtains to be drawn right back.

Bear in mind that very full, thick curtains need more ‘stack back’ space than light, thin ones.

• Talking of lighting, avoid using a central hanging pendant as your one and only light source if at all possible. Add in table lamps, floor lamps and – if you’re renovating – wall lamps for a more flexible and flattering ambience.

• The TV is, often, the focal point of a living room. But you don’t always want to look at a blank black screen, so consider ways to disguise it when not in use – especially if you socialise a lot in your living room. Can you adapt a piece of furniture, such as an armoire, so that it sits behind closed doors when necessary?

Kitchens • Aim to have tall .cupboards at one end of your cupboard run, with the hob nearby and the maximum amount of worktop space between the hob and the sink. Add the dishwasher next to the sink at the other end.

• If possible, make worktops deeper than usual at 700mm instead of 600mm – that

100mm is more useful as working space than floor space, and will better accommodate a large sink.

• In an open-plan kitchen, choose the quietest appliances possible, and design it so that you can hide the washing up from the view of the dining table.

• If you paint the inside of a wall cabinet door with blackboard paint, you’ll always have somewhere to write a shopping list.

• Base cabinets on legs, or recessed plinths, make the room seem larger because you can see more floor.

Bedrooms • Plan storage with precision, and divide the interior of your wardrobe into full, half and three-quarter hanging space, fitting shelves, drawers and shoe racks as necessary. Look for clever storage gadgets such as tie racks, belt racks and pullout trays.

• Squeezed for space? Use the full height of the room and build fitted wardrobes right up to the ceiling, using the less accessible high-up space for storing things you don’t often need.

• Add a blackout lining to your curtains, or choose wooden shutters for additional sound and draught-proofing, and security.

• Swing-arm lights on either side of the bed are great for reading, and free up space on bedside tables.

• A blanket box at the end of the bed is an ideal place to store

The Home spare bedding, also providing a handy seat.

Children’s rooms • Kids’ tastes change rapidly as they grow up so, unless you want to redecorate every few years, keep the walls, floors and major items of furniture relatively neutral, just changing accessories, such as rugs, cushion covers, bean bags, blinds and lamp shades, as necessary.

• Add interest to boring walls by covering them with blackboard paint, magnetic wallpaper, peg board, cork tiles, blown-up digital images, maps, flags or wall stickers.

• A high-level bed is great for providing extra space beneath for study, play or storage.

• Fit a dimmer switch so you can adjust the light level from bright for playing or reading to soft and calm at bedtime.

necessary. You can punch shallow shelves into the studwork to create useful storage niches.

• A single light above your washbasin mirror creates really unflattering shadows. Try to fit lights on both sides instead.

• Design your shower so you can turn it on from outside, thus avoiding having to stand under a stream of cold water.

• Chosen a cast iron bath? Check it will fit up the stairs…

• Storage is all-important. Felt tips and paint brushes can be kept in old baby-milk tins, or any other large, washed-up tin, as long as it doesn’t have sharp edges. Cover in an offcut of wallpaper for a unified look. For storing tiny Lego sets and the like, plastic takeaway boxes, ice cream tubs or shoe boxes are ideal.

Bathrooms • If you’re on a budget, invest more in the moving parts – taps, shower doors and bath screens – and save on a plain white suite, adding decorative appeal with tiles and attractive accessories.

• Wall-hung WCs and washbasins create the illusion of extra space.

• Hide pipework under floorboards or behind false walls – not forgetting to include access panels where

Main Image: Galaxy square mirror with integrated lighting, £200, Astro Lighting: 01279 427001; astrolighting.co.uk.

Derek Hales

Jakeman & Jakeman Homecare Steve Jakeman

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Clubs & Societies Wye Historical Society – meets monthly from October to April in the Lady Joanna Thornhill School at 7.30pm. Subscriptions £10 per year; visitors welcome at £2 per meeting - no need to book. For more information see www.wyehistoricalsociety. org.uk.

Aldington Corner Quilters is a long established group of friendly ladies meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Aldington Village Hall, 7.00pm - 9.00pm. We have a mix of beginners and experienced ladies who share their latest projects and ideas. We always welcome new members so if you are interested come along one evening and meet us. For more information contact Julie Coney - quirkyjules@gmail.com or call 01303 813944 (eve).

Aldington WI on 3rd Mon every month. All ladies welcome, 7 for 7.30 at The Walnut Tree, Aldington.

Ashford Model Railway Club - We meet on Wednesday evenings at the barn café at Willesborough Windmill. between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, and the club would welcome new members. Club members are currently building a model of Rye in 00 gauge in the SR period.

Contact John White on 01233 733416 for more information Ashford Radio Aeromodellers, we have a field at Sellindge for flying seven days a week, and fly indoors in Ashford Market on various Thursday evenings during the Autumn, Winter, & Spring, please visit www.araclub.co.uk for more details, or phone Iain on 07956501510, or myself (Roger) 01233 627694.

Ashford 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.

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

Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society

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

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

East Kent Morris Men Do you like dancing, beer, socialising, music, having fun? Why not try Morris

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Dancing? We are recruiting for new members. Weekly Wednesday dance practices 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 Enjoy Learning offers enjoyable adult classes in NEW ROMNEY, DYMCHURCH and HYTHE. We teach ART APPRECIATION & SPANISH CLASSES. The Spanish Classes are not for complete beginners, but if you have done a bit of Spanish in the past and would like to brush up your skills, the classes might be suitable. Cost £5 per week. For further details contact ANDREW and DEBBY on 01303 875542

Every Monday - Have fun and get fit with a mixed group of friendly joggers with a sense of humour.

Quilting Group held in the Oak Room, Smeeth TN25 6SA. If you are interested in quilting or patchwork why not come along and learn new skills and share your expertise with like minded people. Beginners and advanced levels are welcome. Bi-monthly meetings, for further information contact Marion on 01233 750319 Sellindge Gardening Association meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Durling Hall Sellindge (next to the main hall) at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Our programme includes speakers, a summer show, social events, day trips and an annual holiday.

For further details contact Linda on 01303 813288.

Sellindge Table Top Sale the 1st Saturday of each month in the village hall Sellindge. Tables booked in advance are £5. 00 Each and on the day (If available) £8. 00. Telephone for more information 01303 813475. Refreshments are available and home made cakes.

Smeeth W.I. We meet on the second Monday of the Month at 7.30 pm in the Brabourne & Smeeth village hall for further information do contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165” Stanford & Postling WI meet in the 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. for any futher information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390.

The Home

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15

Thai Green Curry Serves 4

Ready in 35 minutes

This classic curry is great for a mid-week family supper – it’s quick to make and tastes delicious!

Ingredients: • 200g Thai jasmine rice • 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced • 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste • 1 large red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced • 1 large courgette, sliced • 450g chicken breast fillets, cut into chunks

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion for 5 minutes. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the pepper and courgette and fry for a further minute.

Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink, stirring all the time. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Stir in the soy and fish sauces and lime juice.

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Drain the rice and use a small heatproof cup or bowl to make four mounds of rice on warmed serving plates. Sprinkle the nigella seeds on top and spoon the curry on the side.

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

TIP

• 400ml can coconut milk

• Squeeze of lime juice • 2 tsp nigella seeds

16

Cook the rice in a large pan of boiling, lightly salted water for about 15 minutes until tender, or follow the packet instructions.

Add a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves to the curry at the end of cooking time, if liked. Or for a spicier flavour, garnish with shredded red chilli pepper.

Food & Domestic Services

Local Markets Local Food For Local People Wye Farmers Market is held around The Green in the centre of Wye, 1st & 3rd Sat of the month, 9am till noon.

We have 20 stalls at our market, selling fresh, healthy food and hand-made gifts, all produced within 30 miles of Wye.

Bring this advert along to the Market on 18th March to be entered into a free prize draw to win a Wye Farmers Market Hamper. www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk marketmanager@wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

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

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

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

Every Friday 10am -11.30am

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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!

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

17

Cake and Bake Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes Based on the classic lemon drizzle cake these tangy cupcakes are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea!

Ingredients:

1. 1 Preheat the oven to 180C, Fan 160C , Gas Mark 4.

• 175g unsalted butter, softened

2. Place the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder and eggs

Line a 12 hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases. in a large bowl and whisk with an electric whisk until thoroughly blended and pale and creamy. Fold in the lemon curd.

• 175g golden caster sugar • 175g self-raising flour • 1tsp baking powder

3. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases and bake for 15-20 minutes until risen and golden brown. Whilst the cakes are baking mix the topping ingredients together in a small bowl.

• 3 large eggs • 2tbsp lemon curd TOPPING • 100g granulated sugar

4. Remove the cakes from the oven and leave for 1-2 minutes then spoon some of the sugar and juice mixture over each cupcake. Leave to cool in the tray the sugar topping will go crisp on cooling.

• Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon

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Makes 12

TIP

Ready in 40 minutes, plus cooling

If you don’t have lemon curd use 1-2 tbsp of milk or soured cream and 2 tsp grated lemon zest instead.

Food & Domestic Services beautiful flowers & hops for all occasions

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19

L i v e Ja z z 2016/17

T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b At T h e To we r To B o o k C a l l : 0 1 3 0 3 2 7 7 1 7 5 2017 March & April All gigs start at 8pm ~ All gigs £12 admission Seat Bookings 01303 277175 Email twinklewood@btinternet.com Info on website www.towertheatrefolkestone. co.uk THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ

W h a t’s O n Ashford Flower Club invites you to a demonstration by Jane Patterson entitled ‘My World of Colour’ on Tuesday, 21st March. It will take place at Furley Hall, Maidstone Road, TN24 8TX, and starts at 7.30pm. Visitors - £3.00 at the door.

Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society will be holding their Spring Show on Saturday 25th March in the village hall. The show will include floral arrangements, cookery and crafts as well as cut flowers. There will also be children’s classes.

The doors will be open from 1.00pm until the prize giving at 3.30 and tea will be served. Visitors will be most welcome. For further details contact Jean Evans 01233 720618

Brabourne & Smeeth Garden’s Society will meet in the village hall Friday 31st March at 7.15 for 7.30pm when the Spring Show will be held MORNINGTON LOCKETT & DICK PEARCE “ Back followed by a quiz. Staging is from 6.30 pm until together “ Plus -- The Dave Barry Trio 7.20 pm. Visitors will be made most welcome. For March 9th / £12 British Jazz Awards All Star Special further enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@ THE STEVE WATERMAN ALL STAR SEPTET gmail.com March 2nd / £12 This is Ronnie Scott’s music! 8pm

March 16th / £12 Direct from downtown New York City MARLENE VERPLANCK & Her Trio

March 23rd / £12 The Original “ Humph “ Band (-plus trumpet !!! ) THE HUMPHREY LYTTELTON BAND March 30th / £12 Tenor Madness with 3 top tenor saxes & 3 rhythm...

Derek Nash’s TENOR MADNESS April 4th / £12 The Music of Oscar Peterson By this award winning Quartet THE CRAIG MILVERTON QUARTET April 13th / £12 From The Ronnie Scott Orchestra GEORGINA JACKSON & PETE LONG With THE CHRIS INGHAM TRIO T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b i s a n o n p r o f i t m a k i n g j a z z c l u b. R u n b y & fo r p e o p l e w i t h a l i k e m i n d e d i n t e re s t i n OUR KIND OF MUSIC D e r i c k Wo o d l a n d 0 1 3 0 3 2 6 0 3 3 0

20

Little Chart Spring Flower Show will be held Saturday 8th April in the Parish Hall at 3pm .

Entries welcome . Schedules available from Julie Lilwall at julielilwall@hotmail.uk [for setting up times see schedule] . Come along and enjoy the show even if you do not wish to make entries.

Coffee Mornings every Wednesday in the bistro area of quarryhouse from 10am. Quarry Bistro, Aldington.

    

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Mothering Sunday 26th March • • •

Beautiful flowers Fresh or dried Bouquets or arrangements Whatever your price range, We can help spoil your mum

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21

Beauty Mother’s Little Helpers

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Time, space and sanity savers to see you through spring If it’s been ‘one of those’ mornings, and you just haven’t had a minute to wash your hair, a dry shampoo can come in very handy. Philip Kingsley’s One More Day Dry Shampoo is a light spray that keeps excess oil at bay. Unlike some dry shampoos, this one doesn’t feel sticky or leave a powdery residue. It also helps to keep your scalp happy, so minimises flaking and irritation.

And, as an added bonus, it gives your hair some extra oomph and helps it to hold a style better. Priced at £14.50, the dry shampoo is available from www. philipkingsley.co.uk.

I do love a good multi-tasker, especially one that smells as good as Darphin’s Revitalising Oil. I keep a bottle by my desk for a quick daily mini-facial.

I also use it as a body oil, straight after a bath. It feels lovely and leaves skin much smoother. Finally, I work a few drops of the oil through my hair when it’s damp, to add a bit of extra shine. A little goes a long way, so the 22

Revitalising Oil is actually not bad value for money at £25.

Available from Space NK, House of Fraser, John Lewis and www. darphin.co.uk.

Bee Good’s NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask is another multi-tasker, and top of my wish list at the moment.

It’s packed with 15 natural ingredients, including beeswax, honey, bilberry fruit extract, jojoba and wheatgerm oil, and can be used from head to toe.

Use it as a face mask, weekly scalp treatment, or as an intensive treatment for dry patches on elbows, heels and hands. It can help to lock in moisture, improve elasticity, minimise fine lines and stimulate cell renewal. £39.95 from Waitrose or www. beegood.co.uk.

Love trying new products? You might want to think about signing up for a mystery beauty box. Priced from around £9 per box, they’re filled with a selection of luxury beauty goodies, from makeup to moisturiser, and usually worth at least twice what you’ve paid. Normally, you won’t find out what you’re getting until the box arrives, but contents can often be personalised to suit your skin’s needs and your personal tastes. Beauty boxes are delivered to your house monthly, and you can choose whether to sign up for one, three, six or 12 months. Try www. glossybox.co.uk, www.lovelula.com, www. birchbox.co.uk, www.lookfantastic.com and www.notanotherbill.com.

If you don’t have time for body lotion, the new Dr Do Good InShower Moisturiser could be for you. Just spray it on in the shower and rinse. Simple. There’s no need to massage it in, and you don’t need to wait for it to soak in before you get dressed. It leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, and is ideal for popping in your gym bag.

Ingredients include extracts of five superfoods, including Vitamin A-rich carrot. £15, www.drdogood.co.uk.

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23

Gifts for Mum Looking for the perfect present for Mother’s Day? Maybe we can help…

Paris for One and Other Stories – Jojo Moyes These 11 short stories are filled with romance, humour and charm. As we’ve come to expect from Moyes, great plots and believable characters make this a really enjoyable read. The title story follows Nell as she finds herself alone in Paris and has to break out of her comfort zone. Perfect for mums who sometimes only have 10 minutes to relax with a book and a cuppa.

Planet Earth II – Stephen Moss Millions tuned in to watch David Attenborough reveal some of the most spectacular natural wonders the Earth has to offer. If your mum was one of them, she’ll love this book. With 250 stunning photographs and commentary on the habitats and animals featured in the TV series, Planet Earth II may well find a prized position on the bookcase for years to come.

24

Hide and Seek – M. J. Arlidge If Mum’s into crime fiction, Hide and Seek could be a good choice. DI Helen Grace is serving time in Holloway for a series of murders she didn’t commit. When one of her cell mates is brutally murdered, suspicion turns to Helen. Can she find the real killer before she gets the blame, and before she becomes the next victim? Gripping.

From the Heart – Susan Hill A poignant coming of age novel, From the Heart is set at a time when many of the freedoms we now take for granted could cost you dearly. Olive wants to be free to follow her heart. But an unplanned pregnancy gives her an almost impossible choice – marry a man she doesn’t love, or give up her baby. Beautifully written, and painfully emotive, this is a book to devour in one evening.

Gino’s Hidden Italy: How to cook like a true Italian – Gino D’Acampo If a new cookbook is on her wishlist, this TV programme tie-in should prove a winner.

80 authentic Italian recipes are included, many of which are local specialities or traditional dishes with a Gino twist.

Recipes are straightforward to follow, with dishes such as Baked Salmon with a Pistachio, Honey and Herb Crust, and Stuffed Lake Como Pie. Elizabeth: The Forgotten Years – John Guy John Guy is one of the most respected Tudor historians of our times. Here he reveals aspects of Elizabeth I’s later life previously lost in time.

Painstakingly researched, the biography includes extracts from numerous letters from Elizabeth herself and details of both her private and public life. A must for fans of historical biographies.

For more information please visit

www.ultrashape3d.com or call 01233 224987 e: ultrashape3d@gmail.com

Evegate Business Park, Park Grange, Smeeth, Ashford TN25 6SX Ample FREE Parking

25

Health

Ashford Borough Council Media Release

‘One You’ The New Health Shop Comes to Ashford

as well as take part in interactive games. People can jump on the smoothie bike and using pedal power, whizz up a healthy fruit smoothie, guess how much sugar is in everyday drinks, adorn a fat suit to experience carrying around extra weight and much more.

The start of a new year often brings resolutions for people to get fitter and healthier, so it’s perfect timing that Ashford has teamed up with Kent County Council and the NHS to open a brand new health hub where people can kickstart their journey to becoming more healthy and active.

There will be a ‘booth of truth’ installed in the shop, where people can find out their true weight and total body fat in private, and then receive on-the-spot advice about how to reach and maintain a healthy weight if they are worried.

Ashford Borough Council has joined forces with KCC Public Health and its service provider Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) to open ‘One You’; a health shop located in Ashford town centre.

The new health shop, which is set to open on Friday 10th February, is part of Public Health England’s national campaign of the same name which encourages people to quit smoking, lose weight and be more active.

Located in Unit 7 of Park Mall, One You will provide support and advice on how to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Services will include: stop smoking support, healthy weight advice for adults and children, on-the-spot blood pressure checks, a weigh-in service plus support and advice on a range of lifestyle issues.

One You offers a friendly and welcoming environment where people are encouraged to pop in, ask questions and take advantage of the free health services on offer. Visitors can either drop-in or arrange a scheduled appointment.

Visitors are invited to the opening launch of One You on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th February between 9am and 5pm where they can pop in and get a free NHS Health Check or health MOT, 26

Cllr Brad Bradford, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Wellbeing and Safety, said: “We are excited to team up with local health providers to offer One You - Ashford’s very own health shop. One You is unique in the way it brings various health services together in one convenient location, making it simple and easy for people to access.

We hope it encourages our residents to consider their health, whether it’s to maintain a healthy weight or it’s taking their first steps towards quitting smoking. It is never too late to get your health back on track.

“Obesity and smoking have been identified as a priority for the Ashford Health and Wellbeing Board and One You aims to tackle these health issues to help make Ashford a healthier borough.”

KCC Director of Public Health, Andrew ScottClark said: “We know that people lead very busy lives and won’t necessarily have the opportunity – or feel they have the need – to be checked for underlying health issues. This One You shop allows us to work together as service providers and get into the heart of the community; people can factor in a visit as part of their shopping trip and it maybe the healthiest decision they make all day.”

Leisure Anne Ford, Assistant Director for Health Improvement at KCHFT, said: “We are looking forward to bringing all our health improvement services to Ashford in a new way as part of the One You shop. It’s a great opportunity for us to let people know what support is available to them to help them to lead a healthier lifestyle.”

Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Making small changes to your lifestyle now can have a really big improvement on your future health. We want to help people stay healthy now and in their older life. So please spare a few minutes and pop into the shop to see how you can make a difference for yourself or for your family.”

KCHFT to offer One You on an initial four-month trial basis.

The shop is part of the council’s aspirations to reduce the prevalence of smoking and obesity in Ashford, as highlighted by the Ashford Health and Wellbeing board as a priority for the borough.

Health services are currently available to the Ashford public via local community venues such as Children’s Centres and Healthy Living Centres, but One You is unique in the way it brings various health services together in one central location.

Ashford Borough Council has collaborated with KCC and its commissioned service provider

One You is a national Public Health England health campaign which aims to encourage adults to take control of their health by making small lifestyle changes which have health benefits now and in later life.

From start to finish we offer a complete, professional package to suit your very own requirements and budget.

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Call Tony: 07979 220224 / 01233 610402 e: info@thornbys.co.uk www.thornbys.co.uk 27

Online Dating: Not Just For Twentysomethings

by Kate McLelland

My sympathies were aroused the first time I met Abby, a friend-of-a-friend who had recently moved to my neighbourhood after a divorce.

Aged 47, she had made the move in order to seek a different life for herself and her fifteenyear-old son.

However two years later, after regular meet-ups at which I offered coffee, a supportive chat and sometimes – literally – a shoulder to cry on, Abby was still bemoaning her inability to meet a new man.

That’s when my sympathy began to wear a little thin. Each time, after attending a local fundraising event, pub quiz night or social gathering, she would turn up at my house with a woeful tale of dashed expectations. The men she met were either ‘too old’, ‘too young’ or ‘too married’. On every occasion I would remind her that online dating was her best option for meeting a new partner, but she remained stubbornly unmoved, even when I pointed out that nowadays around one in four relationships begins online.

28

The process of online dating is very simple: just create a profile, check out potential matches, communicate with your chosen date through direct messages and then arrange to meet. Given the scare stories we hear about fake profiles, romance frauds and stalking, Abby was right to be cautious, but probably not to the point of spoiling her best statistical chances of finding love.

Staying safe online It’s natural to feel a little nervous about meeting a stranger for the first time, but there are certain common sense precautions you can take to stay safe.

• Check if the dating site you are using is a member of the Online Dating Association (ODA) by looking for the ODA’s logo on the site.

• Choose a username that doesn’t reveal who you are and don’t give away your surname, contact information, home address or place of work when first setting up your profile.

• Don’t give away too much information about yourself right away. Take things slowly,

sharing more information when you feel comfortable to do so.

• Never release financial information or give in to pressure to lend money.

• Meet in public and stay in public on your first couple of dates and always let a friend know where you are, and who you’re meeting.

Setting up a successful online dating profile The UK dating site Match.com says that when registering with a site it’s important to answer questions accurately for the best possible chance of finding your ideal match. When writing about your personality they recommend that you should “avoid clichés and overused phrases such as ‘looking for love’. Instead, consider what makes you different from everybody else … above all, be sure to inject humour to show people how friendly, fun and approachable you are.”

Match.com recommends reading other profiles for inspiration or asking a friend to describe your personality.

People tend to scan profiles rather than read them in depth,

so an eye-catching opening paragraph, using key words that relate to your passions and interests, will capture more interest.

As you can imagine, a profile with a photo attracts more attention than one without, but there are a few factors to bear in mind when choosing an image. The dating site Zoosk found that women get 60% more attention if their photo is taken indoors, while men get 19% more attention if theirs is taken outside, particularly if the photo includes other friends or involves an active pursuit.

Are there alternatives to oneto-one meetings?

Many dating websites hold singles events where you can get together with other single people in your area and test out the chemistry face-to-face.

Some websites, such as the London-based DoingSomething. co.uk, are set up so members can suggest fun activities that other members can join in with, taking the awkwardness out of meeting for the first time.

What do I have to pay?

Some sites are free to join, whereas an average paid-for site might cost between £13 and £50 per month. Some online services charge considerably higher membership fees.

Are there sites specifically for mature people?

You don’t have to restrict yourself to age-specific sites unless you feel more comfortable in doing so. Two of the most popular sites for UK dating are ukmaturedating.com and maturefreeandsingle.com.

has boomed recently with the addition of mobile apps, with 37% of people surveyed by smartphone manufacturer HTC saying they had met a partner via a dating app.

The message has finally got through to Abby, who went on her first date through an online site last week. Unfortunately he wasn’t the man of her dreams, but she nevertheless enjoyed the date. Thanks to that experience, she’s confident that it’s now only a matter of time before she meets Mr Right.

The popularity of online sites

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Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

30

A View from Spring Grove

Mindfulness and Forgiveness

Today I received a delightful letter from one of our youngest pupils and it made me think about the act of forgiveness and what is involved in saying sorry. Thoughts I would like to share with you all.

Sometimes â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sorryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; really can be the hardest word.

Whilst the act of forgiveness may be a painful process for some it is arguably less painful than holding a grudge. It has been said that resentment ert has isbeen created for you onthe other like hurting yourself andbased expecting to feel Please the pain. advise It is youus that ou haveperson supplied. bysuffers not the other person. any errors or corrections otherwise we forgive is his ad. Choosing Manytothanks â&#x20AC;Śa way to release the distress that arises again and again from the memory of how you have been wronged, but the process of forgiveness is often a long and difficult one.

After we suffer at the hands of another the primal human impulse of retaliation may be difficult to ignore. To resist the urge and to forgive instead is a conscious decision not an emotion, all the time where your emotions are running high. It would not be a stretch to suggest our brains need training and re-training to ignore the negative thoughts that are associated with a whole number of feelings that we experience for example loss, grief, worry, resentment.

RTWORK

And this is where mindfulness comes in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that the pupils at Spring Grove understand.

Is it possible to forgive those who are unrepentant?

Well, I had forgiven the boy long before I received his letter and the issue was clearly bothering him more than it had me. Is it harder to forgive the bigger the perceived offence? What about 01233 660 forgiving acts T: done to people you 220 love? Is that easier or harder to forgive? The complications Email: theadvertiser@aol.com arise because no two situations are the same.

At Spring Grove, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we work with parents and teach our pupils to be resilient so they have the core skills needed later in life to make brave decisions and to have the courage to choose â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;forgiveness and love rather than exclusion and hateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Springgrovians are perfectly placed to stand out from the crowd and be the empathetic leaders of tomorrow.

It is due, in part, to this individually focused approach of understanding oneself and others that I believe Spring Grove offers children from the age of 2 the very best possible start in life, providing not only â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a great place to growâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but also â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a great place to be!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Do come and see for yourself. I look forward to welcoming you to this truly unique and independent school. ~ Mr Bill Jones, Headmaster

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Puzzle Time

Word Ladder

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

F I S H

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

F O W L

Crossword Across 7. Stylish (13) 8. Talking (8) 9. Remove (4) 10. Soaked (7) 12. Attacks with knife (5) 14. Crawled (5) 16. Scratched (7) 19. Female sheep (4) 20. Ten hundred (8) 22. Support (13)

36

Down 1. Wealthy (4) 2. Sculpture (6) 3. Motors (7) 4. Protrude (5) 5. Accompany (6) 6. Achievable (8) 11. Slinging (8) 13. Dicken’s character (7)

15. Type of gun (6) 17. Presume (6)

18. Mixes (5) 21. Zero (4)

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37

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

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

Doctors Surgery Willesborough 01233 621626 Wye 01233 884585 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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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

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

The Village Directory Coverage

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

Boughton Aluph

Charing

Westwell

Pluckley

Eastwell

Orchard Heights

Smarden

Bodsham Hastingleigh Brook Elmsted Wye

Ashford 20,000

Charing Area 4,000

Wye Area 4,000

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PUZZLE ANSWERS Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner: ANSWERS:

Sudoku:

Word Ladder:

The grid can be filled in as follows... tiger, rhinoceros, snake, elephant, toad, donkey, yak, koala, alligator, reindeer & rabbit.

The mole collects 6 worms when taking the most direct route down the tunnel.

Coverage 56,400 via Royal Mail

FISH fist list lost loot foot fool FOWL

Crossword:

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