Ashford May 2013

The

villag ge directory

for Ashford

Delivered FREE to 11,000 homes in TN24

May 2013

Complete Transformations or just a Makeover!

Kitchens –Appliances –Worktops –Bedrooms –Bathrooms Tiles –Carpets & Flooring –Home Office –Life Space Personal, friendly and professional project management No minimum order, supply only or fully fitted Free, no obligation design, or bring in your existing plan for a like for like quotation Looking for something unusual or a special size?

Pop in for a coffee and a chat and view the displays

Open Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–2pm In house Occupational Therapist for specialist advice on disability adaptions

18 High Street • Charing • Kent TN27 0HU Tel: 01233 712757 or 07867556351 • Email kitchenjane@hotmail.co.uk

The Little Shop full of big ideas

SAVE MONEY

TODAY ON YOUR MADE TO MEASURE BLINDS

01233 630 007 BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER Full Professional Measure and Fit Service or Supply Only - Phone us for a quote!

Roller Blinds - Vertical Blinds - Roman Blinds - Venetian Blinds - Wooden Blinds Conservatory Blinds - Wooden Shutters - Awnings - Pleated Blinds - Curtains Perfect Fit Blinds - Remote Control Blinds - Roman Woodweave Blinds - Plus More Unit 19, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford TN24 8DH

AdvertDOB.indd 1

4/6/2013 12:34:53 PM

Masterchef winner Liz McClarnon, the pub’s Food Ambassador. You’ll find Sophie’s report in this month’s magazine on page12, and along with it on our “Seasonal Delights” page, Liz has very kindly provided us with one of her own recipes for you try at home. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Sophie’s contribution and possibly tryi out Liz’s.

Welcome to the village directory Hi everyone, What a month it’s been, as I finished April’s magazine in early March it appeared that spring was in the air but then very soon after the cold weather returned with a vengeance and we even had snow. As I write spring is again trying to break through, the sun is shining and it’s a beautilful day, hopefully this time it’s here to stay.

Enjoy!

~ Debbie e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

Eight years ago, when I started my first magazine, my niece Sophie used to create “Kid’s Corner” for me, she was just 13 at the time and did a fantastic job. Now, having just celebrated her 21st birthday and about to graduate from University, she’s helping me out yet again. The two of us went along to the newly renovated King’s Head in Wye this month, where Sophie could get the lowdown on the changes to the pub and interview Celebrity

T: 01233 720488

June Issue Deadline 10th May 3

FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

CINNAMON

01233 668 731 OPEN SEVEN DA DAYS A WEEK

www.cinnamonspicekent.co.uk

SSunday und day - TThursday hu

Chef’s Platter £8.95 1 POPPADOM & CHUTNEYS ANY 1 STARTER ANY 1 MAIN DISH 1 PILAU RICE OR 1 NAN

FREE Kulfi Unit 4 Eureka Place, Trinity Road,Ashford, Kent TN25 4BY

Indian Ice Cream Per Person Dining In and Take-away Collections.

(Sun - Thur only, excluding deliveries)

the garden

The Garden Shed

May

4

by Jo Arnell, Woodchurch

right time to sow tender beans, courgettes, sweetcorn, pumpkins and squash. Be careful not to sow these tender crops directly into the soil until the danger of frost has passed, as they’ll need protection if the nights are cold. I normally sow these crops under cover to plant out towards the end of the month.

If you missed the first half of the vegetable growing season due to the weather and the ground being far to cold to work, sow or plant in, don’t worry. May is a great month to get cracking in the vegetable garden. The soil is warm, rain is still plentiful (in theory) and the sun’s climbing higher in the sky. It’s a little too late to sow some of the early crops, and those that need a long time to grow and then ripen, but you can catch up by buying plug plants from the garden centre (or even the supermarket). Most now offer quite a good range – you’ll certainly find tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, leeks and some brassicas.

If you want some flowers (unfortunately for next year), then this is also a good month for sowing biennials. Biennials are like annuals, but they spread their life over two seasons instead of one, putting on leafy growth in the first year and then flowering the following spring. This means that they flower early in the season when not much else has got going (they make good accompaniments to spring bulbs). Many, like Foxgloves, Forget-me-nots and Honesty are shade tolerant, and most have a (mostly) welcome habit of self-seeding, so you should only need to sow them once. Sow them in situ, or in a seedbed for transplanting in the autumn.

It’s definitely not too late to sow peas, beetroot, carrots and salad leaves. And it’s just the

For garden advice and design ideas contact Jo Arnell on 01233 861186.

The perfect alternative to kennels

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

R

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

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

www.barkingmad.uk.com

SMART DOGS GROOMING SERVICE

• • • • • • • •

Collection Service Handstripping Clipping Dematting Doggy Day Nursery Cat Grooming Microchipping Dog Walking Locally

Now Selling: Coats, jumpers, collars, leads, toys fragance sprays, brushes and combs for dogs. URBANPUP Stockists

01233 732505

www.smartdogs-kent.co.uk Marsh Rd Hamstreet,TN26 2JE

EXHIBITION

Tidy Garden Services  Grass Cutting  Weeding  Hedge Trimming

Fr e e E s t i m a t e s

01303 813480 07766 486 298

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

Tel: 07958 252 234

waterworks.plumbing@yahoo.co.uk

RESISTERED PLUMBER

REPAIRS TO...

WASHING MACHINES • COOKERS (ELECTRIC) TUMBLE DRIERS • DYSON VACUUM SPECIALIST Call Garry on 07958 640152 01233 632329

R J Tw wigg Accountants THE PILGRIMS WAY ARTISTS

10TH - 19TH MAY 2013 THE TITHE BARN - LENHAM - KENT - ME17 2QD

DAILY 10am - 6pm

(Fri 10th till 8pm, closes Sun 19th at 4pm) Artists demonstration evening Wed 15th May 6.30 - 9pm Members Craft in the Barn Fri 17th - Sat 18th May 11am - 4pm Art Workshops Wed 15th and Thurs 16th

info: jacksonraku@gmail.com or 01233 770425 FREE ADMISSION

www.pilgrimswayartists.org.uk

Established 1990 CIS, VAT, TAX RETURNS etc www.rjtwigg.co.uk 01303 243093 0789 416 8252

NEEDLES & PINS REPAIR AND ALTERATION SERVICE Zips & Trouser / Skirt Shortening from £5 HAND SEWN CURTAINS FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE

Call Christina 01303 864280 or 07957 993213

5

the home Mike Pepper Carpet Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Carpets Dry Rapidly • Living Room from £45 • Hall, Stairs & Landing from £40 • Bedroom from £35 • Quality Service • Sensible Rates

Carpet Fresh & Day 2 Day Cleaning Solutions :PVS -PDBM $MFBOJOH 4QFDJBMJTUT 8F 0GGFS &YDFMMFOU $MFBOJOH 4FSWJDFT

Call: 01233 635219

Carpet Fresh

M: 07910 386836

t $BSQFUT BOE VQIPMTUFSZ DMFBOJOH t 3VH DMFBOJOH t 4QPU BOE TUBJO SFNPWBM t 1FU TUBJO BOE PEPVS SFNPWBM t %FPEPSJ[FE GPS HSFBU GSFTIOFTT

Day 2 Day Cleaning Solutions

Planning an Extension, Loft conversion, renovations or building your own home? ĆŒÄ?ĹšĹ?Ĺ?ĆŒĹ˝ĆľĹśÄš ÄžĆ?Ĺ?Ĺ?Ĺś Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Ĺ?ĚĞ Ä‚ Ç Ĺ?ĚĞ Ç€Ä‚ĆŒĹ?ĞƚLJ ŽĨ Ć?ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?ÄžĆ? Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ůƾĚĹ?ĹśĹ?Í— 9 DĞĂĆ?ĆľĆŒÄžÄš ^ĆľĆŒÇ€ÄžÇ‡Ć?

9 ĆŒÄ‚Ç Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ć?

9 ĆľĹ?ĹŻÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ÄžĆ?Ĺ?Ĺ?Ĺś 9 WůĂŜŜĹ?ĹśĹ? ƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚ĆšĹ?ŽŜĆ?

9 ÄžĆ?Ĺ?Ĺ?Ĺś ĂŜĚ Ä?Ä?ÄžĆ?Ć? ^ƚĂƚĞžĞŜƚĆ?

9 dÄžÄ?ŚŜĹ?Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ ÄšĆŒÄ‚Ç Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ć?Í• ĚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻĆ? ĂŜĚ Ć?ƉĞÄ?Ĺ?ĨĹ?Ä?Ä‚ĆšĹ?ŽŜĆ?

9 ĆľĹ?ĹŻÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ĆŒÄžĹ?ƾůĂƚĹ?ŽŜĆ? Ä‚Ć‰Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Ä‚ĹŻ 9 Ç†Ć‰ÄžĆŒĹ?ĞŜÄ?ĞĚ Ĺ?Ĺś ƚŚĞ ŽĚĞ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ ^ĆľĆ?ƚĂĹ?ŜĂÄ?ĹŻÄž ,ŽžĞĆ? ĂŜĚ >Ĺ?ĨĞƚĹ?žĞ ,ŽžĞĆ?

t &OE PG UFOBODZ DMFBOJOH t 0GĂĽDF DMFBOJOH t #VJMEFST DMFBOT Fully insured for complete peace of mind

$BMM %VODBO GPS B GSFF RVPUF PO .PCJMF &NBJM EVOD@EBZ!ZBIPP JF

Contact us for a free initial discussion E-mail: archiground@ymail.com Phone: 07961 713 451 www.archiground.webs.com

XXX DBSQFUGSFTILFOU DP VL

6

Sudoku

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

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

• • • • • • • •

Professional unique intensive valet process Range & AGA specialist All ovens, hobs, extractor fans & microwaves Environmentally friendly, no toxic chemicals, no fumes See ovenu.co.uk for a video of the valet process Ovenu Ashford is approved by Trading Standards Contact Richard at Ovenu Ashford 01233 380023 or 0800 1409800

the home Alpha Conservatories & Windows For a Clearer Vision www.alphaconservatoriesandwindows.co.uk

HIGH QUALITY CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS & DOORS Contact:

z Designed to your specifications, all part L compliant

Mark Giles

z FENSA registered installer z Full 10 year guarantee z From survey to completion in just four weeks

E:alphaconswindows@btinternet.com Suppliers of Windows, Doors & Conservatories to the TRADE

D R A D N A ST

26842

E IC V R E S

S

z Over years H[SHULHQFH specialising in all aspects RI Conservatories windows and doors

Tel/Fax: 01233 632213 Mob: 07754 797933

PROFESSIONALISM

www.alphaconservatoriesandwindows.co.uk

7

Want a WOW Bedroom or Home Office?

WOW Interior Design are specialists in creating space needed for every day living Your local furniture fitter We can offer a complete fitted furniture option for bed and dressing room. Over 20 colour options and wardrobe styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Interiors customised to your storage needs.

T: 0845 6000 234 or 01303 812343 M: 07812 859278 info@wowinteriordesign.com

www.wowinteriordesign.com Please Mention The

village directory When Responding to Adverts

the home

John’s Carpets Limited 88 Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0HG Established 1998

FITTING

01233 663922

WITHIN 2 DAYS OF ORDER

Massive Range of Value Vinyls & Carpets • Free Measuring & Survey Service • Free Fitting • Vinyl Specialist • Value, Quality Underlay from £2.99 per M2

Ashford’s Value Flooring Company 8

Quick Crossword

Across 1.

3.

9.

10.

11.

13.

15.

17.

20.

21.

22.

23.

Jewels (4) Allowed in (8) Worried (7) Annoy (5) Fading away (12) Deny (6) Interfere (6) Directions (12) Ships load (5) Vital part of healthy diet (7) Enjoyed (8) Repair (4)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16 18

17 19

20

21

Down 1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

12.

Protecting (8) Blends (5) Dismiss (6) Crossroad (12) Taught (7) Deceased (4) Contests (12) Flavoured (8)

22

24

14. Army rank (7) 16. Flexible (6)

23

25

18. Overweight (5) 19. Mark left by wound (4)

the home Danube Weathered Oak Dinning Best prices in the UK

Solid Oak, all in stock

New, rough sawn solid oak

www.homeplusfurniture.com Canterbury Oak All in stock

Barcelona Solid Oak - Immediate delivery

9

'5!2!.4%%$ "%34 02)#%3 s '5!2!.4%%$ -!33)6% 34/#+3

Vancouver Oak Best prices in the UK

Just arrived - the Ripon painted oak range Genuine Leather Tub chairs from

Fabric & Leather Tub chairs

&2%% 0!2+).' s /0%. $!93 ! 7%%+ 01634 880699 01233 633928 #(!4(!4HE "ROOK #HATHAM -% .8

!3(&/2$ "EAVER 2D !SHFORD 4. 22

(next to Tesco on the ring road)

(next to Ashford International)

Please Mention The

village directory When Responding to Adverts

How to Win Friends From the playground to the workplace, we all know we’re not going to get by without a little help from our friends. But how do we go about forging those friendships in the first place?

We’ve put together a collection of stories where a friendship is central. And it just goes to show, bonds can be formed in the most unlikely of places.

10

Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck George Milton and Lennie Small are two migrant workers who dream of owning their own farm. George is intelligent but uneducated and Lennie is a great hulk of a man; physically strong but mentally weak. Set during the Great Depression, the pair is forced out of the aptly-named ‘Weed’, California after Lennie’s fondness for touching ‘soft things’ lands him in trouble. Chasing the elusive American Dream, George must decide what kind of a future their friendship can have.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas John Boyne Bruno is the son of an SS officer and is also a natural-born explorer, so it’s no surprise that when his family moves to ‘Out With’, he has a lot of questions about the children who appear behind the barbed wire fence wearing blue striped pyjamas.

Bruno meets Shmuel, who lives the other side, has a shaved head and is constantly hungry and the two form a friendship that will have devastating consequences.

Boyne’s children’s book about concentration camps is a mustread for all adults. It will stay with you for days, weeks and months afterwards, just as it should.

Wonder R.J. Palacio Starting high school is tough enough for any kid, but when you have a facial deformity and it’s your first time stepping into the torrential current of mainstream education, you’re bound to be washed away. August Pullman is starting in the Fifth Grade and has the rather unenviable task of helping his classmates see beyond his disfigurement. There are tears and laughter in equal measures as ‘Auggie’ tries to make the right friends and find his place in the unforgiving environment of Beecher Prep.

The Help Kathryn Stockett This is the story of three women: Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny, and their attempts to change the social structure and confines of a segregated Mississippi in the 1960s. Young Skeeter is a white woman with a degree, but no husband. Aibileen is a black maid who is essentially raising a white woman’s child for her, whilst grieving for her own dead son.

Meanwhile Minny is a fantastic cook but an even greater gossip.

Between them, the three plan to write and publish their own stories, revealing social scandals and ‘tellin’ it like it is’.

Starter for Ten David Nicholls It must be every teenage boy’s dream to appear on ‘University Challenge’ mustn’t it? For anyone who ever felt the odd one out, this book is testament to the fact that within institutes of higher education, everyone can find kindred spirits. Working-class student Brian Jackson is off to university on a full scholarship and he’s determined to flex his intellectual muscles by winning a place on the UC team.

The Joy Luck Club Amy Tan Before Carrie Bradshaw et al, four Chinese women began meeting in San Francisco to compare notes as recent immigrants. It was 1949 and they called themselves ‘The Joy Luck Club’. It’s a complex and delicately interwoven tale of Chinese mothers and daughters, revealing secrets and lies and all striving to find a place in the modern world whilst feeling the constant tug of their past.

the home

zTop Quality Workmanship zTrustworthy and Reliable zCarpentry & Joinery zPainting & Decorating zPlumbing zElectrical zPlastering zFloor and Wall Tiling zRoofing zBrickwork zLandscaping Contact: John Coppins

01233 665153 or 079476 47545 11

,Q 6RXWK (DVW .HQW WKHUH LV RQO\ RQH FRPSDQ\ WR WXUQ WR IRU \RXU GRXEOH JOD]LQJ DQG FRQVHUYDWRU\ UHTXLUHPHQWV ‡ :LQGRZV “Aâ€? Rated ‡ &RQVHUYDWRULHV ‡ 'RRUV ‡ 6RIĂ€ WV )DFLDV WEATHERMAN WINDOWS LIMITED :($7+(50$1 +20( ,03529(0(176 13 & 15 Bank Street, Ashford, Kent TN23 1DE %DQN 6WUHHW $VKIRUG .HQW 71 '(

7(/ ZZZ ZHDWKHUPDQKRPH FR XN Please Mention The

village directory When Responding to Adverts

Liz McClarnon with Gordon, Sharon, Scott and Mark, landlords of The Kings Head.

WYE 12 From the outside the Kings Head appears like any other quaint, village pub, however upon entering, the pub’s unique charm soon becomes apparent.

This beautiful old Victorian coaching house is almost unrecognisable following its recent, tasteful refurbishment. Despite its contemporary new look the pub still feels instantly homely and welcoming, boasting the traditional features desired of a cosy Kent pub, such as roaring open fires, comfy armchairs and cosy nooks hidden throughout.

The inviting atmosphere was matched by the warm welcome we received from the pub’s landlords who proudly told us all about their plans for the pub. They expressed their passion and enthusiasm to create a vibrant, sociable environment which it is hoped will bring the community together.

They are keen to involve as many local suppliers and businesses as possible in a bid to support the local community, further enhancing this sense of community spirit. Local people and businesses are celebrated in a collection of artistic photographs capturing the true essence of the Kent countryside, and taken personally by one of the pub’s landlords.

We were presented with an enticing menu which offers a quirky twist on traditional ‘pub grub’ classics. You’ll find something for everyone here, from a delicious cheese fondue, served with glazed ham and sourdough, a great dish for sharing, to Hot Chocolate with a twist, served in the form of a lollipop which is slowly dissolved in a tall glass of warm milk. A diverse specials board is regularly updated to keep the menu fresh and exciting.

We were lucky enough to sample this month’s featured dish, a mouth-watering beef-wellington which is the exclusive recipe of none other than Celebrity Master-Chef Winner and Atomic Kitten member Liz McClarnon. We even had the pleasure of meeting Liz, the pub’s proud food ambassador, who admitted to enjoying regular retreats to the Kent countryside to visit her close friends at the Kings Head. Liz’s passion for cooking was clear as she flitted in and out of kitchen to check the food was being prepared to her high standards.

Having sampled her food Liz joined us for a chat. We ask her about her love of cooking and she shared her dream of one day having a restaurant of her own in a rural area much like Kent. The next day she was rushing back to London in preparation for Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway

Real bread, buns and pastries

Open 8.30 to 5 on Tues, Thurs & Fri 9 to 1 on Saturdays 22 Church Street, Wye TN25 5BJ 01233 812218 wyebakery@yahoo.co.uk with Atomic Kitten. Their involvement in The Big Reunion will keep her busy as the tour starts this month and will come to the O2 Arena on May 14th. We wished her luck with the tour and hope that Kent continues to provide a relaxing retreat from time to time.

Overall the delicious food, fantastic company and pleasant atmosphere made our evening at the Kings Head an extremely enjoyable experience and I look forward to returning again soon. Plans are well underway to provide accomodation too, so be sure to head down to the Kings Head to see what all the fuss is about for yourself. ................................................................... Sophie Allen

LOCAL MARKETS CHALLOCK Challock Memorial Hall, Blind Lane.

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

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

CHARING FARMER’S MARKET Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thurs morning Contact 01233 740176

EGERTON Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall

ROLVENDEN - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall

RYE FARMERS MARKET Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (12pm Oct - April)

RYE MARKET Every Thursday at the Cattle Market Car Park.

Early till around 3pm (depending on the weather)

RYE COUNTRY MARKET Formerly WI Market Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill.

Every Friday 10am -11.30am

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

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

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

13

Seasonal Delights Liz McClarnon–Simple Beef Wellington Serves 2 Ready in 30 mins “I Absolutely love red meat.This is a more simple version of my usual Beef Wellington, so you can easily cook it at home” Liz

Ingredients 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic finely chopped 1 shallot finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped 125ml port 1 beef stock cube 150g puff pastry sheets (pre-rolled) 125g button mushrooms finely sliced 2 x 175g medallions of beef fillet Fewsprigs thyme and rosemary Freshly ground salt and pepper A dash of Truffle Oil (optional

14

4

Heat 1tbsp of olive oil in a small pan on a 5 medium heat, add the garlic and shallot then cook for 1-2 minutes until soft and golden.

Heat the butter in a small frying pan until just melted, add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper. Then cook gently until slightly soft in texture.

Add half of the parsley and port and boil 6 until the liquid has reduced by half (this will look a little syrupy).

7 Use a saucer to cut out two circles of pastry and lay on a non-stick tray. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes.

Once cooked add a drizzle of truffle or other flavoured oil and keep warm.

8

Season with salt and pepper, then turn the fillet over using a pair of tongs. Sear again for 1-2 minutes and season. Add

Dissolve the stock cube in 1 ⁄2 pint of boiling water and add to the pan with the remaining port. Gently leave to simmer whilst preparing the rest of the dish.

Place the remaining oil in a heavy ovenproof frying pan or skillet, heat until it’s just about to smoke. Next, add the beef, allowing it to sear for 1-2 minutes

the thyme and rosemary and place in the preheated oven for 6 minutes Remove from the oven and allow to rest 9 for 5-10 minutes in a warm place.

To Serve – Place the cooked pastry circles on two warm plates. Poke a hole in the centre and fill the pastry with the warm mushroom mixture. Place the steak on the pastry and pour over the sauce. Serve with seasonal vegetables

Advertise Here £38 per month plus VAT 11,000 Homes Discounts for Long Term Bookings and Multiple Area Bookings Monthly Direct Debit Available

Tel: 01233 720488 or Email info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

The Kennington

www.thekenningtonevents.co.uk Ulley R Ull Road, d Kennington, K i ton on, Ashford TN24 9HX

Great Food and Fantastic stic Entertainment

Experience The Kennington Sunday Carvery Every Sunday and Bank Holiday, a selection of four cooked meats, served with homemade Yorkshire Puddings, stuffing and eight vegetables.Visit the Carvery more than once and enjoy Adults £8.95 Children £3.95 To Book Call 01233 629 028 M: 07949 955 965 E: thekennington@btinternet.com

Wiltshire Farm Foods make mealtimes easy as pie. If you’ll pardon the pun!

Cottage Pie with vegetables

£2.95

We offer a choice of 250 tasty dishes, including desserts and mini meals. All meals are delivered frozen, ready to be stored in your freezer and cooked in minutes.

What could be easier?

MEALS FROM £2.95 & FREE DELIVERY

of great service For a FREE brochure call

01227 774 999 wiltshirefarmfoods.com

15

Finance Ignorance is No Defence Taking professional financial advice is advisable, but your own education is essential

16

In my parents’ day, money was a simpler matter. In many families they went to work, earned their money, paid their taxes and saved what they could. When it came time to buy a house, they approached the bank manager to see if he would be kind enough to lend them three times the husband’s salary (the wife stayed at home looking after the children) for a repayment mortgage which was paid off over 20 or 25 years before he got his final salary scheme pension.

The common thing throughout all these generations, my parents, myself, our children, is that none of us have ever had any financial education. Not one single lesson in the classroom at my school was ever devoted to personal financial matters. The financial company employees are taught how to sell to us, but we have little idea of how to make a judgement on what they tell us.

By the time I started earning money, it had become much more complicated. We were two people paying the mortgage needing much higher salary multiples to afford rising house prices. Then came the ending of MIRAS, the emergence of interest only mortgages and endowment policies to pay them off (or not as it turned out in some cases).

Pensions became more complex too, with choices for opting out of SERPS, private pension schemes, money purchase schemes and final salary scheme pensions became a distant memory for most.

In 2011, 118,000 people signed an e-petition via the MoneySavingExpert.com website to force the issue of Financial Education in Schools to be debated in Parliament.

Throw in the scandals of misselling of endowments and PPI to name just two, and it’s clear even for my generation the financial world has become a confusing place. Hedge funds, derivatives, swaps – even the so-called experts struggle to make sense of it.

At last, this should be about to change.

Draft proposals have been published recently and are still under consultation into April, but it is expected that from September 2014, financial education will form part of the national curriculum in England, with 11-16 year olds receiving it as part of their compulsory citizenship education.

Plans are that pupils in Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 14) will be taught the function and use of money, personal budgeting, money management and a range of financial products and services.

From 14 to 16 in Key Stage 4, they will be taught about wages, taxes, debt, credit, financial risk

plus more sophisticated financial services and products.

The Government wants students to have “the financial skills to enable them to manage their money on a day-to-day basis as well as to plan for future financial needs.”

It is clear that the lessons are long overdue. You only have to look at how much the financial world has changed in the last 40 years to see that what is needed (and will hopefully be taught in schools) is a good grounding in the ‘basics’ of understanding personal finance. It is to be hoped that the generation that receive this education realise that their learning will need to continue long after they leave the classroom as the financial world continues to evolve.

If knowledge is power, having the right financial knowledge will help our children avoid the mistakes with money we may have made along the way, and that can only be a good thing.

In the meantime, pass on what you know already Mums and Dads, and a free Teen Cash Class is available at http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/family/Teenagers-cash-class.

By Anthony Tavistock

MJW Autos Ltd

JAMIE WELLER WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

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

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

Tel: 07790

Quality Used Cars, Repaired and Repairable Salvage

zQuality Body Repairs, collision damage, dents and scratches zCity & Guilds Craftsman zFriendly, Professional, Valued Service zQuality Workmanship zInsurance Work, Free Estimates, Local drop off and pick up zCustomers benefit from 10% on car & van hire zMOT Failure Repairs zNo VAT on Labour zTestimonials & portfolio of repairs zQuality paint for Car Spraying Unit 1 A.S.H Business Centre Cobbs Wood Ind Estate Ashford Kent TN23 1EJ

690141

ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱŖŗŘřřȱŘŘŘŝŘŗ

Tel: 01233 632200 Mob: 07733 442071 E-mail:mjw_autos@btconnect.com www.mjwautos.co.uk

Email: jamie.weller@sjpp.co.uk

17

Pengelly & Rylands FAMILY SOLICITORS For friendly advice in times of need • Family, Children & Divorce (Fixed Fee appointments available) • Elderly Client Care • House Sales & Purchases • Equity Release • Wills & Probate • Commercial

WILLESBOROUGH & KENNINGTON GARAGES LTD    

SERVICING REPAIRS MOT’s CAR AND LIGHT COMMERCIALS

CHURCH ROAD HYTHE ROAD KENNINGTON WILLESBOROUGH TN24 9DG TN24 0QQ Email: Email:

Please call us on 01580 762248

carservicekton@btconnect.com carservicewill@btconnect.com

39/41 High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6BJ www.pengelly-rylands.co.uk

01233 622808 01233 623946

Live Music!

May 2013 The Kennington Ulley Road, Kennington, Ashford TN24 9HX Saturday 1st June 13 7:30pm to 1am 70’s 80’s 90’s The Kennington Turn Back Party Nights - A chance to Boogie the night away - The Kennington will be turning back the clock every month.

Ashford (Kent) Art Society is holding their Spring Exhibition and sale of work at St Mary’s Parish Church, Ashford. Until May 6th incl. 10 - 4.30 daily except Sunday. Free admission. All welcome May 16th, 17th and 18th - Woodchurch Players present an exciting Francis Durbridge thriller 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall. Telephone bookings 01233 861363 - or Box Office Woodchurch Post Office 9th and 10th May. 21st May ASHFORD FLOWER CLUB Norton Knatchbull School, Hythe Road, Ashford. Starts 7.30pm, Doors open 6.30pm Demonstration ‘MELANGE’ by Barbara Collier. Visitors £6.00 Tickets in advance. Secretary 01233 628278 Treasurer 01303 269422 Spring Bank Holiday 25-27 May SELLINDGE STEAM AND COUNTRY SHOW Steam Engines

Sat 4th May Back 2 Back (Rock Covers)

– full size and Models. Large Military Display/ Commercials/Vintage and Veteran Vehicles.

Kuchina with her Dancing Horses. Family Entertainment – Fair Rides, Crafts and Models Sideshows/Autojumble. Arena Events – Hawkinge Flyers. Licensed Bar – Lunch time popular/ country music, Working Demonstrations, email: jennyhollingsbee@fsmail.net Mobile 07887918458

Fri 17th May UP ALL NIGHT (Indie / Rock Covers)

Kent Police Male Voice Choir

The Windmill Inn, Hythe Rd, Ashford TN24 0QR

18

Events May

Sat 25th May COLD STEEL (Classic Heavy Rock)

Fri 31st May Fat Badger (Rock Covers band) Fri 7th June The Slug Pixies (Rock - think 1971ish) Sat 15th June CENTAUR PARTING (Classic Rock Covers) Fri 21st June Henrys Rock Band (Rock / Classic Rock / Indie) Sat 22nd June Horns High (Retro Rock and Metal Covers) Fri 28th June Scandal (Yep, The boys are back)

Concert in aid of...

Children’s Literacy Charity

Saturday 18th May 2013 - 7.30 pm St. Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church 4 Maidstone Road, Ashford, TN24 8TX

Tickets £10

(includes light refreshments)

To book tickets please phone: 01233 637645 Or email:

anne.loftus@beanstalkcharity.org.uk Registered charity number: 296454

what’s on

Hamstreet Festival of Transport SUNDAY 2ND JUNE 2013 Gates open at 10.30am until 5.30pm Car Parking is free For the past seventeen years, under the auspices of the Hamstreet and District Sports and Leisure Association, the Hamstreet Country Show has been an annual two-day event to raise funds, initially for improvements to the Hamstreet Sports Field (i.e., drainage. flood lighting , multi-use court, etc.) and, more recently, for the construction of the new Sports Pavilion.

The two-day Hamstreet Country Show will not take place this year. Instead, a new single-day event is being arranged under the name “Hamstreet Festival of Transport”, with a few different ideas and surprises.

Any profits made at this year’s event will be used towards the purchase and installation of a disabled There will be a variety of food and craft stalls, stairlift in the new Hamstreet Sports Pavilion. together with several working exhibits. The This year, the Festival of Transport coincides with aviation side will include a model aircraft display, the sixtieth anniversary of the Coronation of Her helicopter pleasure flights and microlight Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second (which took activities. For younger members of the family, place on 2nd June 1953). In celebration of this, the there will be a puppet show, clowns and a fun-fair.

2013 Festival of Transport will highlight that era.

There will be a wide selection of refreshments As in previous years, the entertainment will available and a licensed bar. include a large selection of classic cars, as well as Full details may be found on our website: other vehicles and machinery, together with a full www.hamstreetfestivaloftransport.co.uk programme of events in the arena. One of these will be a Fun Dog Show.

Postp

o

ned to

, 13 2 1 p e S

& 14

Box Office: 01303 814 341

19

what’s on

Life Begins Facing up to those milestone birthdays It seemed like a brilliant joke at the time. For my 30th birthday party I sent out black-edged cards that looked exactly like funeral invitations. My guests were asked to wear funeral attire and when the day arrived I gleefully transformed my flat into something resembling a funeral parlour.

By Kate McLelland

20

There was great hilarity as the first guests – clad entirely in black - started to arrive, but as more and more ‘mourners’ gathered in my living room, the mood changed and people began talking in the kind of subdued whispers normally reserved for a real funeral. By the end of the evening I felt thoroughly depressed and vowed never to celebrate another milestone birthday again.

Fortunately – as I was working abroad at the time - I managed to miss out on my 40th birthday entirely, but as my 50th drew closer I came under increasing pressure from friends and family to mark the occasion “properly”.

So how should you approach those important milestone birthdays? It seems that many people from the Baby Boomer generations of the 1950s and ‘60s choose to celebrate their middle-age, milestone birthdays in spectacular fashion: jumping out of airplanes, reuniting with lifelong friends for communal celebrations or arranging events in exotic locations.

If the date is fast approaching and you’re not sure how to meet the challenge, you have three basic options: a) Pretend it’s not happening - Of course, friends and close family will know that your birthday is coming up, but why alert the rest of the world?

Well, it’s not as easy as you might think. You can stay at home and keep the curtains shut, put an out-of-office message on your emails and

turn off your phone but if you or your family subscribe to any kind of social media you will never, ever, be able to prevent that date from getting out.

Gone are the days when it was possible to pass under the radar when a key event such as a birthday or anniversary fell due. You know that great little app that sends you a reminder about everyone’s birthdays: “It’s Gareth’s birthday next week and he’ll be 45 years old”?

Well I hate to break the news, but you’re not the only one who signed up for it.

There’s nowhere to hide in the 21st century. b) Agree to all suggestions - You know what it’s like: as soon as a number nine appears on your birthday cake you’re under immediate pressure to “do something special” the following year.

If you actually want a special celebration, you have plenty of time to plan. If you don’t, you face twelve months of mounting tension as the big date approaches. One way to deal with well-meaning suggestions is to nod in agreement, then do nothing. As the date draws near you’ll be able to fob people off with lines such as “Oh, I thought you were going to organise that?” Or “I tried to reserve a table for fifteen but the restaurant’s completely booked up now”.

However, if your friends and relations are the proactive kind, then be warned: this tactic may result in multiple celebrations.

what’s on How many birthday cakes are you prepared to You’ll spend half the money and have twice the eat? fun. c) Go for it - Your third option is probably the most straightforward one: simply seize the opportunity that this special birthday presents.

Whatever milestone may be coming up, you can only pass it once in your life so you might as well have fun as you do so.

Although most of us shudder at the prospect of entering another decade, a milestone birthday presents a unique opportunity for you to reflect on your life and celebrate with the people you love. If my 30th birthday taught me anything, it’s that resistance is useless: when faced with that milestone date you might as well give in and Enjoyment is the key word here – this shouldn’t party with good grace. be the kind of gathering where you start to worry about the seating plan, or whether to invite your dreary cousin Monica who always cries after two glasses of wine. Choose a venue that you like, or an activity that you really enjoy and bring everyone along with you.

HAIR BY LARA

Be imaginative – if you haven’t much money then a big picnic in your local park may be better than squeezing your family round an expensive restaurant table: you’ll only spend the evening worrying about the resulting bill.

If your friends are a small but select bunch (or you simply don’t enjoy being the centre of attention) then check out the birthdays of the people that you know. If your birth dates fall within a couple of weeks of one another then perhaps you should consider holding a joint celebration.

F R EEL A NC E H A I R S T YLI ST

50% OFF • Cutting • Colouring • Styling • Wedding Hair & Racoon Hair Extensions www.hairbylara.co.uk

First Visit when booking colour, Cut & Style (Please quote this ad )

Tel: 07900 583 626

Entice Hair Salon,65 Kingsnorth Rd, Ashford TN23 6HZ

21

THE HOME OF GREAT LIVE MUSIC

T: 01233 647349      

FANTASTIC FOOD OFFER One Course £3.50 - Two Courses £5.00 Three Courses £7.50 Mon - Sat 12-2.30 & 6-9pm

All special occasions catered for Fantastic new look and large garden Excellent Carvery Available Families and children very welcome SUNDAY 12-5pm £8.95 Great home made food served daily QUIZ NIGHT every Sunday The Wi Th Windmill d ill IInn, H Hythe h R Road, d LIVE MUSIC - Tuesday, Friday and Saturday Ashford, TN24 0QR

Kids Corner

22

what’s on

Open Day Will Score Highly with New and Experienced Golfers Tenterden Golf Club is staging an open day on Sunday 12 May (10am to 5pm) with a range of activities designed to be fun and inspirational for both new and experienced golfers.

Through its GolfMark accreditation, the club participates in the nationwide “Get into golf” scheme and will be providing free introductory lessons to novices on 12 May. In addition, experienced golfers will be offered free coaching.

Richard Silman, the club’s professional, said: “The open day is for all ages and we’re looking forward to meeting youngsters and adults who are thinking about taking up the game as well as golfers who live in the area and want to see what we have to offer.”

The club’s par 3 practice course will be available during the open day, entry to which will be free, and visitors will be invited to tour the main course in a chauffeur-driven buggy.

Competitions for chipping, putting and bunker play will be run throughout the day and several holes on the club’s challenging main course will be reserved for those wanting to test their skill further.

Training equipment will be demonstrated, a club cleaning service provided, and refreshments served.

Newly offered by Tenterden Golf Club is Trial Membership and Flexi-Membership.

Trial Membership costs just £65 and is aimed at anyone wanting to try out the club’s course and other facilities. FlexiMembership is a bargain at £90 a year and is for golfers who want to belong to a club, play in matches and officially keep their handicaps, but who have little spare time so can only play occasionally. Additionally, there are attractive Academy Membership and Family Membership packages.

Tenterden Golf Club is located in Woodchurch Road, Tenterden – it is a short distance from the town and there is plenty of free parking. For more information about the open day, phone 01580 763987.

23

leisure

Clubs & Societies

Da Base Ashford Town Youth Centre, 5-7 Park

Street, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8LR (back of Iceland, opposite Wilkinson’s) If you have any questions or enquiries visit www.dabaseyouthcentre.com or contact us on 01233 631 472.

Dancing for Fun Come and learn a wide range of

24

wonderful dances, from 17th Century Jane Austen style dances to 21st Century Ceilidh Dances, including American Contra Dance, English Barn Dance, Contra Waltzing and the Polka! Great low impact exercise!

No experience or partner required! Have fun, get fitter and meet new people! No need to book - just turn up! Every Thursday 2pm - 3:30pm at The Stour Centre, Station Approach, Ashford, Kent TN23 1ET http://www.contrafusion.co.uk 01233 625 362 Ashford Board Games Club Come to a session of the Board Games Club to play card, tile and board games of every kind: Carcassonne, Pandemic, Dominion, Small World, Agricola, Settlers of Catan or anything else. Every Sunday evening at 7pm at the Rose Inn, Faversham Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 9AJ. Games players of every kind welcome. https://www. facebook.com/groups/31085029201 01233 625 362 Would you like to rekindle an old interest in painting?

Is there a budding artist in you?

Or just want to try something new?

Then why not join us at the

Bethersden Art Group in the Village Hall, Bethersden

Thursday evenings 7.30 – 9.30pm th

Summer term begins May 9 2013 Beginners & Experienced All are welcome

Visiting Artist – Helga Picknell For further details, contact: Keith – 01233 820883

Warehorne Folk Dance Club:

Meets every Wednesday at Kingsnorth Village Hall, Church Hill, Kingsnorth, TN23 3EF from 8.00 to 10.00pm Beginners or experienced dancers welcome For further details contact Edna 01233 627121 or David 01233 812935.

Ashford Birdwatchers’ Club: Meets on the second Wednesday monthly September to April inclusive from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm at the WI Hall, Faversham Road, Kennington. All welcome to a friendly club; it doesn’t matter if you can’t identify many birds! Admission £3 including tea/coffee and biscuits. For information about programme, tel 01233 637067.

Ashford Chess Club: Meets every Tuesday from 7.30pm @ the Centrepiece Church (rear entrance), Bank Street. Beginners or experienced players welcome. Free chess lessons are available. Tel: 01233 625998 and ask for Murray.

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

1940’s Dancing Lessons, Every Wednesday, incl.

Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa & Collegiate Shag. For beginners and improvers, at St Mary’s Church Hall, Ashford Town Centre TN23 1QG from 7pm – 9.30pm.

Cost £6.00 Tel 01233 860564. No partner required.

We’re the only clinic in this area to offer TATTOO REMOVAL with 2 high powered Q lasers.

No single laser can remove all types of tattoo ink and colours.

The Q-switched 1064 ND:Yag removes dark blue, black, grey and white ink.

The Q-switched 532 KTP removes red, purple, orange, brown, green blue.

The ‘Chill cooled’ laser is fast and gentle to your skin.

All staff are trained and certified in tattoo removal.

The price will be from £55 £155 per session depending on the depth, size and colour.

Call us to arrange you free consultation.

CrawleyClinic Clinic Wells

16a Street, BrightonAshford, Rd, Crawley RH10 6AA8TN 9 New Kent TN24 Tel :01233 01293 538 538 Tel: 661662 info@crawleyclinic.com info@wellsclinic.com www.wellsclinic.com

health & beauty First Session

FREE Quote Ref: W1

Kent Kent Nr. Ashford,

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

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

www.relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk www.relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk 25

UK Registered Educational Charity No: 1061185

kent meditation courses NEW START - NEW YOU - NEW LIFE TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL BY MEDITATING Meditation is deeply relaxing, and regular practice brings profound results. Your health and well being improve and you find greater strength to resolve problems and discover peace and happiness. Take a course now!

LOCAL CENTRE: SELLINDGE - ASHFORD - KENT TEL: 07759 285 466 Please Mention The

e: courses@fisu.org www.fisu.org

village directory When Responding to Adverts

wit & wisdom

because Mr. Gorsky had died, so Neil Armstrong felt he could now answer the question. Here is the answer to “who was Mr Gorsky”: In 1938, when Armstrong was a kid in a small mid-western town, he was playing baseball with a friend in their backyard. His friend hit the ball, which landed in his neighbour’s yard by their bedroom window. His neighbours were Mr. and Mrs.Gorsky.

On July 20, 1969, as commander of the Apollo 11 lunar module, Neil Armstrong was the first person to set foot on the moon.

His first words after stepping on the moon were, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” It was televised to earth and heard by millions.* But just before he re-entered the lander to come back to earth he made the enigmatic remark “Good luck, Mr. Gorsky.”

It broke the place up. Neil Armstrong’s family confirmed this is a true story.

Many people at NASA thought it was a casual remark concerning some rival Soviet cosmonaut, however, upon checking, there was no Gorsky in either the Russian or American space programs.

Crossword Solution

Over the years, many people questioned Armstrong as to what the - ‘Good luck, Mr. Gorsky’ statement meant, but Armstrong always just smiled. On July 5, 1995, in Tampa Bay, Florida, while answering questions following a speech, a reporter brought up the 26-year-old question about Mr Gorsky to Armstrong. This time he finally responded

Sudoku

26

As he leaned down to pick up the ball, young Armstrong heard Mrs Gorsky shouting at Mr Gorsky, “Sex! You want sex?! You’ll get sex when that kid next door walks on the moon!”

the home Open Garden and Plant Fair

Chimney Sweeping & Woodburning Stove Installations A friendly & professional service offering:

Saltwood Castle, Kent, CT21 4QU By kind permission of Mrs. Jane Clark

Saturday 4 May 2013 10am-4pm Home of the charming and mischievous historian and writer, the late Rt. Hon. Alan Clark MP. The grounds of Saltwood Castle are not usually open to the public so this is a rare opportunity to explore the grounds of this medieval castle and buy interesting plants. There is a moat, a secret garden, even peacocks, all within a romantic backdrop of tall castle walls.

Delicious homemade cakes * Barbecue * Healthy lunches * Unusual perennials * Small flowering trees * Geraniums Try your hand at Archery with the Castle Moat Archers

• Sweeping of all Fires and Stoves • Flue Liners and Twinwall Chimney Installations • Top Brand Stoves Supplied and Fitted • Hearths and Fireplaces • Repairs, servicing & solutions to problem chimneys Very Competitive Prices

Call: 01233 812566 / 07749 258 871

Derek Hales MASTER TILER

Your support will help the NSPCC to improve the lives of abused and vulnerable children

Entrance £5 per person, limited free parking.

Don’t just buy a plant, come for lunch and bring your friends

Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717

27 Specialist in all Forms of Wall and Floor Tiling • • • • •

Industrial • Commercial • Domestic New Installations • General Electrical Repairs Showers / Extractor Fans • Energy Saving Advice Emergency Lighting • Solar Panels Garden Electrics • Inspection & PAT Testing Full and Part Rewires • Central Vacuum System • Under Floor Heating

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

Call: 01233 665107

07905 700 142

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

Mersham, Ashford, TN25 7HP

COLOUR Change Your Kitchen or Bedroom!

Before  After 

We spray finish existing Kitchen or Bedroom doors, panels and accessories to your chosen colour with professionally mixed hard-wearing polyurethane paint.

We will dismantle (where possible), re-finish to your chosen colour and re-install to a professional standard.

Please Mention The

Call us on

01233 860866

village directory When Responding to Adverts

Budget Bathrooms Big ideas, small budget? It is possible to have a beautiful bathroom without spending a fortune. Katherine Sorrell outlines her top tips.

• Choose simple white bathroom fittings in standard sizes. Simply use tiles, taps and accessories to create an elegant and upmarket effect. Remember that not all whites are quite the same shade however so make sure they match.

28

• Try www.gooddealdirectory. co.uk for factory shops, seconds shops and permanent discount outlets nationwide; for listings of shopping villages, outlet stores and factory shops, go to www.shoppingvillages.com.

• Plan carefully so that you avoid moving existing plumbing. By putting the bath, basin, WC, shower and any radiators in the same position you can keep installation costs down. The same applies to existing doors, windows and built-in features such as cupboards or radiators.

• DIY or GSI? If you do some of the work yourself, it will save money. Know your limitations, however. Tiling and painting are straightforward and even plastering or putting down flooring can be tackled by a competent DIYer. If in doubt, however, call someone in and, when it comes to electrics, remember that there are strict safety regulations controlling what work may be carried out by a non-professional. Search for a qualified electrician at

www.eca.co.uk or www.niceic. com.

• Fitting a new shower? Know your water supply system and make sure you choose a shower that will work with it. If your water pressure is low, for example, you’ll need to choose a type that can cope with this; otherwise you’ll have to install a pump as well.

• A radiator that doubles as a towel rail will save you buying the two items separately, or simply attach a towel holder (such as a plain chrome pole from any DIY retailer) above your existing radiator.

• To avoid the labour cost of removing old tiles and replastering the wall, it is often possible to tile over the existing tiles.

• If you love expensive mosaic tiles, limit them to small areas, or else combine them with plainer tiles as a border or insets.

• Rather than installing a blind or having your windows sandblasted, use glass etching spray or stick-on film to ensure your privacy. These days, the latter comes in a wide range of patterns, from plain frosted to your own bespoke designs.

• Custom-built, fitted storage can be expensive. Instead, choose standard-sized, offthe-peg units or else combine a simple set of shelves with free-standing storage such as trolleys, chests, cupboards or baskets.

by Katherine Sorrell

• When putting in new tiles, save by only covering specific areas: perhaps up to halfheight around the room, or else just the splash backs next to the bath and basin. Use paint everywhere else.

• Instead of pricey stone or marble wall or floor tiles, find a look-alike made from ceramic or porcelain. They are widely available, attractive, stainresistant, light (and therefore easy to lay) and should cost noticeably less than the real thing.

Image: Jasper Morrison close coupled WC suite, £268; slow close seat, £105; 50cm basin with pedestal, £200; Synergy 800mm corner infold door, £502; Trevi Oposta, includes shower valve and multi-function shower kit, £580; all Bathrooms 365 (01454 417111; bathrooms365.com)

the home ACKSON’S ELECTRICS A family run business providing a service you can rely on

No Job Too Big or Small Fully Insured NICEIC Approved

Call for Free Estimates Office: 01233

333529 Mobile: 07547 462820 Email:jacksonselectrics@gmail.com

Plumbing & Heating Services All plumbing work undertaken no job too small!

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

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

CENTURION Plumbing & Heating • Domestic Gas & LPG installation • Boiler service & repair • Power flushing • Unvented hot water • Water softeners • Underfloor heating • Landlord gas safety inspections

01233 662726 | 07871 441373 www.centurionplumbingandheating.co.uk 304539

bathroomsolutions z install z supply z redesign z refurbish

Bathrooms and Wet rooms fitted to the highest standard to include TILING, DECORATING, ELECTRICS

Contact: John Coppins

01233 665153 or 079476 47545 Please Mention The

village directory When Responding to Adverts

29

useful information Emergency Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden Crimestoppers

999

Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Samaritans www.samaritans.org

08457 90 90 90

Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG

101 0800 555 111

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

Willesborough Health Centre Bentley Road Willesborough Ashford Kent TN24 0HZ Tel: 01233 621626

30

0845 7697555 01233 647 422 01233 620 635

www.ageconcern.org.uk

CARM

01233 758122 E: office@carmromneymarsh.org.uk W: Www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk

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

Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch

Doctors Surgeries

Dr Pinnock R G North Street Surgery 28 North Street Ashford Kent TN24 8JR 01233 661133

Alcoholics Anonymous Ashford Volunteer Centre Age Concern

Contact Robert Gurney

01233 666577 SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767 326138 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 British Red Cross 0800 0280 831

Ashford Youth Forum Trust Youth Projects Coordinator

01233 330290

Village Halls Kingsnorth (Church Hill) - 01233 634 557 Godington (Loudon Way) - 01233 612 703 Singleton (Hoxton Close) - 01233 640 551 National Train Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk

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

Dr Diu R S & Partners New Hayesbank Surgery Bybrook Kennington Ashford Kent TN24 9JZ 01233 624642

Veterinary Clinics Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital 01233 624687 24 Hour Emergency Care on site.

Ashford Dyslexia Centre International House, Dover Place, Ashford Kent, TN23 1HU 01233 750 248 Ashford Rural Trust 01233 624 544 Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185

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

Now Taking Place Every Other Year The Aldington Soap Box Derby will take place this year on the

26th August.

Calling all volunteer helpers, mad eccentric drivers who want to throw themselves down a big hill!, sponsors and craft market traders, please contact Sarah on 01233 720 166 for further information.

If any of the above information is incorrect please let us know by calling 01233 720488. Thank you 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.

Dial a Plumber Plumbing & Heating Services Plumbing

Heating

•NO CALL OUT CHARGE • FREE ESTIMATES • ALL WORK GUARANTEED • OAP DISCOUNT

NO JOB TOO SMALL TEL: 01233 642233 642233 Tel: 01233 www.dialaplumber.com di l l b

the village directory Charing

Challock Boughton Egerton Aluph Westwell Eastwell Little Chart Wye

TN27 - 6,000 Headcorn

Pluckley

Hothfield

Smarden Bethersden

ASHFORD

Wye Area - 4,000

Bodsham Hastingleigh Elmsted Brook Brabourne

TN24 Magazine Stowting Sellindge 11,000 Biddenden Stanford Mersham High Halden Aldington Woodchurch Aldington Area Bilsington Warehorne St Michaels 3,000 Hamstreet Bonnington Tenterden Ruckinge Small Rolvenden Appledore Drop-offs Only Hythe

Tenterden & Rye Area 9,000

Newchurch Dymchurch Ivychurch St Mary’s Bay Wittersham Stone-in-Oxney Brookland New Romney Iden

TN26 - 5,000

Playden The Marsh - 10,300 Lydd East Guldeford Rye Camber or email info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk Dungeness

Call: 01233 720488

PVCu, Aluminium & Hardwood Top Quality Part L Compliant 'A' Rated Kommerling PVCu Windows Local Family Run Business 27 Years Experience

 FREE DESIGN, SURVEY & QUOTATION  NO SALESMAN - NO COMMISSION  10 YR INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE  BASE WORK, ELECTRICS, PLUMBING & HEATING

01233 645712 www.gtpwindows.co.uk