Aldington May 2016

122

village directory

The

May 2016

for the Aldington Area

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

Oshens Hair Boutique Opening Hours Mon 9-30 to 5-00pm Tues 9.30 to 7-00pm Closed Wednesday Thu 9.30 to 8-00pm Fri 9.30 to 5-00pm Sat 9.00 - 4-00pm

For An Appointment Please Call

01233 811981 100 Bridge Street, Wye, Kent

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Welcome Hi everyone, welcome to the May edition. With one May bank holiday down and another on the way, we are certainly spoilt for time off this month. Make the most of it though, it’s a long stretch to the next one.

Whilst spring cleaning is very much on my mind (the magazine needs it just as much as everything else!), I would like to carry out a review of the Clubs & Societies section.

I’ve received one or two calls recently from readers that have been disappointed to find that a club they were interested in is no longer running. The problem with this section is that it very easily falls out of date. Those that submit entries initially, either move on or forget to check periodically that the entry is still current. If you have a connection with any of the clubs or societies listed would you mind taking just a few seconds to check that your entry is correct. If not just drop me an email and I will update it for you. If your club or society is not currently listed just send me the details and it will be added to the next edition. Please send your updates, additions or removals to info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk.

Also, if you are interested in submitting a small article about your club, giving everyone a little more information, do let me know. Thank you.

Until next time, have a good month ~ Debbie

T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

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The Grass Can Be Greener

by Pippa Greenwood It’s the time of year when things are starting to look lush and green, and beds and borders are beginning to come into their own. But does your lawn spoil it all by looking like a rather moth-eaten patchwork quilt? Or maybe you don’t have a lawn but think it would be great to possess one of those beautiful green surfaces in the centre of your garden? Whether you have decided your old lawn is well past its best or you want to create one from scratch, it is the perfect time to get started, and turf should still be available from specialist suppliers or garden centres.

Preparing the site If you want a new lawn, it is essential to get the site properly prepared. It takes time and effort, but every moment you spend is well worthwhile. Start by removing all weeds, large stones, debris and any old grass or lawn, then dig or fork over thoroughly to remove all taproots of weeds.

If the area is really weed infested or covered with old lawn, then most people opt to kill this off with a weedkiller based on glyphosate.

Then, once all the plant matter has died off, you can strip it away or dig it in. On sandy soils, incorporate some organic matter to improve moisture retention, while on very heavy soils it is often worth digging in grit and organic matter to improve drainage.

Next, firm the whole area by treading it over evenly - walking over the site with fairly flatsoled boots is all you need to do. Once done, rake thoroughly with a garden rake and remove any stones or other debris which comes to the surface. Gently tread down the area again if raking makes it uneven.

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Buying turf Always choose a reputable supplier and make sure that the turf you buy is suitable for the use you have in mind – some, especially those including lots of dwarf ryegrass, are much tougher than others, while some contain a seed mixture especially put together to make it suitable for use in shade. Others produce a ‘bowling green’ effect, which may look superb but will take an awful lot more maintenance and be a good deal less hardwearing. Spending that little bit extra usually pays - cheaper turf often contains weeds and sometimes pests or diseases, or simply does not contain a good grass mixture in the first place.

Always buy the turf or arrange to have it delivered just when you need it, as storage never does it any good. If you do need to store it however, you can usually do this for a couple of days. The turves can remain rolled up for up to 24 hours, but for any longer than this unroll as soon as they are delivered and lay them out flat, grass side upwards, preferably on paving or plastic sheeting. Make sure that you keep them regularly watered and lay them as soon as possible.

Laying the turf It is essential that you lay your turves closely together and do not allow the edges to overlap. Make sure that the joins on each row are staggered (like bricks in a wall), as this will give an even finish.

Starting at one side, lay the first row of turf using the adjacent path or lawn edging to form a straight line which you can work to. Roll out each turf carefully so that the edge of one abuts onto its neighbour.

The Garden Lay the next row of turves, again ensuring that the long edges of each abut onto the long edges of the previous row. To avoid damaging the first row lay a plank over it which you can kneel on to lay the second row. Continue like this over the whole area until your new lawn is in position.

Of course no lawn is ever exactly the right size to fit the turf length, so if you need a small section of turf to complete a row, add this in the middle of a row rather than at the end, as this will make it less likely to be dislodged or to dry out. If you want a curved edge to your lawn, lay the turves so that they overlap the new lawn edge and then cut them to shape using a half moon edger or a sharp border spade.

When finished, gently tamp the area over using the back of a rake and if any turves sink in then carefully lift them and place some extra soil underneath until they are level. Finally, brush in a mixture of horticultural sand and finely sieved soil over the surface, taking care to ensure that any tiny gaps between the turves are filled in.

Care and maintenance As soon as the turf is in position, gently water it using a sprinkler, ensuring that this first watering allows the water to penetrate right down to the root level.

If it doesn’t rain frequently then you will need to water your lawn on a regular basis, particularly for the first couple of months whilst the roots are getting established. In the meantime try to avoid walking on it too much and in no time at all you will have a gorgeous lawn to be proud of.

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

Open Weekend Dates for 2016 PLUCKLEY ROAD BETHERSDEN KENT

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

1st to 4th and 15th to 17th May

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!

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Should you need help with your selection we also have knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions.

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Future Open Weekends 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th May 15th, 16th, 17th May Fri 10am-5pm, Sat, Sun & BHM 9am-5pm More Dates to Follow.

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For detailed directions please see our website Follow day-glow signs from A20 at Charing and A28 at Bethersden

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Gadgets For The Indoor Gardener You don’t need to get dirty to grow great things Spring has sprung and it’s gardening season.

But not everybody has a garden or access to decent growing space - and even if you do have the space, the recent stormy weather has been enough to keep all but the most determined gardener indoors. Don’t despair, though: there are plenty of gadgets that enable you to grow great things indoors or when you have limited space for green things. There are even tools to design gardens that don’t exist.

If you’re also a keen cook, you’ll like the Indoor Allotment (£24.99, currently on pre-order at Firebox.com): it’s a miniature herb garden complete with picket fence and storage shed.

It includes basil, coriander and oregano along with everything you need to get your herbs growing - and it’s small enough to fit in the corner of a windowsill. If you fancy something a little bit more ambitious, IKEA’s Socker miniature greenhouse is just £12 with an assembled size of 45cm wide, 22cm deep and 35cm high, which is more than enough for all kinds of plants. You can also keep the roof vents partly open to improve air circulation for plants that don’t like it too hot.

While you’re in IKEA, it’s worth checking out their self-watering plant pots too. The Sötcitron and PS Fejö pots (from £6 to £16) are designed for those of us who don’t always remember to water our plants, and do a superb job for very little money.

Fancy something a little more high-tech? The Click and Grow ($59.95 from clickandgrow.com) describes itself as a “smart garden” and uses a NASAinspired combination of hydroponics and electronics to ensure that your plants get the right combination of water, oxygen and nutrients without you doing anything. It includes a LED lamp for maximum germination, and because

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it’s LED the running costs are microscopic. The creators suggest growing petunias, tomatoes, chillies, basil or thyme but it should be able to handle anything that isn’t too large.

If you’ve got green fingered children, the Chuppon selfwatering animal planter (£9.99) should delight them: it’s a ceramic animal with a herb basket on its back and a straw that sips from any glass or mug. There are four animals and four herbs to choose from, although of course you can put your own herbs in instead.

Even the smartphone has made its presence felt in the world of gardening, and there are lots of apps and devices for indoor and outdoor gardening.

One of the cleverest devices is the Parrot Flower Power, a wireless device that sits in your plant pot and monitors the plant’s health, sending alerts to your phone. It’s available for Apple and Android phones, measures sunlight, temperature, fertiliser and moisture, and it currently costs £42. That’s probably a bit steep if you’re growing cress, but if you’ve got something exotic or temperamental it could be a very wise investment indeed.

There’s another type of digital gardening you can do, and that’s to create a virtual one in your computer - something you can do just for fun, or to plan what you’ll do to a real garden space. There are many garden planning apps to choose from, including My Garden (free from www.gardena. com/uk) and Marshalls Garden Visualiser (free from www.marshalls.co.uk). Happy gardening!

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A CLEAN CHIMNEY IS A SAFE CHIMNEY 9

Mowgli

by Montgomery Vets

H

ello everyone, Mowgli here. Hope you are all now enjoying the warmer weather….

We are. And we have some news- we have a new animal! I am not sure if I have ever explained how complicated the garden is heresheds and buildings everywhere. Even Josh has his own house in the garden- he named it ‘snail cottage’ as it is always full of snails but they seem to happily co-exist. Anyway, Clive and Jane decided that all these outbuildings needed a cat so for a little while they have been looking for a feral cat needing a home.

Ebony and I agreed to this- as long as it was a proper feral cat that isn’t ever going to want to come into the house and share our sofas. It has taken a long time to find a properly feral cat but they found a black and white cat at Rhodes Minnis a few weeks ago who was never going to be able to be offered a normal home. Ebony and I have kept our distance (I am not sure he speaks the same language as us. Most things we have heard him say seem rather rude…..), and so do not know his full story but we think he has been at various charities before going to the lovely Rhodes Minnis. Anyway, he has now taken up residence in the garage and will soon be let out into the garden to explore all the other buildings. Josh has been allowed to name him and after a lot of indecision he has been called Marzipan. No one has any idea why he chose this but I think that all names beginning with an ‘M’ are good! I will let you know how he is settling in next month. If any of you see Clive please remind him NOT to try and tame Marzipan. Ebony and I would be rather cross if he did!

W

e can’t quite believe it but the clinic will be 8 years old next month! I can’t believe that I have been writing this column for 8 years! What a lot of fun Ebony and I have hadmeeting all the drug reps in our dining room at

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the very beginning, helping design the layout of the clinics (both old and new) by walking all over the plans and chasing the pencil. We still remember the excitement when the first patient was seen by the clinic- it was a lovely dog called Poppy who had been bitten while she was out for a walk. Clive and Jane had been at the clinic dropping off a desk one evening, the week before the clinic opened, when the phone rang for the first time. Clive nervously answered the phone and they then went off to see Poppy. Since then I can’t even remember all the lovely animal stories Clive has come home with from the Clinic so thank you all for your support and here’s to the next 8 years!

~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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Pets

Haven

The Petite Poocherie

Boarding Kennels, Cattery & Small Animal Boarding Template.qxd 07/12/2009 11:42 Page

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Wye, Kent TN25

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11:42

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Stelline Interiors was formed to complement our existing business Kitchen George which started life in 2006 as a trade only outlet. Due to increased demand we decided to take the step to open our doors to retail customers in 2012 and since then things have gone from strength to strength. In the summer of 2015 we opened our second branch on the Henwood Industrial Estate in Ashford, We have built up a reputation throughout Kent for quality and expertise in our field, as well as our exemplary customer service, the vast majority of our customers are via referrals or repeat orders.

Stelline Interiors offers a fantastic range of locally sourced, luxury kitchens manufactured in Kent as well as bedrooms and home office furniture. We are also dealers for top quality appliances from manufacturers such as Neff, Bosch and Siemens.

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At Stelline Interiors we aim to offer excellent quality products at great value-for-money prices, all year long. We don’t believe in overinflated prices just to be able to offer huge percentage “discounts” that, in real terms, mean nothing. Our experienced team excels in creating beautiful kitchen designs that work for you and will still look great in years to come.

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N N Cotswold Distressed Pine Ripon Painted Oak Bedroom E E W W N N N N E INNEW E IN E Now NW available in painted or ice white W W E Irustic oak tops E with in painted French GreyFrench or IceGrey White N N WN available in painted or ice white W IN Now available IN Available in Rustic, Cream, and IN Now E N EW IN Now available Duck Egg Available in Cream or French Grey Available inBlue Rustic, Cream, and W NE N with Irustic oak tops in painted French GreyFrench or IceGrey White E 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 ‘A V AILABLE FOR IMMEDIA TE DELIVERY’ WN W IN AvailableDELIVERY’ in Rustic, Cream, French Grey and ‘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 Road .

Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The Brook Home Plus Furniture W W E E. Chatham . ME4 4NX TEHome Black, Cream, Red, ‘A VAILABLE FOR DELIVERY’ Beaver Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre Brook Plus Furniture Available in Chatham assorted Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 TheIMMEDIA WGenuine W IN TN23 3+2 7RR .fabrics ME4 3ED In the big blue building on French Grey and IMocca 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 ‘AV 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 Egg Blue Available in Cream or French Grey Beaver Road .

Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The Brook Chatham ME4 4NX Home Plus Furniture 01622 609519 Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 (next to The Range) (next to to Ashford International) 01622 609519 N N Gala (next to The Range) Gala Bingo) Bingo) 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 TE DELIVERY’ Available in assorted fabrics 633928 01634 891306 Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses IN Beaver01233 INsystem the one way Road . Ashford Dockside Outlet Centre The(on Brook . Chatham . opposite ME4 4NX Plus Furniture Available in Rustic, Cream, French Grey and Genuine Leather all inHome stock 01622 609519

www.homeplusfurniture.com www.homeplusfurniture.com all inMAIDSTONE stock CHATHAM 01634 880699 01634 891306 Pocket sprung, memory foam, coil sprung mattresses 01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com all in 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) & leather Full Reclining Black, Cream, Red, Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2 Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1 (next to The Range) Mocca Manhattan 3+2to Ashford International) (next

Gala Bingo)

The Brook . Chatham . ME4 4NX

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

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

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

all in stock

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

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

Black, Cream, Red, Mocca Manhattan 3+2

ASHFORD ASHFORD

CHATHAM CHATHAMMARITIME MARITIME

Novella Bellisimo 3+2, 3+1+1

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 system opposite 01233 633928 01634 891306 (on the the one one.way 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’ 01233 633928 01634 891306 the one way system. opposite Beaver 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

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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

08/08/2015 09:44:43

01622 609519 www.homeplusfurniture.com

(next to Ashford International)

(next to The Range)

(on the one way system opposite Gala Bingo)

www.homeplusfurniture.com

17

Home & Interiors Make the Most of Outdoor Living >ifm\nff[ J`cb N_`k\

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What are the different styles of shutters?

There are three types of shutters: plantation, solid and cafĂŠ style.

Most people go for the plantation style, which have slats (also known as louvers) that rotate open and closed to control light levels.

Solid shutters are ideal for those wanting to create a more traditional look, and are designed to be folded back during the day and closed at night.

Extremely ( !

shutters can be made to ' any size or shape

Shutters provide a chic and stylish alternative to blinds and curtains and are a cost-effective way to completely update the look and feel of a room. They are more hygienic too as they simply wipe clean and don't absorb the dust, unlike curtains or blinds.

Shutters offer you a great deal of flexibility, for instance you can have different slat sizes, different colours and different panel designs.

You also have more control over how much light enters the room. With blinds, there's relatively little light control flexibility.

Shutters can also save you valuable pennies as they provide further insulation, which is particularly appealing in these cash strapped times.

And finally, shutters last longer and are more durable.

18

CafĂŠ style shutters are popular in restaurants and cafes, hence the name. With this style, the shutters normally cover just the bottom half of the window.

Shutters can help retain heat – a bonus for household bills

With tier-on-tier shutters, there are two sets of shutters, one above the other. You can open each set individually, which gives you more flexibility and more light control. These are ideal if you have larger bay windows.

Which styles would suit which types of windows?

Solid shutters are mainly used in Victorian and older style properties. They keep out more light and offer the ultimate privacy. This type of shutter is perfect in a room with a simple and minimal dĂŠcor, and works particularly well in country cottages where they look quaint folded back during the day.

Solid shutters with a solid lower half but with movable slats on top work fabulously on French doors, giving a lovely Continental feel that will certainly remind you of your summer holiday.

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With the plantation shutters, you can really get creative with the design, the colour and the rods, and as such these types of shutters suit most spaces.

Can shutters still be fitted in awkward spaces?

Shutters are perfect for awkward places!

There are very few spaces that can't accommodate shutters Shutters can help retain heat, a bonus for household bills.>> For further information advice on awnings and accessories please contact JLS Blinds & Shutters on 01233 226570 Shutters can help retain heat – a bonus for household bills

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Home & Interiors Spruce Up Your Home Office

By Katherine Sorrell

organisation with a new desk that incorporates drawers, cubby holes, shelves or whatever other type of storage you most need. If you are able to use nearby walls, try to lift as much as possible off the surface of your desk by introducing wall-mounted storage such as shelves, pin boards, peg boards (very trendy), hanging racks and the like. Anything that stacks is bound to be useful, too. Before you know it, you’ll be able to see your laptop once again.

Dodgy desk, awkward chair or overflowing shelves? It’s time to give your home office a facelift, says Katherine Sorrell We all need some sort of working space at home, whether it’s a corner of the kitchen that’s used for occasional catching up with emails or a high-spec office with all the bells and whistles necessary for full-time selfemployment. But is yours really working hard for you? Just a few small improvements will go a long way in making your workspace more comfortable, functional and attractive.

It may sound obvious, but a good place to start is with a clear out and a tidy up. Chances are, you don’t really need all that stuff you’ve accumulated.

20

Take the time to go through your old paperwork, stationery, books and other bits and pieces; give it away, recycle it, file it away somewhere well out of the way or put it in the bin, as appropriate, and you’re bound to create a great deal of extra space. Then, pay attention to any messy and inconvenient cabling, and sort it out with extension leads, cable clips or even by asking an electrician to add an extra double plug socket in a handy place. Doesn’t that feel better already?

Next: your desk. If you are still running out of room, you could consider adding a small worktop to one side of your existing desk (an L-shaped workspace can be very ergonomic). Alternatively, it’s likely that you could dramatically improve your

Most of us never have quite enough storage, and that probably goes for home offices more than any other space in the house. If you’re looking to buy more storage, you may be happy with a conventional filing cabinet and/or bookcase, but don’t be afraid to look beyond the usual office suppliers: vintage and industrial pieces can really come into their own here, adding an element of unexpected style that will really brighten up your work time.

Add boxes, baskets, trolleys, racks and desktop accessories in colours and textures that suit your space and emphasise your personal style.

Thinking along these lines, if space isn’t the problem, but boring looks are, then why not get out the paintbrush and give everything a facelift?

Stick to neutrals if you wish (they are undeniably good for concentration) but go for bold colours if they make you happy.

Blackboard paint is a great

The Home option for sections of walls where you might want to chalk up some notes; it comes in a range of colours (not just black) and can even be used on the top of a desk or for cupboard fronts. And there’s also nothing to stop you replacing a boring window treatment with pretty curtains or blinds, or adding an eye-catching rug, a display of collectibles or a dramatic painting or framed photograph.

A comfortable chair is a must for any working area, and if you are likely to spend hours in it then an adjustable office chair on castors is the best choice. If yours is dull or ugly, it might be possible to either re-upholster it or make a loose cover; at worst, you could hang a length of fabric over the back and add an attractive cushion. Another essential is a good desk light QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

– beyond being bright and adjustable, simply choose one that you love the look of. There’s an enormous choice out there, at prices to suit every budget.

Finally, pay attention to the details and add accessories to brighten up your life, from a good-looking waste bin to a house plant, some colourful wall art or a scented candle.

Let’s face it, the more you enjoy being at work, the more productive you’ll be.

Image Above - Personalise your workspace (and provide a handy magnetic storage wall, too) with this Cockatiel printed magnetic wallpaper, £64.50, Sisters Guild; www. sistersguild.co.uk.

Image Left - A good desk is essential. The new Phineas desk is made from oak and has two cubby holes, drawers, and a cut-out for cables. It costs £545 from Loaf, tel 0845 468 0698; www.loaf.com

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21

by Rachel Heather So here I am once again spreading the word about certain foods. However maybe sometimes these everything Local and Fresh. comments are not thought through and can be damaging to those who’s livelihood depends on Before I start my directory of local products and producing and selling these great products with producers I think it is a good idea to assume that not the constraints and hoops they have to jump everyone reading my column is as enthusiastic and through. passionate about REAL FOOD as I am. I want to help you understand why I want to raise the awareness of A larger section of society now believes we need to get back to basics, use cooking as relaxation, our LOCAL producers and products. take time to plan to cook for our freezers which I frequently hear people say that Farmers markets can provide home cooked convenience foods are expensive and that locally produced products known in the supermarket trade as ‘ready meals’ are overpriced compared to supermarket brands! and discover the beauty and fun in creating tasty How can you compare I ask? They do not look the nutritious dishes for our loved ones. The health same or taste the same - thank goodness! Imagine if benefits too are insurmountable, having more all us people looked the same, spoke the same and control of salt content, fat and portion sizes all makes for a healthier lifestyle, let alone the clear thought the same! How dull would life be. reduction in wastage.

I personally wish that buyers would not use Supermarkets as bench marks for what’s good or Of course not all locally produced products are cheap regarding food, and look deeper into the proported to be healthy, massively popular items longer term benefits. No matter how much money such as fudge, chocolates, cakes and alcohol are a brands spend on shop-fittings, packaging, and luxury item, not staple but they are hand crafted reduced prices you cannot disguise pure FLAVOUR to traditional recipes using no preservatives, and a balance of the right ingredients. There are and wherever possible using local ingredients. A frequent cost comparisons being carried out across more natural and flavoursome option than mass local products and supermarkets and if you read produced items in the same category, you tend some of them, or even carry out some yourself it will to savour them more and be more satisfied with surprise you so much, as it did when I began to study eating lesser amounts. it years ago.

It does not have to be on a daily basis, every We should not pretend that this important locally bought item contributes to strenthening movement does not exist as it is gaining popularity of this Industry, it just takes more thought, all over England, our view should be that it deserves planning and reflection on how food used to be support as much as we support other causes. I am to once again make it part of our everyday lives not suggesting the producers need charity, just I am really glad to say that the movement of “Buy freedom to trade and sell their great products at a Local Buy Fresh” is growing each day, so go on fair price and to be appreciated for their skill and those of you that have never bought local, visited Artisan practises, but most of all to be embraced by a community market or farm shop, embrace customers on a more regular basis. it fully and give it a try, you are guaranteed to There are certain comments made by those that find something thing that you will not want to only look on the surface because of their belief exchange for a Supermarket brand, and in time regarding cost and convenience, often they are will discover many items that will convert you. not in tune or do not wish to be in tune with the whole philosophy of supporting the providence of natural products and protecting the heritage of

22

Food & Domestic Services

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

¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

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!

Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall Hamstreet Victory Hall every third Sunday 10-12pm Contact 01797 344437 Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April) Rye Market Every Thursday at the Cattle Market Car Park. Early till around 3pm (depending on the

In Season: May Fruit Apples Gooseberries Rhubarb

Vegetables Asparagus Artichoke (Jerusalem) Beetroot Brussel Sprouts Carrots Cabbage Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Chard

Chicory Greens Kale Leeks Onions Potatoes Spring Greens Squash Swede Salsify Turnips Winter Greens

Salad Endive Lettuce Sorrel Spinach Watercress

Fish Cockles Cod Crab Halibut John Dory Salmon Sea Bass Sea Trout

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

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 23

Cake and Bake Chocolate Chip and Nut Biscotti These crisp Italian biscuits are baked twice to give them that extra crunch. Serve them with strong coffee or a sweet dessert wine for dipping.

Ingredients: • 50g butter, softened • 100g caster sugar • 1 medium egg, beaten • 2 tsp orange zest • 175g plain flour, plus extra for shaping • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 40g blanched hazelnuts, roughly chopped • 40g dark chocolate chips

Makes approx 20 biscuits Ready in 50 minutes

TIP

For a flavour variation, replace the nuts and chocolate chips with sweetened dried cranberries and mixed peel.

24

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, Gas 4. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment

2. Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat together with a wooden spoon until very pale and fluffy.

Gradually beat in the egg and orange zest.

3. Divide the dough into two pieces and using lightly floured hands shape each to a 18cm x 8cm log. Place on the baking sheet, well spaced apart, and flatten each one slightly with the palm of your hands.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until firm and light golden. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and leave to cool for about 10 minutes.

5. Carefully transfer the two logs to a chopping board.

Use a serrated knife to cut each log on the diagonal into 9-10 slices. Return all the slices, cut-side down, to the baking sheet and bake for a further 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden brown.

6. Transfer the biscotti to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely. They will keep in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.

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Food & Domestic Services

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For more information contact Mark or Vicki: abclettings@ashford.gov.uk 01233 330869 / 330378 www.ashford.gov.uk/abclettings

Call Garry on 07958 640152 01233 632329

Advertise Here for £33 pm plus vat

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e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

NEW Ashford HELP AT HOME SERVICE Support with tasks that you may find difficult

• Light housework • Shopping • Attending Appointments • Correspondence and Phone calls, • Collecting prescriptions • Mowing the lawn • Outings to meet friends and family For more information please call 01233 668765 (option one)

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

tel: 01227 830666

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Thai Beef Salad Serves 4

Ready in 50 minutes, plus marinating time This colourful and fragrant main-meal salad is great for easy entertaining. Choose thick pieces of steak and take care not to overcook them or they will become tough and chewy.

Ingredients: • 2 x 175g sirloin steaks • 1 tbsp lime juice • 2 tbsp light soy sauce • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1 tsp dried chilli flakes • 6 spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced • 8 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced • 100g fresh bean sprouts • 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced • 4 firm plum tomatoes, quartered • 200g mixed salad leaves

FOR THE DRESSING • juice of 2 limes • 2 tbsp Thai fish sauce • 2 tsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp fresh chopped coriander • 1 tsp finely chopped lemon grass

26

Place the steak in a shallow dish. Mix together the lime juice, soy sauce, garlic and chilli flakes.

Season with freshly ground black pepper and cover and leave to marinate for 1 hour.

Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle until very hot.

Add the steak and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan, cover with foil and leave to rest for 15 minutes.

Toss together the spring onions, radishes, bean sprouts, cucumber, tomatoes and salad leaves.

Mix together all the dressing ingredients, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Slice the warm steak thinly across the grain.

Toss gently into the salad with the dressing.

Pile into a large shallow serving dish and serve immediately, or leave to cool and serve chilled.

Lemon grass stalks are sold in small packs by the fresh herbs in the supermarket. You only need a small amount to give an extra zesty TIP fragrance to the dressing but the stalks will keep for 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Try adding chopped to curries, fruit salads or infuse in hot water for a refreshing alternative to tea.

Food & Domestic Services

27

L i v e Ja z z May /July 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

Ruth Group; All ladies are welcome to join us in

the cabin on Thursday 5th May at 2.15pm. Our speaker is Margaret Woolven, followed by tea and biscuits. Please phone Erica 01303 814911 for more information

Art Club We will meet on Tuesday May 10 from 10am

May 12th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ GEORGINA JACKSON & KAREN SHARP with THE CHRIS INGHAM TRIO £12 May 19th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ LOUISE MARSHALL WITH THE DEREK NASH BAND £12 May 24th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE ALAN BARNES - - BRUCE ADAMS QUINTET £10 June 2nd THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ GEOFF MASON / SIMON SPILLETT QUINTET £10 June 9th

THE WORLD FAMOUS MULTI AWARDWINNER THE LIANE CARROLL TRIO £12 June 10th IN THE TOWER THEATRE THE BACK TO BASIE ORCHESTRA

BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH

Plain Road, Brabourne Lees, Kent TN25 6QN Pastor Tim Simpson Tel:01303 813257

– 12noon. We will be doing our own work but Vi and Mike will be available if anyone wants help or advice with their own project. Further details from Mike on 01303 812484

Meeting Point; Please meet at the church on May 26 at 12 o’clock for onward travel to Bybrook Barn for lunch. Phone Cathy if you wish to come; 01303 814132 MP’S Surgery: Our MP Damian Collins, will be holding his monthly surgery at Brabourne Baptist Church from 3.45pm to 4.30pm on Friday May 20. If you have any questions, complaints or comments, please book an appointment by e-mailing your name, post code, subject and message to: shepwayconservatives@ btconnect.com or telephone 01303 253 524 Men’s Breakfast; Saturday July 3 at 8.15am. The

speaker will be David Slater; Channel Tunnel and Dover Docks Chaplain. Please phone Mike 01303 812484 for details

Café Wednesday; The Café is open every Wednesday £18

June 16th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE THEO TRAVIS QUARTET £10 June 21st THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE JO FOOKS QUARTER £10

from 10am to 11.30am. Pop in for a warm friendly chat, caring atmosphere, tea coffee and biscuits. Choice of books available.

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

Church Bookings If you wish to book the church hall June 28th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ RACHEL HUTCHINGS with THE CLIFF HALL TRIO £10 for a meeting or function, please phone Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152

July 7th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ THE DEREK NASH ACOUSTIC QUARTET £10

Sunday Services: There is a regular service at

July 14th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ AUSTRALIAS FIRST LADY OF JAZZ THE JANET SEIDEL TRIO £10

Lively Discussions! Home Groups meet on Tuesday

July 21st THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ ALEX GARNETT & WILLIE GARNETT QUINTET £12 July 28th THE BEST OF BRITISH JAZZ PETE LONG & CHRIS DEAN ALL STAR QUINTET £12

28

10.30am every week. Morning Worship is followed by refreshments in the side hall.

and Wednesday evenings. Everyone is welcome to come and join us! We are very informal and friendly.

Please phone David 01303 814437 or Geoff 1303 813152

Ladies Coffee Morning: We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday morning of the month at 7 Calland. We have a short time of Bible study and prayer, and we welcome all ladies. Please phone Pat 01303 812219

W h a t’s O n Kings Head, Wye 4th May – Acoustic Night with Nina Clarke – 7.30pm – 10.30pm

7th – Broncante and Vintage Fair plus Wye’s farmers Market 9am – 12.00

11th Quiz Night – £10 gets you dinner and dessert,

and a further £1 goes toward the grand prize pot.

Arrival at 7.00 for dinner service, and at 7.30 the quiz begins! Teams of 6 or less, 17th Jazz Night with Bill Jones & Friends 25th – Spice Night with Karimix 5 tasting menu £30, Booking recommended on 01233 812 418

Smeeth W.I. will meet at the Brabourne and Smeeth Village Hall on Monday 9th May, 2016 at 7.30 pm for their Resolutions Meeting when this year two National Resolutions will be discussed and voted upon. The discussion will be followed by social time with Cheese and Wine. Any lady visitor is most welcome and should you need further information please contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165 or Margaret Garrett 01303 813932 Ashford Loving Hands. The Cosy Kettle, Hamstreet.

May 12th and 26th 9.30-11.45. 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 01233 733408 or visit Ashford Loving Hands on facebook.

Saturday 14th May the Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society will be holding their annual PLANT

SALE in the Village Hall, 11 am to 1 pm. Come along and get your bargains here. Always a very popular event.

Saturday May 14th - Brabourne Area Sponsored Walk or Cycle. A chance to explore the countryside

and villages surrounding Brabourne and Smeeth with a choice of a 7 mile or 10 mile walk or a 17 mile cycle. Pick up a route map and checkpoint card from the Oak Room near Smeeth church between 9 and 10am and follow the route at your leisure, including a lunch at The Black Horse, Monks Horton for added energy. Entry free with sponsorship (form available from Hesterfenwick@Hotmail.com) or £5 for adults/£3 for children on the day. All proceeds to Brabourne CEP School and The Friends of Brabourne Church. For further information, call 01303 814432

Tuesday 17th May the Ashford Flower Club will

be holding their Practical Workshop at the Furley Hall, Quantock Drive (off Maidstone Road), Ashford TN24 8TX

Saturday 21st May – Plant Sale. The Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society will be holding

their annual Plant Sale in Aldington Village Hall on 21st May from 10.00 am until midday. The plants are all grown and donated by members and offered for sale at modest prices for the benefit of society funds.

For further information please contact Colin Evans on 01233 720618 or colin.e123@btinternet.com

Highways Kingergarden (Hamstreet) invite you to join them on a special smugglers treasure hunt on

22nd May 2016 from 10am until 1pm. The Treasure

Hunt starts from the Cosy Kettle coffee shop, where each child will be given a treasure map with clues leading them around Hamstreet village and finally to the buried treasure! Entry cost: £3 per child (£2.50 each for family of two children) Money raised will go towards a Canopy for the Nursery School garden

Friday 27th May the Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society will be meeting in the village

hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm when John Donovan will be making a presentation on “My 50 years with KWG” This should make an interesting and lively evening’s entertainment. Guests will be made most welcome.

For further information contact Wendy on 01303 813 451 or email brabournewendy @gmail.com

Ashford Decorative & Fine Arts Society Thur 16th June, - a visit to The British Museum for

a curatorial lecture on, then entry to, the exhibition “Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds”. Includes coffee & coach from Ashford. Call Ruth on 01233 720718.

Tues 17th May - Aldington Village Hall, 10.30 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Great Tarts in Art: high culture and the oldest profession”. A combination of art-historical analysis and scandalous anecdote, this lecture looks at attitudes to sexual morality down the ages, as reflected in artistic portrayals. Call Christine on 01233 720241. Tues 21st June, Aldington Village Hall, 10.30 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Getting Plastered”. An examination of the art of the magnificent English decorative plasterwork of the 16th to 18th centuries.

Call Christine on 01233 720241.

DISCOVER ART on your doorstep ART by local artists and craftspeople

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Anniversary www.seos-art.org Many studios open throughout Ashford Boroughs Free guides available at many locations 29

Hobbies The Ageless Art Of Decoupage

By Kate McLelland Throughout history there have been very few people who found great success in their seventies and eighties. An exception was the artist Mary Delany who, at the age of 71, became a favourite at the court of King George III due to her mastery of a particular skill: decoupage.

The word originally comes from the Middle French term “Decouper”, meaning to cut out or cut from. It is said to have originated from an East Siberian funeral tradition in which nomadic tribes cut out shapes in felt to decorate their tombs. During the 12th century the Chinese put their own spin on the idea, using cut out paper to decorate lanterns, windows, boxes and other items. It took another five hundred years before the concept of decoupage reached Europe. In the 17th century Venice was at the forefront of trade with the Far East, and through this busy trading hub objects decorated with paper made their way onto the rest of the continent.

In 18th century England decoupage was an occupation for well-bred ladies, particularly at the royal court, where Mary Delany spent much of her time. However Mary managed to take the art to another level by dissecting flowers and then painstakingly reproducing them on black paper, using layers of coloured tissue paper to create the petals, stamens, calyx and other parts of the plant.

Her remarkable, botanically accurate images won great favour with King George III and Queen Charlotte, who rewarded her with a small house in Windsor plus a generous pension of £300 per year. She finally retired at the age of 88 due to failing eyesight, having created more than 1,700 separate artworks. Today Mary’s work is preserved at the British Museum.

These days decoupage is becoming increasingly popular as a means to upcycle old pieces of furniture or household items such as lamps, boxes, pots, trays and picture frames. It can be used to personalise just about any item in the home and the artwork can be as simple or as

30

complex as you want it to be. Just cut out pictures that you like, glue them to the item of your choice and cover the finished piece with thin layers of varnish to seal it.

Craft shops sell a wide range of supplies for decoupage but the good thing about this hobby is that you don’t necessarily need to spend large amounts of money to get started: in fact you probably have most of the things you need lying around at home.

You’ll need basic tools such as scissors (a sharp pair with clean edges), a craft knife, a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away excess adhesive, cotton wool buds for removing small spots of glue and fine sandpaper for sanding layers of varnish (if required).

You can use different types of adhesive but the most effective is specialist decoupage glue – available from hobby shops – which can be used both as a glue and as a varnish. PVA or spray glue are good alternatives, as both dry to a clear finish.

Always use a gloss varnish to build up layers as it doesn’t go cloudy, no matter how many coats you apply. If you want a matt finish, undercoat with gloss varnish and then apply a final coat of matt varnish.

There are virtually no limits when it comes to sourcing pictures for decoupage work. You can pick up books in charity shops, raid old magazines for images, use wallpaper, greetings cards, paper napkins or even pieces of fabric. Wrapping paper is an ideal thickness and is available in traditional and modern designs. You can also use specialist decoupage papers or origami paper.

Here are some guidelines to help you get started on a project: 1. Prepare your surface: the varnish will magnify any imperfections so it’s important to keep your object as clean and dust-free as possible.

2. Select your pictures and arrange them: cut

Leisure out roughly with scissors first then experiment with different arrangements. It helps to take photos as you go, so you can remember the different layouts you’ve tried. When you are completely happy with the images and arrangement, cut the pictures out carefully with a craft knife.

4. Glue the pictures into position: quickly smooth out any wrinkles and remove any excess glue with a barely damp sponge.

5. Varnish your artwork: make sure the glue is completely dry before starting work and leave the varnish to dry thoroughly between each coat. You may need to apply anything from 4 to up to 15 coats, depending on how thick the paper is and how smooth and durable you want the finish to be. For a fine, lacquered finish, sand lightly after a few layers of varnish and remove all dust. Keep repeating this process until you are happy with the result.

If you’re still a little nervous about starting your own project, there are plenty of “How to” videos on YouTube that demonstrate the process from beginning to end.

You may not find your fortune in decoupage like Mary Delany, but you’ll certainly have fun trying.

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Beauty Spring Is In The Air

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

This month we’re talking oils, hair dyes and (ouch) waxing. Summer is just around the corner, so we can no longer hide away under layers of winter woollies…

We beauty writers tend to focus on new launches. We’re a bit like magpies – easily distracted by new shiny things. But this month I thought I’d celebrate an underrated classic – Fenjal. Just a whiff of the bath oil conjures up images of my grandma, who’s used it since I was tiny. I’m reminded of her every time I open my Fenjal Classic Shower Oil, £5.49, but that’s not the only reason I love it. Packed with natural oils, including grapeseed and soy, it leaves my skin feeling really soft and lightly scented.

I’m a big fan of botanical oils and use at least one every day. On my ‘to-buy’ list is andiroba oil. And it’s not just me; according to Lorraine Dallmeier of Formula Botanica, this golden Central American oil has ‘attracted great interest from the cosmetic industry in recent years for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.’ She explains, ‘This oil will nourish your dry and sensitive skin and as an added 32

bonus, it will also repel insects, which makes it an ideal choice for packing when you go on your summer holiday!’ Fancy learning more about natural oils? Formula Botanica has a wide range of online courses, teaching students how to select and blend natural skincare ingredients.

Light coloured hair can easily look dull and lifeless, so my go-to hair shampoo this month is the PRO:VOKE Touch Of Silver Brightening Shampoo. I start by prepping with the Pre-Toning Primer, which adds shine and smooths cuticles.

The shampoo’s violet pigment then helps to neutralise brassiness and protect my colour. Finally, the intensive conditioner undoes some of the damage caused by my highlighting habit. Plus, as the range starts at just £3.19 in Boots, it doesn’t break the bank.

As mentioned, my hair is feeling a little harddone-by at the moment, so I’m giving it a rest

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from bleaching. Instead, I’m using Naturtint, £10.99, to refresh the colour and cover the grey. Probably the gentlest home-colour on the market, Naturtint doesn’t contain any ammonia, parabens, SLS, mineral oils, paraffin, or silicones, so it doesn’t damage my hair.

It’s also enriched with plant and seed oils, so leaves my locks really shiny.

I’ve hauled my clothes out of the loft, and my thick tights

summer

have been banished to the back of the drawer for another few months.

Unfortunately, that means there’s no escaping the need to regularly de-fuzz. If you’re brave enough to wax, Parissa Warm Wax, £12.99, is one of the simplest ways to ensure hair-free legs for longer. The wax is easy to melt in the microwave, and the fabric strips are strong enough to reuse a few times. (Tip: dust a fine layer of baby powder over your skin before waxing, as it helps to make the wax easier to remove.)

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Kid’s Corner

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

month in the Aldington Village Hall at 7.45 pm for 8.00. We have a varied programme of talks, shows and social events. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further details please contact Jean Evans on 01233 720618 or colin.e123@ btinternet.com Aldington Corner Quilters is a long established group of friendly ladies meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Aldington Village Hall, 7.00pm - 9.00pm. We have a mix of beginners and experienced ladies who share their latest projects and ideas. We always welcome new members so if you are interested come along one evening and meet us. For more information contact Julie Coney - quirkyjules@gmail.com or call 01303 813944 (eve).

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

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

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

Ashford 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 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. 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.

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

37 37

Puzzle Time 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!

Word Ladder

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

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R O O T

Crossword Across 7. A large sea (13) 8. Disclosed (8) 9. Opposed to (4) 10. Move forward (7) 12. Allude to (5) 14. Learn (5) 16. Not coolest (7) 19. Zn (4) 20. Fizzy drink (8) 22. Practical example (13) Down 1. Not there (4) 2. Picture house (6) 3. Think about (7) 4. Unrefined (5) 5. Breathe in (6) 6. Insensitive (8) 11. Thorough (8) 13. Mallets (7) 38

15. Physician (6) 17. Tiny (6)

18. Show embarrassment (5) 21. Let fall (4)

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41

It’s A Mystery Few things beat curling up with a good mystery. Whether you prefer a classic whodunit, a gritty crime novel, or a supernatural thriller, there’s sure to be something to tempt you in our pick of the latest releases.

In the Dark, In the Woods – Eliza Wass

While aimed at the young adult audience, In the Dark, In the Woods definitely crosses the age barrier. Castley Cresswell lives with her siblings, broken mother and domineering father, in a rundown house in the woods. Her father tells her that they are the chosen ones, and that he is God’s conduit. As with all teenagers, Castley struggles with being ‘different’ from her school peers, and starts to question her parents’ ideology.

Will she find the strength to break free from her father? Will he let her?

Quiet Neighbors – Catriona McPherson

Needing a place to run, Jude flees to a Scottish town, and the quiet solace of the tumbledown bookstore. Staying in a gravedigger’s cottage, she begins to unravel some of the town’s closely-guarded secrets. This is a novel of quiet mysteries to puzzle over, rather than a gruesome whodunit.

Nevertheless, the characters will keep you turning the pages until night has fallen and your tea has long gone cold.

Switcheroo – Aaron Elkins

Switched identities, unsolved

42

murders and a gorgeous setting to boot, Switcheroo has them all.

This is Elkins’ 18th book featuring the forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver, and fans say it’s one of the best to date.

Investing a cold case in Jersey dating from the 1960s, Gideon discovers a web of deceit, dating to before the war, when two boys were swapped by their fathers. Not quite as gripping as some in the genre, Switcheroo is nevertheless a very enjoyable read.

What She Never Told Me – Kate McQuaile

Back in Ireland due to her mother’s death, Louise is hoping to finally find out who her father is. Does a stranger hold the answers? Who is the little girl in her memories and why do they leave her feeling so unsettled?

A psychological thriller with twists and turns aplenty, this could well end up on this year’s bestseller list. Prepare to put everything aside for a few hours, as you won’t want to put it down. A must for fans of Before I go to Sleep, Girl on a Train and Little Face.

The Deadlock Trilogy Box Set – P.T. Hylton

If you like your mysteries to have a supernatural edge to

them, and more than a touch of horror, The Deadlock Trilogy needs to be on your wish list.

Convict Frank returns to his childhood home - a backwater town in Tennessee - to find that things have taken a turn for the bizarre. Brilliantly original, wellplotted and skilfully narrated, this trilogy is a real find. Perfect for fans of early Stephen King.

The Hollow Men - Rob McCarthy

Police surgeon Dr Harry Kent is known as a man with a weakness for lost causes. So when a teenager takes a group of people hostage, then later seems to be in clear danger himself, Harry can’t help but get involved. As he works to find out what drove the boy to such desperate measures, Harry starts to uncover a trail of deception and cruelty. Gritty, tense and fast paced, this is the first in a new series starring Dr Harry Kent, and fans are already clamouring for more.

The Home MINI DIGGER & OPERATOR FOR HIRE MICK ATTWELL

mickattwell@aol.co.uk

07979 881 873 01303 813587

Machine will fit through a standard doorway

J.A.G.E.R

Electrical Contractors Unit 1, Mill Farm Business Untis, Bethersden TN26 3DB Professional, reliable service you can trust!

40 years experience CPCS Registered - Call for a competitive rate

TINA FRANCIS DOMESTIC ELECTRICIAN

All Electrical Works Undertaken

• Domestic • Commercial • Industrial

Design & Installation / Housing New Builds Residential Rewiring / Test & Inspection Data & Communication Cabling CCTV Cable Installation / Lighting Alarm Systems / Intercom Systems Electric Gate Systems

www.jagerelectricalltd.co.uk New Installations Re-wires Additional or replacement Lights, sockets etc Mobile 07761 695101 Email – tinafrancis1@aol.com

Newchurch, Romney Marsh, TN29 0DH

HRB Installations Agricultural & Commercial Electrical Services 13 Years Experience

• 3 Phase • Fault Finding • Testing • Panel Upgrades • Switch Panels • Equipment Supplies • High Bay Lighting • Relocation of Supplies • Cable Trenching • Outside Supplies & Lighting • Emergency Call Outs • NAPIT Approved

Lympne 01303 470243 info@hrbinstallations.com

Office: 01233 820400 James: 07912 030 574 Elliott: 07891 175 422

info@jagerelectricalltd.co.uk Jakeman & Jakeman Homecare Steve Jakeman

Handyman Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Decoration and Maintenance

01233 625442 07910591393

219 Canterbury Road, Kennington, Ashford, Kent TN24 9QH

Jakeman-homecare@ntlworld.com

Oil Heating & Oil Cookers R-OAK Services M. Oakley & O.Stanley - Oil-fired Specialists Breakdowns & Servicing • Boiler Installation • Power Flushing AGA, Rayburn, Alpha, Stanley, Worcester, Tel: 01233 770138 www.ohoc.co.uk Grant, Boulter, Potterton, Trianco and more...

43

The Village Directory Coverage

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

Charing

Egerton

Westwell

Pluckley

Eastwell

Orchard Heights

Smarden

Bodsham Hastingleigh Brook Elmsted Wye

Ashford 20,000

Charing Area 4,000

Wye Area 4,000

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

St Michaels

Dymchurch Newchurch

Appledore

Tenterden Small Hythe

Ivychurch

Wittersham

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

Brookland

St Mary’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

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Sudoku:

Kid’s Corner: ANSWERS: There are 11 shiny coins on the page.

Word Ladder:

TREE free

flee floe

Coverage 56,400 via Royal Mail

sloe slot

soot ROOT

Crossword:

s ’ r he

is F BobGarage

Motoring You may be surprised what a small country garage can offer today’s motorist!

A personal friendly service on your door step at affordable prices.

SELLINDGE

M O T Te s t i n g C e n t r e

• Servicing • Mechanical Repairs • Tyres

Tel: 01303 814131 www.bobfcars.co.uk

• Body Repairs & Paint Work • Batteries & Exhausts

Also a Good Selection of Quality Small Used Cars

ANDREWS garage The Plain • Smeeth • Ashford • Kent • TN25 6RA

A family run business for over 55 years

www.andrewsgarage.co.uk

MOT Testing Centre

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SERVICING & REPAIRS FLEET SPECIALIST

CLASS 4 & 7 CLASS 2 MOTORBIKES SERVICING & REPAIRS

CAR SERVICING REPAIRS • EXHAUSTS • TYRES • BATTERIES HORSE BOXES, CAMPERVANS & MOTORHOMES SERVICING • REPAIRS & PRE-MOT WORK WELDING MOBILE TYRE FITTING

etyres.co.uk - We Come to You

Tel: 01303 812215

STANFORD ROOFING

99 99 99 99 99

New Roofs & Repairs Slates, Tiles, Kent Pegs Leadwork Repointing Guttering, Fascias

99 Flat Roofs 99 Public Liability Insurance

e: info@stanfordroofing.co.uk

FREE ESTIMATES Over 25 yrs Experience

Tel: 01303 814860 m: 07725 124891

www.stanfordroofing.co.uk Pound Lane, Smeeth TN25 6RJ 45

Useful Information Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch

Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden

Crimestoppers

Contact Mike Wharrad

101 0800 555 111

Out of Hours Doctor 0845 4349655 William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331

Samaritans

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

08457 90 90 90

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

01233 730190 01303 812180

Parish Councils: Aldington & Bonnington

01233 721757

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

Brabourne & Smeeth Mersham & Sevington

St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 www.eastkentstrokes.org

SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com

Royal British Legion CPRE Kent

01233 620 167 01233 714540

Royal Mail Residential Customer Services

08457 740740

National Train Enquiries

Doctors Surgery Hamstreet Surgery Sellindge Surgery

01233 623520

01233 623902 01233 720816

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

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

www.nationalrail.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Veterinary Surgeons Montgomery Vets

01303 813756

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

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

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

Cesspool Emptying Service

01233 840624

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

Safe & Reliable Car, Minibus and Coach Hire Since 1980

www.amb-travel.co.uk

Day Trips & Excursions We operate our own brochure with pick-ups (via two small feeder routes) including Ashford, Charing, Dover, Folkestone, Hamstreet, Hothfield, Hythe, Lydd, Maidstone, New Romney, Sellinge to some of the best destinations in South East England, in London and local Europe.

Historic houses, museums, gardens, battlefield tours, exhibitions, theatres and shows - you'll be spoilt for choice and there's something for everyone!

Our new brochure details excursions right through until March 2017

Our NEW 2016 BROCHURE is out NOW!

Request a copy via our website or call our office ADULT SNR CHILD May 2016 Sat 7th Ostende and PJ’s with Tram Ride £37 £35 £32 Tue 10th Hastings or Eastbourne £21 £20 £15 Thur 19th Bletchley Park £39 £38 £28 Thur 19th Milton Keynes £25 £24 £20 Sat 21st Royal Windsor and River Cruise £28 £27 £23 Sat 21st Royal Windsor Free Time £21 £20 £16 June 2016 Sat 4th IWM Duxford £38 £37 £26 Sat 24th Cambridge £25 £24 £20 Sat 11th Blenheim Palace £39 £38 £34 Sat 11th Oxford £25 £24 £20 Tues 14th Afternoon Drive with Cream Tea £20 £19 £15 Thur 16th Royal Ascot Ladies Day

£118 / £73 Sat 18th London Museums £20 £19 £15 Sat 18th London Free Time £20 £19 £15 Sat 18th Houses of Parliament Tour £40 £39 £35 Wed 22ndKennet And Avon Cruise with Cream Tea £43 £42 £38 July 2016 Sat 2nd Brick Lane Music Hall

(Summertime Showcase) £55 £53 Tues 5th Chartwell OR Hever Castle £29 £28 £24 Sun 10th Hampton Court Flower Show £47 £46 £42

View our excursions via our website and book securely online, you can even choose your seats, or for more information call our team

www.amb-travel.co.uk

01233 626 952

47

GTP

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