101
village directory
The
November 2017
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Welcome Hi everyone, welcome to the November edition. The nights are well and truly closing in now that the clocks have gone back (you did remember didn’t you !). We are now on the slippery slope toward Christmas and the end of another year. The final weeks running up to the party season fly past, before you know it you’ll be stuffing the turkey (no double entendre intended!). The pubs and restaurants are advertising their Christmas menus so book your parties in soon to avoid disappointment, and don’t forget to tell them The Village Directory sent you! In fact make sure you tell all of our advertisers where you found them, it’s so important to the success of the magazine. As the festive season approaches we have plenty of events for you this month, many of them associated with great causes, I do hope you’ll stir up the Christmas spirit and give them your support. While we are on the subject of events, can I take this opportunity to request that event organisers use the Events email address when sending them in i.e. events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk. It was set up to protect them being lost amongst the volume of other email that we receive. It is so disappointing when things go astray, for everyone involved. Please also note that the Events email is unattended until we compile them around the 10th of the month, so if you require a response please send a courtesy copy to info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk, we will then get back to you. Thank you. It’s now time to warm my toes by the fire and veg out in front of a great feel good movie - after all it is Sunday. Have fun this month and stay safe!
Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk December Issue Deadline 10th Nov 2017
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A Busy November by Pippa Greenwood
It is time for the seasonal slowdown, as your garden and most of the plants and animals in it start to prepare for the colder months ahead. But, of course this doesn’t mean to say that you can start snoozing! There are lots of jobs which, if done now, could end up saving you time and money later on in the season or when the garden comes back to full life next spring, so I thought it’d be a good idea to take a look at the top November gardening tasks that you should try to get to grips with. Get prepared for a relatively weed-free few months but hoe off weeds that are around now, as some might still set seed during mild, damp periods. Provided they don’t have any seed pods on them their top-growth can safely be composted. Bin, burn or rot down fleshy weed roots to prevent them growing in the compost heap!
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Flower beds and borders are likely to have a lot of deteriorating plants in them now. Cut back or pick off obviously diseased leaves and
stems, and remove some of the foliage that is dying back purely due to the time of year. The flower beds will look a lot neater and it’ll give you an insight as to what might need replacing. Leave some deteriorating but healthy foliage in place to provide some protection for the crowns of the more fragile plants. Rabbits can be a menace at the best of times, but over the next few months their natural or wild food supplies are likely to dry up. This means they will be on the lookout for some tasty meals from your garden. Make sure that rabbit netting is not damaged and that trees, especially those that have been planted recently, are fitted with tree guards. Rake, rake and rake some more! That’s what you’ll need to be doing if there is a sizeable tree near your lawn. Use a springtined rake and do it on a regular basis - if you don’t collect up the fallen leaves they can do quite a lot of damage to the grass beneath. Trees, shrubs and climbers that
have been planted over the last few weeks may need a little protection over their first winter. Foliage that will be perfectly tough and hardy once the plant is established may well succumb to frost or cold wind damage this year. If heavy frosts are forecast or winds are getting icy, a layer or two of horticultural fleece draped over the plant and pegged in place, should do the trick, and can be removed on warmer days. I’ve also got some great fleece ‘jackets’, complete with a drawstring and in various sizes, available from my website - perfect for easy protection of all sorts of sizes of plants and shrubs, see www.pippagreenwood.com/ products/protect-your-crops. If you’re planning on planting a hedge, bear in mind that many hedging plants are far cheaper if bought ‘bare root field grown’, meaning they are lifted from their nursery field without being potted on. These plants generally establish and grow really well and are likely to be available now, but to make sure you get the pick of the bunch get your order in now. Bare root
The Garden plants are not feasible once the leaves start to appear next year. Send off for a good collection of seed catalogues and check out the various websites so that you can start to look at what you want to grow next year. Many suppliers offer seeds and young plants of many vegetables, so order now and you can relax, knowing that you have got your first choice selection. Check out my website, www.pippagreenwood.com/ grow-your-own, for a Grow Your Own package perfect for the less experienced vegetable grower - the plants you choose come with weekly advice emails telling you exactly what you need to be doing. Established clumps of bamboo should be thinned out now. The extra space that the remaining
canes will have will allow them to grow away better, and also gives them more freedom to move about in that way which makes bamboos so very appealing. Less tender bulbs such as nerines and many of the agapanthus are more likely to come through the winter with style if you give them a little protection now. Mound dry chipped bark or other mulch over the area in which they are planted. And last but not least, water butts may not have had a lot of water going in to them over the last few drier months, but this is likely to change. Before they fill up with rain, grab a sturdy brush and clean each one out thoroughly, removing deposits
of algae, soggy bits of plant and general gunge! Rinse out and then re-install ready to collect some rain. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a gorgeous selection of useful gardening items, perfect for gifts too, including growing frames, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, fleece jackets, cloches, fruit cages, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls, copper tape, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.
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Pets Corner
How To Care For Your Pet In The Colder Weather
Bens Dog Walking Ser vices
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With colder weather now upon us, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll take care of your pet to minimise illness and make sure they’re safe. So what areas should you be thinking about? Paws Although dogs’ paws may be more at risk of damage from frost and icy conditions when they go for walks and runs, other animals also experience pain in this area. They can suffer from cracked paws, and pick up salt deposits, which if ingested could cause stomach issues and illness. • Check paws for build-up of snow or ice between the pads – wipe with a warm washcloth and dry well, checking for cracks or irritation, and keep fur between the pads clipped short. Your vet may be able to recommend balm or ointment/oil to soothe their paws. Arthritis If your pet suffers from arthritis, they’ll stiffen up in the cold weather and may find it difficult to walk. • Provide a heated mat in their bed – cosy sheepskin or fleece mats bring relief from arthritis, allowing your pet to enjoy the rest they need. Older animals Older pets can suffer more at this time of year, even if they don’t have arthritis. They’ll be less flexible generally, and potentially more susceptible to picking up germs. • Make sure they exercise enough – carry on taking your dog out for regular walks, taking into account the wintery conditions. Take advantage of a break in the weather if you can, and choose your route carefully.
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Professional Services
Let’s Be Clear About “Common Law” Marriage by Deborah Nicholson Pengelly & Rylands Solicitors The act of becoming married or entering into a civil partnership, introduces legal rights and obligations. On death, the surviving partner takes primacy under the rules of intestacy. If the relationship ends, there are legal steps that must be taken to obtain a divorce or to dissolve the partnership. Rights and obligations protect both parties. Despite what many believe – and around one in four people living together think they have the same legal protection as married couples – there is no status in English law as a commonlaw spouse or partner. Despite the number of unmarried couples having doubled since the mid 1990s, virtually nothing has changed in how the law treats cohabiting couples and their property if they separate. Basically, the law does not recognize any meaningful way of living together in a relationship outside marriage or civil partnership. If the cohabiting relationship breaks down there is very little protection for the weaker partner, particularly the woman, who often has children. As a result, some cohabiting families can find themselves facing real difficulties should they separate, particularly when children are involved. In England & Wales, when married couples divorce or civil partners break up, both parties have a legal right to maintenance and their share of assets, including property and inherited property. The court has complete discretion to take all the circumstances and history of the relationship into account in deciding on a fair division. Cohabiting couples have no such rights regardless of the number 10
Deborah Nicholson, Partner in the Family Department
of years they have been together and whether they have children. Where cohabiting couples jointly own their family home, in English Law, the property will normally be divided 50-50, unless they have made a written legal agreement at the time of purchase saying in what proportions they own it. It is vital that couples who choose not to obtain legal recognition of their relationship – whatever the reason may be – take other steps to protect themselves and they consider cohabitation agreements, properly executed Wills, and ensure that all paperwork is up to date, for example pension scheme beneficiary nomination forms – these will help should the worst happen. Unromantic as it may seem, these additional steps are the only way to ensure protection should your partner die, or should you decide to separate. For further information or to book a consultation please contact: Pengelly & Rylands T: 01580 762248 advice@pengelly-rylands.co.uk www.pengelly-rylands.co.uk 39/41 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BJ
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Home & Interiors Scandi Winter Trends
By Katherine Sorrell hygge is when there’s nothing going on to worry or annoy you, and you’re able to take great pleasure from simple things.
If you thought lagom was a kind of bean and gluggavedur a creamy Christmas tipple, don’t miss Katherine Sorrell’s guide to the Scandinavian interiors trends that will see you (and your Instagram feed) through the winter.
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HYGGE The best known of our Scandi set, hygge (named a word of the year 2016 by the Oxford dictionary) was massive last winter and it looks like it’s here to stay. Pronounced ‘hoog-uh’, the Danish word is not directly translatable into English, and can be a noun, verb or adjective, but the overall concept stands for cosiness and contentment, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and enjoying good times with friends and family. When you recognise that special moment – it’s the feeling of hygge. It’s well known that the Danes are the happiest
people on the planet, and maybe it’s all because of hygge, which is an integral part of the nation’s culture and psyche. The high season for hygge is winter – it helps make long, dark evenings more bearable – and, especially, Christmas. Key elements? Homecooked comfort food such as porridge or stews; eating with family or friends; candles (the Danes burn more candles than any other European nation) or pools of warm, well-positioned light; reading in front of the fire on a rainy day; squashy sofas and armchairs; a cup of warm cocoa (or tea in a china cup, or freshly brewed coffee, or homemade mulled wine); sheepskins, knitting (especially Fair Isle and hand-knitted socks); hot water bottles; piles of throws and cushions; board games; a log burner. You get the idea. Overall, it’s not about spending money, but trying to be kind to yourself;
LAGOM The lagom trend hails from Sweden, and it roughly translates as ‘not too little, not too much’ – in other words, just the right amount. It’s applied to everything, from drinking coffee to buying a house, and its aim is fairness and contentment (you know how well-adjusted the Swedes are). Apparently, while hygge is a momentary state of happiness, lagom is more to do with an overall approach to life. And this sense of moderation and balance extends naturally to home design – functional, unfussy, minimal and wellmade pieces are key, with an emphasis on durability and sustainability. Remind you of anyone? You’ve guessed it – Ikea has created a LIVE Lagom project, in which the Swedish flatpack superstore ‘supports customers and co-workers with products, workshops, bespoke advice and an active community to help save energy and water, reduce waste and promote a healthy lifestyle.’ How else can you incorporate a sense of lagom in your home? Well, keep things simple, declutter, tidy and organise your storage, reduce your carbon footprint (time for LED light bulbs, for a start) and choose furniture and accessories that are pared-back and practical, stylish without being showy.
Incorporate a palette of neutral colours and natural materials and away you go. Just right. GLUGGAVEDUR It seems it’s not possible to go six months without another Scandi trend taking hold, and the latest is gluggavedur, this time from Iceland. It means, literally, ‘window-weather’, or an overall concept of curling up indoors while watching the world go by outside, specifically when the weather looks nice from indoors but is probably not so great when you’re actually out in it. Make the most of snuggling up in the comfort of your living room or bedroom and looking out on a cold, sunny day by enhancing your window area – beautiful curtains or blinds, perhaps with a pretty tie back or a tactile blind pull; maybe some wooden shutters, a window seat with a comfy cushion and a throw, and even some plants, candles or carefully selected art works nearby.
The Home
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Tuesdays Announce New ‘Make Your Voice Count’ Charity Fundraiser with George Michael Supersong! Following the tremendous success of the ‘Make Your Voice Count’ charity fundraiser in January when more than £5,000 was raised for Ashford’s Pilgrim’s Hospice - Tenterden’s celebrated choir The Tuesdays have announced they will be repeating the venture on Friday, 17 November. ‘Make Your Voice Count’ aims to involve as many people as possible to join in a evening of song, culminating in a nine minute medley of George Michael’s greatest hits. January’s concert attracted almost 500 people, who rocked the ancient parish church of St Mildred’s with a medley of Queen songs. Says Max Wilson, leader of The Tuesdays: “It was such a fabulous success that we simply have to do it all over again, and see if we can attract even more people to join us.
event website - www.makeyourvoicecount.club - for full details. There is a choice of downloads for the George Michael supersong, one for ladies and children with high voices, another for those with lower voices, and a third showing how it will all sound with everyone singing together. For a video taster, YouTube has a short film of the January event (log onto YouTube, and key in ‘Make Your Voice Count’ - The Tuesdays’). To take part in the 17 November ‘Make Your Voice Count’ at St Mildred’s costs just £10 per person, and all the money raised will go to the Pilgrim’s Hospice.
“It really doesn’t matter if you normally only sing in the shower - everyone is invited, and the more the merrier. It’s a wonderful community event, and we’re particularly thrilled this year that we are being joined by The Rhythm of Life choir”.Christmas
Flower Arranging
People wanting to take part Demonstration should log onto the with Lauren from Hops & Flowers
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Christmas Flower Arranging Demonstration with Lauren from Hops & Flowers Wed 29th Nov & Fri 1st Dec 10.30am-midday £5 per person Free raffle Booking required
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Saturday 25th Nov 10.30am - 12pm & 2pm-4pm Sunday 26th Nov 11am-1pm Saturday 2nd Dec 10.30am - 12pm & 2pm-4pm Sunday 3rd Dec 11am-1pm Booking required 01227 830666 florist@essentiallyhops.co.uk www.hopsandflowers.co.uk Chalkpit Farm, Bekesbourne, Canterbury CT4 5EU
Once inspired, have a go yourself at one of our
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The Home
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Gift Inspiration Books make great gifts. If you’re stuck for inspiration or looking for some ideas for your own Christmas wish list, check out this month’s recommendations. For fans of Sarah Waters and Susanna Clarke. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock – Imogen Hermes Gowar The year is 1785 and widower John Hancock finds himself the owner of what appears to be a dead mermaid. The artefact proves the talk of the town and gains John access to a whole new circle of society, a society that includes the alluring courtesan, Angelica Neal. 18th century London is brought vividly to life in this enchanting debut novel. Enjoyed The Rosie Project and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time? Try… The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr – Frances Maynard Elvira doesn’t see the world in quite the same way as most people. As a result, she lives a fairly sheltered life, caring for her overbearing mother and indulging her interest in biscuits. But then her mother has a stroke and Elvira has to find her own way in the world. With a great storyline, well-rounded characters and plenty of humour to boot, Frances Maynard’s debut novel is a triumph.
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Love dystopian fiction such as The Hunger Games and Divergent? Try…
simple to follow, with attractive photographs and engaging introductions.
The Gender Game – Bella Forrest In Violet Bates’s world, women rule. Men have few rights and boys can be sent away if they’re deemed capable of aggression. Across the river it’s another story – in Patrus men have the power. Violet is serving time in a detention facility when she’s offered the chance to have her slate wiped clean, in return for completing a mission in Patrus. An enjoyable, easy read.
Love a good psychological thriller? Add this to your wish list.
Fans of The Great British Bake Off will be clamouring for this one… Nadiya’s British Food Adventure – Nadiya Hussain As Nadiya says, British food today is a melting pot of cuisines from different cultures. This book reflects that, with twists to classic British dishes and more modern favourites. The book ties in with Nadiya’s latest TV series, so includes several of the dishes featured on the show. You’ll find recipes such as Minted Lamb and Apple Pasties, Mango and Passionfruit Jam Roly Poly and Masala Eggy Bread. Recipes are
The Stolen Child – Sanjida Kay Without giving too much away, The Stolen Child centres around Zoe, Ollie and their daughter, Evie. Evie was adopted by the couple from birth, but starts to receive letters and gifts from a man claiming to be her father. A man who says he wants her back. Full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you like Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman, try… Hannah Green and Her Unfeasibly Mundane Existence – Michael Marshall Smith Eleven year old Hannah Green finds the world isn’t quite as mundane as she thought, when it turns out her grandfather is in league with the devil. The world is out of kilter, and the unlikely trio have to work together to put things right. A thoroughly enjoyable read, with great descriptions, bags of humour and believable characters.
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Poppy Appeal 2017 It is that time of the year again, when Poppies shortly start appearing, on news readers on television, politicians and performers, all sporting the bright red poppy. The collectors in the streets, door-to-door collections and boxes in all sorts of shops and pubs remind us that they are the symbol of remembrance and of the need to recognise the sacrifices that have been made by the Armed Forces over the years on our behalf. It is a surprising fact that over 70 years after the end of the Second World War there is still a need to provide this support.
Events since the end of hostilities in 1945, Korea, Suez, Iraq, and Afghanistan as well as events in Northern Ireland have meant that the demand for the Royal British Legion’s services not only remain but are increasing. Each year the Legion needs to raise in the region of £130 million to undertake its work, that is £1.7 million each week, work that provides real support not only for the former serving personnel but their dependents as well. The range of help provided is wide-ranging and comprehensive, from medical, and welfare support, benefits and financial advice, help with housing, war pensions and employment. Wear your Poppy with pride and support the work of the Royal British Legion in helping those who gave so much.
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Issue 1
Going the extra mile (26.2 miles!) Hello folks!
My name is Stu and I’ve talked myself in to going that extra mile. An extra 26.2 miles to be precise by running the London Marathon on behalf of a fantastic UK charity called Whizz-kidz. Whizz-kidz transform the lives of disabled children across the UK by supplying them with vital mobility equipment. Since 1990 they have transformed the lives of more than 18000 children and young people. To be completely honest, it wasn’t a charity I was familiar with or in fact had ever heard of but the more I’ve read, the more inspired I’ve been to play my part (however small in the scheme of things) in raising as much money for them as I can. The Marathon wasn’t top of my list to start with. I considered all sorts of
options: a cake sale? Sponsored swim? No, neither were big enough. So, despite being an asthma sufferer I thought I’d do something easy and non-energetic….yeah, I’ll run the marathon! It’s got to be easy right? 26.2 miles, that’s only Aldington to……oh hang on…its Aldington to almost Maidstone. That’s quite far actually. Four weeks later I’m training puffing and panting around the countryside telling myself with every other stride, what a mistake I may have made and that there was still time to change my mind. Yep, I’ll ring them when I get back from this gallop. ‘Ding’.. Perhaps I won’t, someone has sponsored me which is brilliant but now I’m definitely committed!! And so the journey begins…… Well, since that first ‘ding’ I haven’t thought of much else. After digging out the running gear, fast forward to today and I’ve clocked up 35 miles. Further than I actually need to run except it’s not been in one go.
events so watch this space. The first being: Charity Quiz The Walnut Tree Inn, Aldington 28 October, 7pm. 2 per person, teams of 6. Call 01233 720298 to book. I would love it if you would support me by not only following my story each month in the village directory up to D-day, 22 April 2018 but by helping me raise as much as possible by donating whatever you can, however little that may be. I fully appreciate that most of us already donate to various charities but if you haven’t already, it would be amazing if you could consider Whizz-kidz. It is a fantastic charity and through my fundraising page you too can ‘move a life forward’. Thanks, Stu.
My fundraising page has had regular ‘dings’ from amazing donators and I’m also planning various fundraising
Move a life forward here: https://whizz-kidz-london-marathon18.everydayhero.com/uk/stu
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HOLIGANS CHOIRW: www.tlakent.com E: thelakent@gmail.com Presents a Charity Concert
“Let Us Entertain You� Singing songs from all your favourite artists: including The Beatles, Vera Lynn, Nat King Cole - plus many many more!
At
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ÂŁ3 Adults
Children Free
lease advise of anyRefreshments errorsavailable or alterations before 13th May for JUNE issue All proceeds to go towards a dishwasher for to go to print after this dateChristmas and unless the church and The Lenham Lights. advised before we will use this version of your advert, thank you Tickets Available from:
Lenham Newsagents, St Mary’s Church Saturday Coffee morning, Smarty’s Hair Salon or on the door on the night.
HECK CAREFULLY FOR THE ACCURACY OF SPELLING, TELEPHONE NUMBERS, S, EMAIL DETAILS AND ALL OTHER DETAILS OF YOUR ADVERT AS AFTER THIS STAGE ERT wILL GO DIRECT TO PAGE LAYOUT AND PRINT, THANK YOU.
beautiful flowers & hops for all occasions
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L i v e Ja z z 2017
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 All gigs start at 8pm ~ All gigs £12 admission Seat Bookings: 01303 277175 Email: twinklewood@btinternet.com Website: www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk Nov 9th XENOPOULOS / PRICE QUINTET Nov 16th RAY GELATO QUARTET Nov 23rd SKELTON / SKINNER ALL
STAR SEPTET Nov 30th SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET Dec 7th PAUL LACEY’S Music of Harry
Sweets Edison
Dec 12th COLROSE 7 ~~ CHRISTMAS PARTY Jan 4th From the Jools Holland R&B Orch
Derek Nash’s Picante’ Latin Band
Jan 11th The Liane Carroll Trio Jan 18th From the USA --- Scott Hamilton
Quartet
Jan 25th Mick Foster Quintet with
Alan Barnes
Feb 1st Pete Long’s -- Pocket Basie
Jacqui Hicks with The Brian Dee Trio Feb 8th
T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b i s a n o n p r o f i t m a k i n g j a z z c l u b. R u n b y & fo r p e o p l e w i t h a l i k e m i n d e d i n t e re s t i n OUR KIND OF MUSIC D e r i c k Wo o d l a n d 0 1 3 0 3 2 6 0 3 3 0
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Nov e m b e r
9th The Royal Air Forces Association meet at 7.30pm in Wye Village Hall. After a short business meeting we usually have a speaker followed by refreshments The November speaker is Alan Haines “Mad musicians and crazy dancers”. Connection to the RAF is not necessary. We would be pleased to meet new members. Parking is not a problem. Contact: rita.elgar05@gmail.com 10th Woodchurch Film Society will be showing the film ‘Me Before You’. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm screening. Tickets are £4 (members), £5 (nonmembers). All available at the door. the venue will be The Memorial Hall, The Green, Woodchurch TN26 3PF. Hot & cold drinks plus home-made cakes for sale. 11th St Martins Church, Aldington, Christmas Coffee Morning & Table Top Sale, Aldington Village Hall. 10am - 1pm. Tables £5 available to sell unwanted gifts, craft, books, whatever. Bacon Baps, Cakes Tea, Coffee, Squash. Call Sue on 01233 720652 or Patricia 01233 720410 to book a table. Profit to the church for repair. 13th Smeeth W.I. will meet at 7.30pm at Brabourne and Smeeth Village Hall for their Annual Meeting. There will also be a display of Members’ Treasures and members will be able to recount reminiscences about these items. A friendly welcome awaits any lady visitor and for more information do please contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165 or Margaret Garrett 01303 812165. 15th The Weald of Kent Computer Club will meet in Biddenden New Village Hall at 7.30 pm. This evening Peter Rate will be giving a talk, “Family History from Cave Records to Digital Clouds.”. Annual membership is £10.00. Non-members are welcome at £2 a visit. Full details: http://www.wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk/. Enquiries: secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk 18th Country and Western night, Church of the Good Shepherd, Hamstreet. An evening of live music by local performers at 7pm. Tickets are £7.50 including a cowboy supper. Patrons should bring their own drinks. For tickets phone Teresa on 01233 733056. The event is in aid of the Good Shepherd building fund. 21st Ashford Flower Club will be staging their Christmas floral art demonstration entitled ’My Norfolk Christmas’ by Melissa Sheldrake. It will take place at Norton Knatchbull School, Hythe Road, Ashford TN24 0QJ, starting at 7.30pm (doors open 6.30pm). Ticket price - £8.00. Advance purchase is recommended (by contacting 01303 269422 or 01233 628278), but tickets will also be available at the door. All demonstrated arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening - you could be one of the winners, so come along and join us. 22nd The Biddenden Horticultural Society meets at 7.15 for 7.30pm in the Village Hall for our last event of
the year. We start the evening with our AGM (brief) followed by the Quiz and Cheese and Wine buffet. Non members £5.00 – bookings accepted until 20th November. Contact Irene Orsborne on 01580 291777 or Lesley Lidgett on 01580 291931.
What’s On Friends of COT
24th Ashford Mencap monthly Disco for any Adults 16 years and above with learning disabilities. The Discos are at St. Francis Church Hall from 7.30 until 9.30 p.m. Admission £2 including light refreshments, carers may accompany service users FOC. For further details contact: Margaret Pett, Chairperson 01233 626602 or Phil Monaghan, Vice Chair 01233 820247, e: ashfordmencap@btinternet.com 24th Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society’s next meeting is in the village hall from 7.00 for 7.30 pm when members are invited to the Christmas Social. There will be a two course meal with mulled wine to celebrate another successful year for the Society. For further enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451 or e: brabournewendy@gmail.com. 26th Autumn Concert - Sutton Valence Choral Society sing Mendelssohn’s glorious Elijah. Sutton Valence Choral Society, with over 90 singers, will be joined by the Beresford Sinfonia and five top-class soloists, including a boy soprano. The concert takes place at All Saints’ Church, Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6YE on Sunday 26 Nov at 7pm. Earlier start! Tickets £13 available from choir members, call 01622 861313, or email pamela.hipkins@btinternet.com or go to www.suttonvalencechoral.com
Sunday 26th November 2017 Lenham Square The festivities start at 1.30 pm - 5.30 pm Including: Father Christmas in his Grotto
Guess the weight of the cake
Stage Entertainment includes: Lenham Primary School Choir, Ukelele Band, Holigans Choir, The HAMS plus much more for all the family. Please come along and support this event in order for us to continue to illuminate our beautiful village for Christmases to come.
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SATURDAY & SUNDAY 2nd & 3rd DECEMBER 2017 10am - 5pm on both days at All Saints Church, Woodchurch There will be approximately 20 trees
decorated by various groups in the village, so the church will look amazing. Morning coffee, homemade soup, jacket potatoes and afternoon tea and cake will be available for visitors. All money raised will be shared between the Fitzroy Leo Trust, a residential home in Woodchurch for adults with learning disabilities, and All Saints Church, for the ongoing upkeep of this lovely church.
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December
What’s On
handmade crafts.
Ashford Invicta Singers Christmas Concert. 1st Charing Christmas Lights”Magical Evening” 9th Christmas Fayre will be held 5pm-8pm in Charing It will be held at Willesborough St Mary’s church at Church Barn and The Market Place. The following day 7:30pm in aid of church funds. there will be a Coffee Morning in the Church Barn, 10.30am-12.30pm with more goodies and all the prize draws will take place. For more information please call. 01233 714068/712138. All profit to the Charing Christmas Lights fund. Please support and help us keep Charing’s lovely Christmas Lights twinkling. 1st-2nd Betherdsen WI Pantomime Group Presents Wizard of Oz at Bethersden Village Hall on Friday 1st December 7.30 pm and Saturday 2nd December 3pm and 8pm. Tickets £3.50 each available from the Bethersden post office or by calling 01233 820650 2nd St Mary Magdalene Church Ruckinge. Warm Up for Christmas. 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Hot homemade soup and bread, bread and butter pudding, cakes, gifts, produce etc. All welcome. 3rd Lees Court Music at Smeeth Church from 6pm. Lees Court Music returns to perform music for Advent Sunday conducted by Andrew Lowen. Tickets on the door – see Parish Magazine for more. 3rd Christmas craft fair, chilham village hall, chilham, CT4 8DB. 10.30 to 4.30. Plenty of parking, free entry and refreshments. Lots of lovely stalls seeing genuine
The Tickled Trout Bridge Street • Wye • Kent TN25 5EB • 01233 812227 www.thetickledtrout.co.uk Starters
Potted duck with plum marmalade & crostini Baked Portobello mushroom with grilled halloumi & caramelised red onion Chilli & garlic king prawns with piquant mixed pepper salsa Leek & potato soup with flakes of smoked haddock
Mains
Roasted Kentish turkey Roasted forerib of Kentish beef Pan fried Barbary duck breast Brie & beetroot wellington with port & walnuts Served with roasted potatoes, sausage meat stuffing, honey glazed roasted parsnips, Chantenay carrots & sprout, red cabbage & walnut panache Pan fried Seabass with dill mashed potatoes, tenderstem broccoli & pea puree.
Desserts
Xmas pudding with custard Winterberry cheesecake with black cherry coulis Chocolate Yule log with vanilla ice cream Apple & pear & cinnamon crumble with custard
Christmas Party Menu £22.95 (minimum table of 4)
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Hobbies Bottoms Up! Let’s Toast This Terrific Tasting Hobby By Kate McLelland “Honeydew melon…a little smell of cream…it reminds you of lying in bed upstairs and having a tiny waft of someone marvellous having made you breakfast downstairs. You get that smell of toast and butter…” These are the words of wine expert Jilly Goolden, describing the aroma of a Chenin Blanc wine to a Guardian reporter at the launch of the wine-tasting courses she runs at her Sussex home. While some readers may find Jilly’s descriptions a tad over the top, most wine lovers would probably admire her ability to find so many different sensations packed into one sniff of vintage white. Since she first appeared on our TV screens in the 1980s, Jilly has waxed lyrical about wines of every age, colour and price. She believes that drinkers who simply quaff a bottle without dwelling on its finer points are “probably missing out 50% of what it [the wine] has to say to you.” WHAT DOES WINE TASTING INVOLVE? Wine tasting is the practice of using the senses of touch, sight and smell to evaluate different
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wines. It is believed that the first wines were produced in Mesopotamia - an ancient region that included present day Iraq and Kuwait together with parts of Syria and Turkey - between 4,000 and 3,000 BC. By the time of the Roman Empire, the production of wine had spread throughout the Mediterranean, even as far as the British Isles. The ancient Romans were particularly passionate about their wines, realising that the more a wine was allowed to mature, the better it tasted. They were also the first to introduce wooden barrels, glass bottles and corks to preserve the precious liquid. It’s more than likely, therefore, that the first wine tasters were slaves employed by their masters to check that wines were drinkable (and also, possibly, to ensure that they hadn’t been poisoned by their enemies!) Although unofficial methods of wine tasting have been around for thousands of years, it was not until the 14th century that more formalised ways of sampling and evaluating wines began to emerge. The rules put
in place at that time have since evolved into a craft with its own precise language and methods. If you’re taking up wine-tasting as a hobby, you won’t be obliged to use the specialised terminology employed by today’s professional wine-tasters and sommeliers, but you will need to follow some basic rules to help you identify the particular characteristics of the wine you are sampling. THE FOUR STAGES OF WINE TASTING The first phase in the four recognised stages of winetasting is appearance. The liquid is examined to see how well it reflects or refracts light, whether it is cloudy or clear, and how much the process of oxidisation over time might have affected its colour. The wine’s smell (also known as its “nose”) is then judged. Tasters must attempt to describe the perfume it gives off, as determined by its “aromas” and “bouquets”. “Aroma” refers to the smell of the specific grape - or combination of grapes used, while “bouquet” refers to the scent created as the wine matures.
Leisure To judge the taste, swirl the wine around your mouth so your taste buds can do their work. As well as teasing out the specific flavours of the wine, you’ll be considering the amount of sweetness and/or tartness you find. You might also want to judge the amount of astringency (bitterness caused by the tannin in grape skins) you can detect. Overall, you’ll be looking for “balance” in the wine, deciding whether all its components are in harmony. The final part of the process is to consider the impression left on your tongue when you have either swallowed or used a spittoon to clear the wine from your palate. At this stage you’ll be able to tell a well-made wine by its crisp, clean finish: poor quality wines often leave a watery and insubstantial
Auctioneers
C&T
Valuers
aftertaste. The best quality wines leave a “long finish”: that’s a flavour that remains in the mouth after the wine has gone. HOW DO I START? If you’re not sure how to kick off your wine-tasting hobby, an online search will lead you to a number of excellent courses, taking place nationwide. On the jobs and training website run by the Reed Group you’ll find a short online course costing £97 (visit the Hospitality and Catering section at reed.co.uk for details), alternatively Jilly Goolden herself runs winetasting afternoons under the title “The Wine Room” at £125 per person, taking place in the Ashdown Forest, East Sussex (telephone 01342 822251 or email wineroom@jillygoolden. com).
As you develop confidence you’ll be able to explore some of the 400 or more commercial vineyards that operate in the UK. Visit England has a list of vineyards, many of which are open to the public, offering luxury on-site accommodation in B&Bs and self-catering accommodation so you can relax and make the most of your wine-tasting experience (visitengland.com). Whether you’re planning to become the next Jilly Goolden or simply someone who loves to explore the subtleties and complexities of wine, you’re certain to find a course or vineyard experience to suit. Bottoms up!
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French Omelette with Garlic Tomatoes Serves 1
Ready in 15 minutes
Eggs are the perfect fridge standby for a quick and filling supper. Here’s how to make a classic creamy French omelette for one in a few simple steps – the recipe can easily be doubled to serve two people.
Toss the tomatoes and garlic with the olive oil. Place on a foil-lined grill pan and cook under a medium heat for 4-5 minutes until just tender.
Ingredients: • 8 cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 2 large eggs • 1tbsp milk • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Large knob of butter • Spinach and rocket leaves, to serve
Meanwhile, lightly beat the eggs and milk in a jug and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the butter in a small omelette or nonstick frying pan until it is just foaming. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir gently with a fork, drawing the mixture in from the sides to the centre as it sets and letting the liquid egg run out to the sides.
TIP Take care not to overcook the omelette – keep the heat at medium and remove the pan from the heat when the top is still soft and creamy.
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When the omelette is just set, stop stirring and cook for a further 30 seconds to brown the underside (see tip). Place the grilled tomatoes on top of the omelette. 5
Slide the omelette onto a serving plate, tipping the pan to gently fold it over the tomatoes. Serve immediately with salad.
Food & Domestic Services
Pies
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Cake and Bake Chilled Orange Mousse with Fresh Orange Glaze A light, creamy and refreshing dessert that can be prepared a day in advance. Serve with crisp butter biscuits or shortbread fingers.
Ingredients: • • • • • • • •
3 gelatine leaves 150ml fresh orange juice 250g ricotta cheese 250g full fat soft cheese 100g caster sugar 2 tsp orange zest 300ml double cream 2 egg whites
FOR THE ORANGE GLAZE • 1 gelatine leaf • 150ml fresh orange juice • 2 oranges, peeled, segmented and flesh chopped • Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate
Serves 8 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling and chilling
TIP Stir a spoonful of warmed
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fine-shred marmalade into the orange glaze before it cools for an extra tangy flavour.
1. Soak the gelatine leaves in a shallow bowl of cold water for 5 minutes until soft. Heat the orange juice in a small pan until almost boiling then remove from the heat. Squeeze the excess liquid from the gelatine leaves and stir into the hot juice until dissolved. Cool for 15 minutes.
2. Beat the ricotta and cream cheese together in a large bowl until smooth, then beat in the caster sugar and orange zest. Fold in the cooled gelatine.
3. Whip the cream in a bowl until softly peaking and in
a separate bowl whisk the egg whites until stiff. Fold the cream into the orange mixture followed by the egg whites.
4. Spoon the mixture into a 20cm square baking dish that
is at least 5cm deep. Gently level the surface and chill in the fridge for 3 hours, or until set.
5. To make the orange glaze, soften the gelatine in cold
water as in step one. Heat the orange juice in a small pan until almost boiling then remove from the heat. Squeeze the excess liquid from the gelatine leaf and stir into the hot juice until dissolved. Cool for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until beginning to thicken. Pour over the chilled mousse then top with the diced orange flesh. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours, or until the glaze has set. Serve cut into squares decorated with fresh mint sprigs.
Food & Domestic Services
Repairs to... Washing Machines Cookers (Electric) Tumble Driers Dyson Vacuum Specialist Call Garry on 07958 640152 01233 632329
Advertise Here 25% OFF (£26.25 per month plus vat) Minimum 4 month booking Limited Offer
Tel: 01233 720488
e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk
Local Markets Ashford Farmer’s Market First Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm in the lower High Street. Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April) Rye Market Every Thursday at the Cattle Market Car Park. Early till around 3pm (depending on the weather)
Rye Country Market Formerly WI Market Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill. Every Friday 10am -11.30am
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Unique professional intensive valet process Range & AGA specialist All ovens, hobs, extractor fans & microwaves Environmentally friendly, no toxic chemicals, no fumes Contact Richard at Ovenu Ashford 01233 380023 or 0800 1409800 See www.ovenu.co.uk for a video and more info Have you been cooking? Treat yourself to a clean oven!
Tenterden Country Market Every Friday 9.30am -11.00am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road. Tenterden High Street Market Friday’s – 0830 – 1400 Wittersham Market Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01580 753062 Wye First and third Saturday of every month on the Village Green in Wye. Tel: 07804 652156 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk
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Clubs & Societies
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Egerton Decorative & Fine Arts Society aims to inform, educate and entertain people with enquiring minds about all manner of topics around the arts. It does so principally through its programme of meetings where world class speakers give illustrated lectures about art, architecture, theatre, sculpture and literature. Special interest days, visits and tours are also arranged. Our next lectures will include topics such as London’s finest buildings, Great Dixter – past, present and future, and 20th century art featuring Picasso, Man Ray and Max Ernst. We shall also be visiting Bletchley Park. Full information is on www.egertondfas.org.uk. Why not come along and find out what we have to offer? We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Egerton Millenium Hall at 2.30pm and we look forward to welcoming you Considered Yoga for 2017 but thought you are not flexible enough? Good news! You are exactly who our classes are aimed at! Every Tuesday 6.308pm at Charter Hall, Smarden, Yoga & Relaxation Classes. Seated options are given for all poses, we use blocks & straps to ensure all poses are adapted to your own ability! Physically, we work on strength & flexibility. Mentally, we will work on stress & anxiety reduction using breathing techniques & meditation. £10 drop in or 6 weeks blocks at £8 per class. Feel free to come along or contact 07933 030071 The Gardening Group At Charing Surgery. Get fresh air, exercise, meet other people, have fun and enjoy being part of the community. Open to all patients, age 16+. Green Fingers not essential. Tuesdays 9am-12pm. Call Jo’anne Munro on 01233 713582. Biddenden Junior Football Club - Always looking for new players 7 -18, for fun and enjoyable football. Contact Steve on 07958 447948. Biddenden Squash Club 01580 291130 Gordon Jones Playing Field, Biddenden. Friendly club with 2 courts and a bar. email: info@biddendensquash. co.uk www.biddendensquash.co.uk Biddenden Horticultural Society Annual membership £5. New members welcome. Contact Irene Orsborne on 01580 291777 or Lesley Lidgett on 01580 291931. W: www. biddendenhorticulturalsociety.co.uk Egerton Over 60’s Egerton Over 60s for friendship, fun and food: we meet in the Millennium Hall at 2pm on the second Monday of the month when we have an interesting speaker, the minimum of business, and one of the best afternoon teas of
any seniors’ club! In addition, we have up to six coach outings per year, three of which have the coach costs for members met by the Club. There are often spaces on the trips for non-member friends and family, at a modest additional fare. Venues include Bexhill - for Fish and Chips, a posh hotel in Cliftonville - for a Cream Tea, and Polhill Garden Centre - for early Christmas shopping. There’s always a Mystery Tour, and a train or boat ride. The August meeting changes to 12 noon when we have a Club Lunch. Christmas and February’s Winter Warmer also see Lunch at a nearby venue. All levels of mobility catered for. Call Gerry on 01233 712282 or Jenny on 01233 756452 for more information. Headcorn Modern Sequence Dance Club, meet every Monday 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm in the Andred Hall in Headcorn Village Hall. If you enjoy Ballroom dancing, bring your partner or friend along and learn more. We are a friendly little club, nice music- social evening- tea and biscuits - all for £3.00 per person. Call Rita on 01580 852289. 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. Little Chart Bridge Club Friendly duplicate bridge every Tuesday afternoon at Little Chart Village Hall. For more information please contact Carmen Gunther on 01233 840 395. Smarden Heritage Centre Smarden Charter Hall, Smarden. Open every Friday morning from 9.30 – 11.30. visit: www.smardenheritagecentre. synthasite.com Smarden Short Mat Bowls Club We welcome new novice or experienced bowlers of all ages. We meet every Thurs. morning at 9.45am and occasionally on a weekday evening, in the Charter Hall Smarden. Contact Malcolm 01233 770572. The Roots Project Conservation Volunteers What we do: Regular practical conservation tasks and woodland craft workshops based in Longbeech Wood, Charing. Contact: Carrie Eeles (Activities Officer) Tel: 07920404546 Email: info@therootsproject.co.uk www. therootsprojectconservationvolunteers.org.uk Weald of Kent Computer Club meets in the New Biddenden Village Hall. Annual membership costs £10 and covers free admission to all 10 meetings. Non members are £2 per visit.New members welcome. Enquiries to:- secretarywkcc@yahoo. co.uk or visit:- www.wealdofkentcomputerclub. co.uk
THE
Mains
Leisure
Starters ChristmasFayre Mains GEORGE Starters
Roast turkey with pork and sage stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes and vegetables. Roast turkey with pork and sage stuffing, pigs in blankets, Slow cooked venison casserole served with roast potatoes and vegetables. mashed potatoes and in vegetables. Roast turkey with pork and sage stuffing, pigs Slow cooked venison casserole served withblankets, Roast turkey with pork and sage stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes and vegetables. Pan fried salmon fillet with new mashed potatoes and vegetables. potatoes, vegetables roast potatoes andcream vegetables. and a white wine and sauce. Slowsalmon cookedfillet venison served with Pan fried withcasserole new potatoes, vegetables Slow cooked venison casserole served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. and leek tart with crushed new potatoes, and aChestnut white wine and cream sauce. mashedand potatoes and vegetables. vegetables a balsamic dressing. (v) Pan fried salmon potatoes, vegetables Chestnut and leekfillet tartwith withnew crushed new potatoes, fried fillet with new and aPan white wine and cream sauce. vegetables and a salmon balsamic dressing. (v) potatoes, vegetables and a white wine and cream sauce. Chestnut and leek tart with crushed new potatoes, Chestnut and leek tart with crushed new potatoes, vegetables and a balsamic dressing. (v) vegetables and a balsamic dressing. (v) Sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce.
Roasted butternut B E squash TH E Rand S Dcumin E N soup served with crusty bread and butter. Roasted butternut squash and cumin soup deep fried Brie served with served withBreaded crusty bread and butter. a cranberry sauce and soup salad garnish. Roasted butternut squash and cumin Breaded deep fried Brie served with Roasted butternut squash andParma cuminHam soup served with crusty andslices butter. Cantaloupe melon and a cranberry saucebread and salad garnish. servedwith witha crusty bread and butter. port reduction. Breaded deep fried Brieand served with Cantaloupe melon slices Parma Ham Breaded deep fried Brieonion served with a cranberry sauce and salad garnish. with a port reduction. Chicken liver pate with red chutney, a cranberry sauce and salad garnish. toastred andonion a salad garnish. Cantaloupe melon and Parma Ham Chicken liver pateslices with chutney, melon slices and Parma Ham withCantaloupe aand port reduction. toast a salad garnish. with a port reduction. Chicken liver pate with red onion chutney, Chicken liver pate with red onion chutney, toast and a salad garnish. toast and a salad garnish.
StartersStarters
Christmas TwoFAYRE Two courses2017 £16.95 courses £16.95 Three courses £21.95 Three courses£16.95 £21.95 Two courses ® Two courses £16.95 Three courses £21.95 £21.95 Three courses Christmas menu served between 1st - 24th December
Mains Mains
Desserts Desserts
Sticky toffee puddingbrownie with toffee Chocolate withsauce. vanilla ice cream.
DessertsDesserts
Chocolate brownie withpudding vanilla ice cream. Christmas with brandy sauce. Sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce. Christmas puddingIce with brandy sauce. creams and sorbets. Sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce. ChocolateIce brownie vanilla ice cream. creamswith and sorbets. Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Ice creams and sorbets. Ice creams and sorbets.
Coffee or tea with mince pies. Coffee or tea with mince pies.
for Reservations 820235 Coffee or teaCall with01233 mince pies.
East Kent Morris Men and Women: Do you like dancing, drinking, socialising, music, having fun? Then why not try Morris Dancing? We Christmas menunow served 1st-- 24th December. are recruiting forbetween new members. This is a For of reservations ring 01233 235. together. mixed side women and men 820 dancing Weekly Wednesday dance practices start again on September 21st 2016 at Mountbatten Hall, Mersham from 8pm to 10pm; afterwards we practise drinking in the pub opposite, the Farrier’s Arms! We dance Cotswold style Morris; this is the handkerchief waving and stick clashing variety. No experience required. Why not give it a try? Find us on Facebook or call John on 01233 625 362 Weald U3A is a society for the dynamic over 50s with a thirst for knowledge, social activities and new experiences. We have a large number of interest groups including Bridge, Films, Italian, jazz, Stargazers, Lunches and Theatre Visits. Please see our website www.u3asites.org.uk/weald or contact Richard Sargent, tel: 01580764239, email: r.sargent@btinternet.com Tenterden Camera Club - A chance for members and guests to meet socially and discuss photography, exchange ideas, tips and problems. We have an informal “Snap Chat” meeting at 7.30pm in the William Caxton on Tenterden High St on the first
Coffee or tea with mince pies.
Monday of each month to discuss photographic issues. There is no charge and all are welcome just buy yourself a drink. We also meet fortnightly (2nd Thurs & 4th Wed) in the upstairs meeting room at the Zion Baptist Church, Bridewell Lane in Tenterden. Every month we have a fun project or theme for members to capture, complimented by the occasional local outings. Most months we have a speaker and at the end of the month (4th Wed) we have a social club evening. New members and guests very welcome. Full details on our web site: www.TenterdenCameraClub.co.uk
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(min 1 hour)
35
Kid’s Corner
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Quality Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank Rainbow Route Railway & Station Set Building sets are popular with children and adults alike. They’re also a great way to spend some quality one-on-one time together. Keep an eye out for the K’Nex STEM Explorations range, which incorporates elements of science, technology, engineering and maths. The vehicles set (£24.99) includes pieces for seven different vehicles, two working motors and instructions for five experiments. LEGO is 85 years old this year. There are now literally hundreds of kits to choose from. The Lego Elves range centres on a girl called Emily Jones who finds her way to Elvendale. The range has been added to this year, with a new story focusing on Emily’s sister, Sophie, who is kidnapped by a goblin. Sets start at a few pounds and come with linked activities and videos online. The Capture of Sophie Jones kit (£17.99) proved a real hit with our eight year old tester and her dad. Wooden train sets make for hours of entertainment. Younger children can quickly become bored once the track is set up though. Hape’s new Rainbow Route Railway and Station Set (£59.45 from Amazon) is brightly coloured and has lots of extra features to keep kids amused. There’s a bead maze, tambourine track, shape sorter and minixylophone, and it’s suitable for toddlers aged 18 months and up.
GIFT EXPERIENCES When you look back on your childhood, you’ll probably remember days out with your family more than particular toys. Lots of child-friendly venues offer gift vouchers, including pottery barns, cinemas and amusement parks. Search online for local venues, or take a look at www. virginexperiencedays.co.uk and www.redletterdays.co.uk. Animal adoption gifts often include regular updates on the animal, along with magazines and a cuddly toy. Adopting a tiger through Born Free (www. bornfree.org.uk) costs just £2.50 a month. How about a personalised book of vouchers? Search for templates online, or design your own on www.canva.com then fill in the vouchers with activities that are free, or low-cost, such as: • One movie night, complete with popcorn. • Two hours of den building with Mum. • A hot chocolate with whipped cream. • One day of no chores. • A pamper evening with face masks and a manicure. • An extra hour to play before bed. • An hour of playing the game of your choice with Mum and Dad. • Baking cakes with grandparents.
by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk GIFTS UNDER £5 Most children enjoy reading or being read to. You’ll find plenty of books to choose from on The Book People’s website www. thebookpeople.co.uk, with up to 75% off RRP. When we checked there were 950 picture books for under £5, and thousands more across other age groups. If you enjoy making gifts, you could: • Use scraps of felt to create a roll-up fuzzy felt game. • Fill a Kilner jar with the dry ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. • Make playdough (mix and heat on the hob 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of warm water, 1 cup of salt, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and a few drops of food colouring). Finally, when it comes to games and jigsaws for 2 to 7 year olds, you can’t go wrong with Orchard Toy, see www.orchardtoys.com. There are plenty of options for under £5, including Jungle Snakes and Ladders, Little Bug Bingo and Dinosaur Dominos.
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Beauty Christmas Gifts
by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a few ‘smellies’ under the tree. If you’re stuck for the perfect giftset this Christmas, look no further. FOR THE INTREPID TRAVELLER
FOR THE PERFECTIONIST
Whether she’s constantly jetting off on mini-breaks, or just pulls the tent out at the slightest opportunity, treat her to Elemis’ The Adventuress set. The six travel-friendly bestsellers include Ultra-Rich ProCollagen Marine Cream, Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream (which smells amazing) and Smart Cleanse Micellar Water. You also get a case to keep them in. The products are worth £86, so the giftset is pretty good value at £54 from www.elemis.co.uk.
Clarins have some fantastic giftsets out this Christmas. It’s hard to choose just one, but the Precious Lip Collection (£20) is pretty high on the list. Four miniature lip products are included: Joli Rouge lipstick in 742, Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey and two Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors. They’re all very wearable colours, and you save over £11. Plus you get the obligatory free makeup bag, making it a really attractive little giftset. See www. clarins.co.uk.
FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE
FOR BUSY MUMS AND WORKAHOLICS
Origins Men’s Grooming Treats looks to be a good buy. For £40 you get the Blade Runner shave cream, Save the Males moisturiser, Modern Friction exfoliating cream and Clear Improvement charcoal body wash. All the products are between 50ml and 150ml, and you’re saving over £15 on the cost of buying them separately. Plus you get a free wash bag. The shave cream in particular is sure to prove a hit. It smells good, soothes irritation, helps to avoid nicks and leaves skin feeling moisturised. See www. origins.co.uk.
Rest Lavender Bath Salts by Neal’s Yard Remedies should go down a treat. Made with French sea salt and organic lavender essential oil, the bath salts help to draw out toxins, calm the mind and aid sleep. They come in a pretty little drawstring bag and you also get a wooden scoop. It’s £15, from www.nealsyardremedies.com.
FOR THE GREEN GODDESS Optiat’s founders decided they wanted to do something about the amount of used coffee grounds that are discarded every year. So they started buying the grounds and turning them into luxurious face and body scrubs. Now Optiat has several ranges, all featuring at least one ingredient that would otherwise go to waste. The 100% natural soaps
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include antioxidantrich chai spices. The soaps are very gentle and help to boost circulation and leave skin feeling smoother. They’re also crueltyfree, vegan and organic. Individually, the soaps cost £6.95 each, but you could treat your eco-conscious friend to all five with the Soap Block Collection for £29.95 from www.optiat.co.uk.
FOR LUXURY STOCKING FILLERS Sets that can be split into individual presents usually work out better value than buying separate gifts. Pacifica’s Mini Body Butters giftset is £28.99, so less than £6 per tube. Each butter is richly scented and packed with skin-loving natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, aloe vera and jojoba oil. See www.naturisimo.com.
Health & Fitness
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39
Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Around 44,500 people in the UK are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. Our third most common cancer is probably the most feared, yet also one of the most preventable. Awareness of causes and symptoms can help with that prevention. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is hoping their Lung Cancer Awareness Month will help foster hope with news of promising new treatments and alleviate stigma, reminding us that lung cancer can affect anyone. WHAT CAUSES LUNG CANCER? Smoking Smoking is responsible for 90% of all UK cases and 6 million deaths, worldwide, each year – all preventable, points out the World Cancer Research Fund. Tobacco smoke cancer-causing (carcinogens) and cancers including (colorectal), blood, mouth, pancreatic cancer. Cannabis carcinogens.
contains 60 substances causes other breast, bowel bladder, liver, and stomach also contains
Starting smoking at a young age increases lung cancer risk, but after quitting, your risk reduces over 15 years to that of a non-smoker.
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Passive Smoking (second and third-hand smoke) Non-smoking women living with smoking partners are 25% more likely to develop lung cancer than those with non-smoking partners. To prevent lung cancer in others, smokers should never smoke near them OR in their environment – even when they’re not there. ‘Third-hand smoke’ (toxins settling on surfaces) can be re-released or form new, toxic compounds. It’s not eliminated by opening windows and infants may be particularly exposed by chewing toys and furnishings. It’s been illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying under-18s since Oct 2015. Environmental Toxins • Radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas sometimes found in buildings (responsible for 3% of lung cancer deaths in England). • Occupational exposure to substances including arsenic, asbestos, beryllium, cadmium, coal and coke fumes, silica, nickel and, long-term, diesel fumes. • Pollution: your lung cancer risk increases by about a third if you live in an area with high levels of nitrogen oxide gases (mostly produced by vehicles). Age and Genes About 80% of lung cancers occur in people over 60 and a family history of lung cancer may increase risk. SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER If you have any of these symptoms, DON’T presume you have lung cancer; they can indicate less serious conditions. But DO see your doctor immediately.
Common symptoms: • A new, persistent cough. • A long-standing cough that changes or worsens (different sound, pain, mucus production or colour). • Persistent or frequent chest infections. • Coughing up blood. • An ache or pain when breathing or coughing. • Persistent breathlessness. • Persistent fatigue/lack of energy. • Loss or change of appetite. • Unexplained weight loss. Less common symptoms include: • Finger clubbing (the fingers become more curved or thicken at the fingertip). • High temperature. • Difficulty or pain when swallowing. • Wheezing. • Hoarseness. • Swelling of your face or neck. • Persistent dull ache or sharp pain in the chest or shoulder. • Symptoms caused by hormones released by certain types of lung cancer cells (paraneoplastic syndrome): » Pins and needles or numbness in the fingers or toes. » Drowsiness, weakness, dizziness and confusion. » Breast swelling in men. » Blood clots. • Symptoms known as Horner’s syndrome, caused by pancoast tumours (at the very top of the lung) pressing against the nerve running up the neck to the face: » Severe pain in the shoulder or travelling down the arm. » In one eye: drooping of the
eyelid and/or a small pupil. » Loss of sweating on one side of the face. HOW IS LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSED? Your GP will give you a general health check. They may also use a spirometer to assess your breathing and refer you for a blood test and/or X-ray. If necessary, they’ll refer you to a specialist who will perform further tests. These may include scans (ultrasound, CT or PET), a bronchoscopy and a biopsy. TYPES, STAGES AND TREATMENT OF LUNG CANCER Non-small cell lung cancer, the more common type, is classified in stages 1 to 4. Stage 1 is the least extensive, indicating a small tumour that hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes, while Stage 4 indicates a lung cancer which has either:
• Been found in both lungs. • Spread to another part of the body. • Caused a build-up of cancer cells around the heart or lungs. Treatment depends on the type, stage and position of your cancer and your general health. Possible treatments include: • Surgery. • Chemotherapy. • Radiotherapy. • Chemoradiotherapy. • Symptom relief. If you’re in good health and the cancer is in one lung, surgery is often the initial treatment, followed by radiotherapy. If your cancer has spread or your general health isn’t good, chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy will be recommended. Small cell lung cancer is less common and tends to spread more
Health & Fitness
quickly. It’s classified as ‘limited’ if it hasn’t spread beyond one lung and nearby lymph nodes and ‘extensive’ if it has spread beyond this. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is usually recommended. New immunotherapy treatments and targeted therapies are improving outcomes for lung cancer, so don’t let fear prevent you from visiting the doctor. Information and Support: Lung Cancer Awareness Month lcam.org Macmillan Cancer Support www.macmillan.org.uk/ information-and-support/lungcancer Tel: 0808 808 00 00
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation www.roycastle.org/how-wehelp/lung-cancer-information Tel: 0333 323 7200
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Puzzle Time
Word Ladder
Sudoku
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.
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!
I R I S
©Puzzlepress.co.uk
L I L Y
Crossword Across 7. Type of fruit (6) 8. Opulence (6) 9. Touch (4) 10. Start (8) 11. Modified (7) 13. Impede (5) 15. Remove from home (5) 17. Water closets (7) 20. Calculation (8) 21. Horrid (4) 23. Male relatives (6) 24. Snub (6)
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Down 1. Manufactured (4) 2. Horse’s fastest pace (6) 3. Observed (7) 4. Chubby (5) 5. Specialist (6) 6. Piece of jewellery (8) 12. Splitting (8) 14. Advisory group (7)
16. Cold (6) 18. Caring (6)
19. Slightly drunk (5) 22. Lie in wait (4)
The Home
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Retirement: Time To Call In The Builders? by Kate McLelland When Saga Home Insurance conducted a poll of UK residents who had retired or were just about to retire, it found that many of the people questioned had decided to undertake major household renovation projects, spending £17,000 on average to improve their homes. If you are going to spend more time at home, it’s natural to want to make improvements. But before you start browsing the latest trends in glossy interior design magazines and booking a builder, it may help if you stop for a moment to consider the practicalities. HOW LONG DO I WANT TO STAY IN MY PRESENT HOME? If you want to stay on in your home for another twenty years, then it’s advisable to ‘future-proof’ it by making it as energy efficient and accessible as possible. The changes you make now will avoid the need for disruption when you are older and less able to manage household renovation projects. Eco-friendly improvements such as modern insulation and solar-panel heating can make a big difference to your annual energy bills and increase your property’s value in the long run.
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Other improvements - designed to support you as you age - might include adding larger, doubleglazed windows that let in more light, replacing garden steps with a ramp, or putting in grab-bars to help when getting in and out of the bath. HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON THE RENOVATION? If it seems likely that you will move on in the not-so-distant future, then you should avoid spending money that you won’t be able to recoup when you sell. For example, there will be little chance of recouping the cost if you put a £25,000 bespoke kitchen into a terraced house valued at £150,000. According to Ideal Home (idealhome.co.uk), one of the best ways to add value to your home is by building an extension or conservatory. The cost of adding a single-storey extension can increase the value of your property by 5%, a new en-suite or second bathroom can add a further 5%, while a new kitchen with plenty of storage can add up to 4% to your home’s value. Estate agents can be a valuable source of advice on property trends in your area, so call your agent for some local insights.
HOW CAN I FINANCE HOME IMPROVEMENTS? From April 2015, UK residents aged 55 or over have been able to access the money in their state pension pots, spending or investing it as they wish, so this might provide a useful source of income for any home improvement projects. Taking up an equity release scheme is another possibility if you are over 55. This arrangement is similar to a mortgage, but your loan and interest are only paid back to the provider when you die or go into long-term care. Recent events, including the Brexit vote and this year’s general election, have led to a more cautious, ‘wait-and-see’ attitude in the property market, so this is a good time to explore ways of creating more value in your current home. If you can resist the urge to spend, spend, spend whilst taking time to research the kind of refurbishment jobs that will really enhance your property’s value, you should find that that your investment will go on providing benefits well into the future.
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Plumbing & Heating Services
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Important Information Emergency Police Neighbhd Team
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Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital
0845 4349655 01233 633331
Samaritans
Ashford & Tenterden 101 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
116123 www.samaritans.org Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG
0845 770 8090 0800 783 8866 0800 111 999 Details on tank
Doctors Surgery The Charing Surgery 01233 714 490 Headcorn Surgery 01622 890294 Parish Councils: Biddenden: 01580 890750 Charing: 01233 713599 Egerton: 01622 853558 Headcorn: 01622 892496 Pluckley: 01233 770739 Smarden: 07752 395412 Ashford Borough Council 01233 331111 www.ashford.gov.uk Ashford Gateway 0845 8 247 247 info:ashfordgateway.co.uk www.ashfordgateway.co.uk Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185 CPRE Kent 01233 714540 Veterinary Surgeons Barrow Hill Vets 01233 624687 Pierson Stewart & Partners 01580 713381 Charing Business Association www.charingkent.co.uk Volunteer Centre 01233 665 535 Age UK Ashford 01233 668 765 www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com CARM E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support www.forget-me-nots.co.uk Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch Contact Mike Wharrad 01233 623520 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 www.eastkentstrokes.org SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com NSPCC: Tenterden & District Mrs J Coombs 01580 763733 Pregnancy Sickness Support Kent and Sussex www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Contact: Denise Clifford deniseclifford@ btinternet.com Royal Mail Residential Customer Services 08457 740740 Bus Enquiries Arriva Bus Enquiries 0871 200 22 33 (Timetable) 08456 00 22 99 (Customer Services) National Train Enquiries: www.nationalrail. co.uk Village Halls: Wealden Wheels: 01233 840000 Biddenden Charing Charing Heath Egerton - Millenium Hall Headcorn Little Chart or Pluckley Smarden Charter Hall
01580 291320 01233 713599 01622 858296 01233 840479 01622 890708 07753 802814 01233 840395 01233 840280 01233 771947
High Pressure Jetting Service & Repair to Sewage treatment plants Soakaway Testing Cesspool Emptying Service
01233 840624
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Private Care Service at Mealtimes
Our Private Care Service carers can come to your house and help to prepare fresh, ready made or light meals. This help can form part of a tailored package of care that could help you stay in your own home for longer, rather than going into a care home before its really needed. We can assist those who need help due to frailty, disability or illness to live as independently as possible, with comfort and dignity, in their own home.
Domestic Care
7 ÂŁ9.7 hour per
For a free assessment of your care needs or to receive your brochure Call us on 01580 762244
Town & Country Homecare Limited, 102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT www.townandcoutryhomecare.co.uk