Aldington September 2015

114

village directory

The

September 2015

for the Aldington Area

Delivered FREE to 9,000 homes in TN25 by Royal Mail

Spring Grove School

Sellindge £360,000

Three bed det chalet bungalow.

Dbl bedrooms, shower room, family bathroom, lounge, kit/breakfast room.

Backing on to open fields. Good order throughout.

Brabourne Lees

Smeeth

Smeeth £350,000 Spacious three bed bungalow. Corner plot. Modern kitchen, utility, cloakroom, replaced doors and windows. Detached double garage. Planning approval for further extension.

Sellindge

Four bed detached property in quiet cul de sac. Two receps. Quality kitchen & utility. Master en suite. Garage & driveway parking.

Two bed character cottage. Country style kitchen/breakfast room. Lounge with wood burner. Modern bathroom.

Pretty cottage garden.

Two bed bungalow. Dbl bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, kitchen, utility room.

No onward chain.

£389,995

£244,995

£275,000

Mersham

Brabourne Lees

Lymbridge Green Impressive five bed detached period property & two bed detached cottage set in 1.5 acres. Amdega Orangery. Stables & outbuildings. Set in rural hamlet.

£999,995

Four bed detached bungalow & two bed detached annex. Immaculate throughout. Backing onto open countryside.

£599,995

Four bed detached property backing onto open countryside. Three receps.

Quality kitchen & utility. Garage & driveway parking.

£400,000 Offers Over

LEES ROAD • BRABOURNE LEES • Nr ASHFORD • KENT TN25 6QB

SALES: 01303 812515 • LETTINGS:01303 812541 www.stevenjmooreestateagents.co.uk

Welcome

SOUTH EAST AIRPORT TRANSFER

Hi everyone,

Ashford-Canterbury-Dover- Folkestone - Maidstone

Here we are and it’s September already,time to make the most of every warm sunny day as we near the end of the summer!

Call or Txt

Recently a rumour circulated around the internet that the world was going to end this month as a result of an asteroid hit (again). Luckily NASA has officially dismissed this rumour - The Guardian reported “Space agency kills off internet rumour by confirming an asteroid strike WILL NOT wipe out humanity in the next few weeks, or years, or decades”.

Apparently the 15th to the 28th of September will be entirely free of Earth-destroying space attacks, so that’s good news isn’t it!

Isn’t there enough doom and gloom in the world without this type of thing? Having lived through the second world war, my mum lived in fear of it happening again, all as a result of George Orwell’s book 1984. By 1984 her two young sons would be in their early 20’s, and having experiened the fear that her brother might not return from one war, the prediction of another was difficult to shake from her mind. She only discussed it once 1984 was behind her, what a shame that worrying had cast such a shadow for no good reason. Let that be a lesson for us all, me especially!

Now we know that life will go on we might as well enjoy it, and what can be better than going out for a nice meal? How about getting 50% off the bill at the end! Check out Cinnamon Spice this month, for an exclusive reader offer, when presenting the magazine!

Until next time, have a great month!

~ Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk October Issue Deadline 10th September

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3

the garden

Lovely Lawns

by Pippa Greenwood

4

Almost every garden has a lawn, and even if you have no aspirations to turn yours into a smart bowling green style creation of smooth perfection, there is a lot you can do to keep the typical UK back garden lawn in good condition. With a bit of work, it will be looking healthy and green over the next year too so, rather than waiting until the spring, you should get to work now with some autumn lawn care.

If there are any large weeds present in small lawns, you are probably best off just removing them by hand, perhaps using a sturdy old kitchen knife – perfect for removing dandelions, small clumps of daisies and other weeds which are so easily missed by the mower. You should also take a look at the level of moss in the lawn.

When it is green and luxuriant, I have to confess to rather liking moss – it can look quite attractive and certainly feels pleasant underfoot, but once it dies out the lawn will look really awful, as it will be gappy and bare. On the whole, moss

in lawns is encouraged by compaction, poor drainage of the soil and lawn surface and by excessive shading, perhaps by nearby trees or herbaceous plants in adjacent borders which have been allowed to get too big or flop over.

It is certainly worth doing anything you can to alleviate these problems, and for shading you should consider pruning back shrubs which overhang the lawn or having nearby trees professionally crown thinned or lifted, so that more light gets through to the lawn. Herbaceous plants are often easily dealt with using a few bamboo canes and some string to create a barrier and ease them up and away from the grass.

Compaction is a relatively easy problem to deal with, and in small areas where the problem is not too bad, you can use a normal garden fork. Drive this into the lawn every 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in) and ease it back and forth slightly, so that the holes created by the tines of the fork are enlarged slightly.

By spiking the area in this way you will have created some

drainage channels, which will also improve aeration. On very heavy sites or if compaction is bad, you are much better off using a special hollow tine aerator. These are available to buy as attachments for some lawnmowers, or you can buy or hire a dedicated machine or piece of equipment. Each time it is driven into the ground, a hollow tine aerator will remove cylinders of turf and the soil beneath, thus producing a better effect than the simple method of using a garden fork. Once you have created these longerterm drainage channels, you should then brush a sandy top dressing mixture into all the holes. Use a mixture of sieved garden soil and horticultural sand, perhaps mixed with a small quantity of sieved leaf mould. Once in the holes, the top dressing ensures that they are kept open to allow better drainage and aeration over a much longer period of time.

It may also be necessary to kill off the moss if it is really out of control, and for this you can use a proprietary moss killer. This must be applied

exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and you should make sure that the moss is killed off completely before you attempt to rake it out. Raking out can be combined with what is known as scarifying, which means that you use a spring tined rake and very aggressively rake the surface of the lawn, so that dead moss, thatch (the accumulated bits of dead grass and other lawn debris) and any other surface debris are removed. Once done, you will find that the lawn looks a lot worse than it did when you started (it can be almost

scary!), as it will look thinner and more moth-eaten.

However, scarifying helps to ensure that the grasses receive plenty of air and allows for better re-growth; have faith, the situation will improve.

If you have any areas that are completely bare, then once you have improved the texture of the soil and checked that there are no drainage problems, you can re-seed or over-seed the area using a suitable grass-seed mixture. To ensure that the seeds germinate and grow relatively quickly, pin a piece of horticultural fleece or Enviromesh over the newly

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the garden

In Praise of BENSKO

by Alan Hart, Stowting Common When I telephoned BENSKO, our local pest control service, the first of several very pleasant surprises was that my call was answered by a human being. It was Emma who with her husband Bruce is BENSKO. I explained that I had a wasp nest above a very large dining room window and needed these pests to be exterminated. Emma said, "We can be with you in half an hour." Given that they had 10 or more miles to travel to my house in Stowting Common, I imagined they would be with me in one hour. They actually arrived 25 minutes after I put down the telephone, I was impressed.

ÂŁ40 including VAT. That was a quarter of what one of the biggest companies in the business would have charged and half of what others would have wanted.

On the list of pests BENKO eliminates are wasps, ants, fleas, flies, rats, mice, moles, squirrels and cockroaches. When Bruce and Emma had gone I said to myself, "Wouldn't it be great if some bankers and politicians could be added to the list."

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village directory When Responding to Adverts

7

Friday 25th September Buy a Nose *POSE WITH A NOSE* And Help Save Animals Wetnose supports the smaller animal rescue centres and organisations caring for sick or vulnerable animals, where there are limited or insufficient funds to carry out the work they do.

Many of the larger animal charities have a great deal of financial support, whereas smaller, less well known organisations struggle to raise adequate funding and do not have access to funds as other charities do.

8

Wetnose has a valuable and essential place in helping animals that otherwise would not receive the care that they need, by placing funds where they are most needed.

National Wetnose Day is an annual event to raise funds and awareness, Red Nose Day was created for Humans…well Wetnose is for our animals!

It is ironic that whilst some 47% of UK households have a pet of some sort, NO national fund raising initiative has been developed.

Wetnose Animal Aid is correcting that by creating the Wetnose Day event to happen in September.

Every year, thousands of animals need new homes, and due to the vast numbers of homeless animals, there are simply not enough homes to go round.

Over *30* dogs are put to sleep every day in the UK due to lack of space in rescue centres.

The 2013/2014 annual Stray Dogs Survey released today by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, reveals a shocking *111,986* stray and abandoned dogs were picked up by Local Authorities across the

UK over the last 12 months, equating to a staggering 307 stray dogs being found every day. That’s without cats, horses, primates, parrots, snakes, rabbits and wildlife that need rescuing and help too!

These Rescue Centres are experiencing a noticeable increase in animals being ‘dumped’ on them, as owners continue for various reasons not to be able to keep their animals.

That equation does not balance, and therefore this Wetnose Day is an important event to help raise serious levels of funds to get the balance back and help Rescue Centres with the ever increase in sick animals being bought in for care, behavioural problems or treatment.

We will invite schools, groomers, vets surgeries, pet companies to join in too as we need more veterinary nurses, specialist vets, farriers as well as marine vets and animal experts in general.

This is one way of helping to educate children by having fun and making them aware that animals are an important part of our daily lives, especially pets and our wildlife.

BUY our legendry nose on-line by paypal www.wetnoseanimalaid.com/support.html Can you host your own event?

Can you raise funds for Wetnose?

Would your Brand/Company like to sponsor Wetnose?

Great opportunities available Remember: Cash for Cats, Pounds for Paws, but what is fantastic is your Plastic!

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village directory When Responding to Adverts

Mowgli

by Montgomery Vets

H T

ello everyone, Mowgli here. Hope you are all well. Very busy here keeping everyone in order as usual!

10

his month I am going to tell you about a very special bird. I don’t know why I haven’t told you about him before, but he was very ill recently and it made me think that I must tell you about him! He is an Indian Mynah bird who was born in South Africa. More precisely I think he was born in the thatched roof of the house that Clive grew up in. The first anyone knew of him was when he was found as a tiny fledgling collapsed on the patiohe had fallen out of his nest! This was 19 years ago- before Clive was even at vet school. The tiny bird was duly scooped up. He had broken his leg in the fall and Clive splinted it with a paper clip and started feeding him. The bird was called ‘Ug’ as a tiny naked fledgling is hardly the prettiest of things, and he went from strength to strength. He even went to the panto with Clive at Christmas in a basket because he still needed feeding so often!

Of course being hand raised from so young he wasn’t able to be released so he became a regular member of the Munns household and lived with Clive at University. I would have imagined (being a normal sane cat) that the bird would have lived in a cage in Clive’s room but of course not- he lived free in Clive’s room, slept snuggled into his neck and when Clive went outside Ug flew along behind him, never going far away. When Clive left South Africa to come to England Ug went back to the house with a thatched roof and lived there. He had to have a cage because of all the other pets, but it was a huge cage with a corridor through the window so that he could sunbathe whenever he wanted. Apparently he ruled the roost and kept everyone else in order. I can believe it as several years ago he came to live with us for 6 months!

This was part of his quarantine on his way to the UK from South Africa when Clive’s parents moved back here. He arrived in our living room about 8 years ago and immediately took charge.

He is very noisy- greeted everyone with a noisy

hello, screeched the place down when a phone rang, joined in with the radio and television and whistled away to himself. At first Ebony and I were naturally quite horrified. Such a noisy and bossy creature in our house! After a few days though we started to realise that Ug could actually be helpful- he made so much noise whenever someone was coming that we were able to avoid getting caught when we were being naughty (not often of course, but even the best behaved cats have their moments…..) and he was also very good about reminding the humans to feed us.

We became quite fond of him. After his 6 months quarantine he went to live at Clive’s parents’ house in the UK and has been ruling the roost there ever since. A few weeks ago he was very sick and we all thought the worst but he has responded well

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to his medication and is back to screeching the place down when the phone rings. We are all very relieved!

O

n the subject of birds there are still plenty of fledglings about- remember if you find a fledgling to just leave it where it is unless it is obviously injured as the parents most likely know where it is and are still looking after it. I’m off to check out of the windows for the noisy woodpeckers that have moved into our garden! ~

Mowgli

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PETS

Which are the Main Vaccines Available for my Cat? Vaccinations and boosters are part and parcel of owning any pet. Here are some of the diseases posing the greatest risk to your cat’s health.

Cat Flu The existence of many different strains of flu means that it will never be completely wiped out, but a cat flu vaccine provides a degree of protection against this disease, which can spread rapidly between cats.

Infectious Enteritis A widespread virus, Feline Infectious Enteritis can be fatal. It is a severe infection of the gut caused by the feline parvovirus, which can be picked up from infected animals and equipment, including bedding and food dishes.

Feline Leukaemia Feline Leukaemia is transmitted via saliva, and can be deadly if not overcome by the cat’s own immune system. The vaccine offers some protection for outdoor cats. Indoor cats may not need it due to their low exposure to risk.

Feline Chlamydia Cats between the ages of five weeks and nine months are said to be at particular risk of Feline Chlamydia, a disease characterised by conjunctivitis and sneezing. The vaccine does not protect against the infection, but helps to reduce its effects.

Which vaccines should you give your cat?

This depends on several factors: • Its age and general health • Reactions to any previous vaccinations • Its risk of exposure to disease An initial course of vaccines may be given to kittens as young as seven weeks old, with regular annual boosters needed throughout life in order to maintain immunity. http://www.rspca.org.uk/ adviceandwelfare/pets/general/ vaccinating http://www.pdsa.org.uk/ pet-health-advice/ kittens-and-cats/ health#vaccinations

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13

Home & Interiors A Stitch In Time While The Sun Shines By Katherine Sorrell buildings surveyor and co-author of Old House Handbook, says: ‘It really is a stitch in time.

All buildings can very quickly decline if they are not maintained properly. What starts as a missing roof tile can lead to water ingress, then dry rot, death watch beetle and even structural collapse.’

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Maintaining the fabric of your house – especially if it’s an older property – is, let’s face it, a bit of a chore. But keep on top of it, especially when the weather is good, and you will reap the rewards, says Katherine Sorrell You know the saying about fixing the roof while the sun shines?

Well, keeping a regular eye on your property and repairing it when necessary – especially before the onset of winter – is an insurance policy against major problems. Not only will it make life easier in the long run, but it will save money and should also help to maintain the value of your home. As Marianne Suhr, historic

Where to start?

Get to know your home.

Find out what is it made from and how is it built. Are there any particular areas that might give cause for concern? Make a list, and work out how to tackle each area, ensuring you have the necessary equipment and skills – or, if not, call in an expert.

Roofs

Twice a year, use binoculars to check the condition of your roof and chimney. Look out for general damage, split leadwork, loose mortar, missing, slipped or broken tiles or slates and anything else suspicious. From inside your loft, check for stains and other evidence of leaks, and examine supporting timbers for signs of deterioration. Brush moss growth off roofs regularly, or else fit copper growth inhibitors. Always be very careful when attempting

roof repairs yourself. It is often a better idea to commission a professional to do the work.

Rainwater goods

Problems with gutters and downpipes cause damp patches – but are often easily remedied.

Wait for heavy rain and walk around the outside of your house, observing where the water is going – is it travelling off the roof and into the gutters, down the downpipes and into the drains? If not, what has gone wrong? Perhaps leaves, moss or other debris have blocked your rainwater goods, perhaps a joint has come apart, or maybe water is gathering in one area. Metal can be welded or patched if necessary, while it is often easier simply to replace damaged plastic sections. If there is sagging, you may need to add extra supporting brackets to create a good slope. Prevention is better than cure, however, so clear gutters, downpipes and gullies regularly, especially after the leaves have fallen in the autumn, and keep an eye out for birds building nests. Redecorate metal rainwater goods when necessary, so they do not corrode.

Walls

Damp in walls might be caused by the ground level outside being higher than inside. If it is a simple case of build-up, dig back to the correct level. Should problems persist, digging down further and laying a gravel path will create a breathing space for the wall. If exterior render has ‘blown’ due to hairline cracks allowing moisture behind it, carefully remove the loose, hollow or cracked section, leave the wall behind to dry out and re-render appropriately.

Keep an eye on mortar– if it has

weathered to the same depth as the joint width, or is very loose, it’s time to re-point, matching existing pointing in material and finish. As for a crack in a wall, everyone’s biggest fear, it may Template.qxd not be as scary07/12/2009 as you think.

Template.qxd 07/12/2009 Cracks can be caused by many things, most of them nothing to worry about. When you first spot a crack, mark the end of it with a pencil or take a photo and note the date, so you can keep a track on where it is going and how fast. The Building Research Establishment suggests that cracks that measure less than 5mm wide, and do not grow any larger, will generally not affect structural integrity and can simply be redecorated. If you have any concerns, contact a structural engineer for a professional assessment.

as soon as possible. If there is rot, fill carefully or else cut out the whole section out and replace like for like. You can overhaul sash windows relatively easily, by re-aligning, replacing cords 11:42 Page 11 and adjusting the weights; you 11:42 Page can even add brushes so they are soundproof and don’t rattle.

Metal windows can rust, in which case they should be cleaned and, if necessary, repaired and re-squared. Try planing and/or sanding sticking wooden doors and windows, and check that locks and hinges are doing their job properly. Oil them every now and then to keep them in tip top condition.

Doors and windows

Is there flaking paint on timber doors and windows? Wait for the wood to dry out, then redecorate

the home

IMAGES - Page 1: Bay windows installed in a period property, by The Sash Window Workshop, tel 01344 868668; www.sashwindow.com.

Above:Front door painted in Card Room Green exterior eggshell, £58 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball, tel 01202 876141; www.farrow-ball.com.

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15

Cake and Bake Lemon Crumble Cheesecake Bars Tangy and creamy with a golden buttery crumble topping, these cheesecake bars make a delicious sweet treat. For a smoother cheesecake filling, use full-fat soft cheese instead of the ricotta.

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Ingredients:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Fan 160C/Gas Mark 4. Grease an 18cm x 28cm tray-bake tin and line the base with baking paper.

THE BASE

2. To make the base, sift together the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs then stir in the sugar. Reserve a third of the mixture and chill in the fridge. Stir the beaten egg into the rest of the mixture to make a crumbly dough. Spread into the base of the prepared tin and press down firmly in an even layer.

• 250g plain flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 140g butter, chilled and diced • 125g caster sugar • 1 medium egg, beaten THE FILLING • 750g ricotta cheese • 225g caster sugar • Zest and juice of 1 lemon • 3 medium eggs, beaten • 100ml soured cream • 1 tbsp cornflour • Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate

Makes 12 slices Ready in 1½ hours, plus chilling

3. Bake the cheesecake base for 15-20 minutes, or until pale golden.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 160C/ Fan 140C/Gas Mark 3.

4. To make the filling, beat the ricotta cheese, sugar and lemon juice and zest in a bowl until creamy then gradually beat in the eggs.

Fold in the soured cream and cornflour and spread the mixture over the warm base.

5. Sprinkle the reserved fine crumble mixture over the top in an even layer. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until set and pale golden. Leave in the tin to cool completely then chill for 2-3 hours.

Slice into 12 bars and serve decorated with fresh mint sprigs.

TIP

For an extra fruity flavour, scatter some fresh blueberries or raspberries over the cheesecake mixture before sprinkling with the crumble mixture.

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Apples Blackberries Damsons Greengages Grapes Melons Nuts Plums Raspberries

Vegetables Artichoke Aubergine Beetroot Beans Broccoli Brussels sprouts Butternut Squash Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Chard Chillies Courgettes Cucumber Garlic Kale Kohirabi Leeks Mangetout Marrow Onions Parsnips Peas Peppers Potatoes Radishes Rocket Salsify Shallots

Spring Onions Swede Seetcorn Turnips

Salad

Rabbit Teal & Mallard Veal Venison Wood Pigeon

Lettuce Purslaine Pak Choi Spinach Tomatoes Watercress

Fish Cod Crab Dover Sole Grey Mullet Haddock Halibut Herring John Dory Lemon Sole Lobster Mackerel Monkfish Plaice Sea Bass Scallops Turbot

Meat & Game Beef Duck Goose Grey Squirrel Grouse Guinea Fowl Hare Lamb Mutton Partridge Pork

17

Potato Tortilla with Marinated Olives Serves 4

Ready in 45 minutes, plus marinating time

This Spanish baked omelette is great served warm as a speedy supper or is just as tasty served cold.

Perfect for a late summer picnic served with a bowl of garlicky marinated olives.

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To marinate the olives, heat the oil, chilli and garlic in a small pan until just warmed through.

Stir in the parsley, lemon zest and olives and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Transfer to a heatproof bowl and cover and leave to marinate in a cool place for a few hours or overnight.

Ingredients: FOR THE MARINATED OLIVES

• 100ml olive oil • � red chilli pepper, deseeded and very finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped • 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley • 1 tsp lemon zest • 150g Kalamata olives • 150g large green olives

To make the tortilla, preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease a 19cm x 23cm shallow cake tin.

Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until almost tender.

Drain well and arrange in 2-3 layers in the cake tin.

Beat together the eggs and garlic in a bowl then add the dried mixed herbs and two thirds of the grated cheese. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and pour the mixture over the layered potatoes.

FOR THE TORTILLA

• 450g potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced • 6 large eggs • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 10ml (2tsp) dried Italian mixed herbs • 50g mature Cheddar cheese, grated • Rocket leaves, to serve

Sprinkle over the rest of the cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool for 10 minutes then cut into wedges. Serve warm with rocket leaves and the marinated olives.

TIP

If serving the tortilla cold, allow to cool completely then cut into squares and wrap in greaseproof paper. It will keep in the fridge for 24 hours.

Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm Chalkpit Farm Rural Shopping, Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury CT4 5EU Email: shop@essentiallyhops.co.uk

tel: 01227 830666

www.hopsandflowers.co.uk

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

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 month 10am – 2pm Contact 01233 740237 Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall Tenterden Country Market Every Friday 9.30am -11.30am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road.

Tenterden High Street Market Friday’s – 0830 – 1400 Wittersham Market Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01797 270757 Wye First and third Saturday of every month on the Village Green in Wye. Tel: 07804 652156 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

Repairs to...

Washing Machines Cookers (Electric) Tumble Driers Dyson Vacuum Specialist Call Garry on 07958 640152 01233 632329 DRY CLEANING & LAUNDRY SERVICES T: 01233 646168 Long established, family owned business, providing first class service with a smile!

Express Service Available

Open 7.30 am - 5.00 pm Monday - Saturday Parking Available Wedding Dresses Curtains

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Call Bob for a competitive price and booking

01233 733792 07767 167731

19

20

London to Canterbury Cycle Challenge

booked via The Children’s Trust website. For the latest sign up offers and to book your place now, please visit www.thechidlrenstrust.org.uk/ltc or call Kim on 01737 364323.

The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury, are appealing for more cyclists to take on the challenging climbs and stunning scenery in their own unique cycling event, the London to Canterbury Cycle Challenge.

Why not become part of The Children’s Trust’s biggest cycle event and sign up now? For more information and to take advantage of the earlybird sign up offer, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ londontocanterbury or telephone 01737 364323.

The route has been put together by professional Cycling Support Services, and is both fully marshalled and well signposted. Riders can enjoy four fantastic food-filled refreshment stops to fuel them along the 65 or 80 mile road route through the beautiful Kent countryside. The route is suitable for most types of bikes, from mountain and road bikes, to tandem and hybrids.

Cyclists will cross the finish line to panoramic views over Canterbury Cathedral, and will be greeted by a medal of achievement, an exclusive rider goody bag, and have the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved complimentary sports massage.

The Children’s Trust is encouraging riders to invite their family and friends along to share in the celebration of their success at a post-ride party, new for 2015. There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy including a live band, BBQ & onsite coffee shop, stands & stalls, ice cream van and entertainment for the children including a bouncy castle.

A coach is available for Kent based riders and their bikes to get up to the start line and can be

the home

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ALL LOCAL AREAS COVERED Please Mention The

village directory When Responding to Adverts

21

Ashford Decorative & Fine Art Society Who We Are The National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) is a leading UK based arts charity which opens up the world of the arts through a network of over 360 local Societies across the country.

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One of the most flourishing of the local societies is here in Ashford. ADFAS, the Ashford Decorative & Fine Art Society, has about 300 members, drawn mainly from the villages and small towns around Ashford. With inspiring monthly lectures given by some of the country’s top experts, together with days of special interest and arts visits, ADFAS is a great way to expand your knowledge of the arts and make new friendships.

Our Lectures Our lecture meetings take place in Aldington Village Hall, usually on the third Tuesday of each month, from September to June. Meetings begin at 10.15 with coffee and time to book visits and special interest days. Lectures begin at 11.15 and last about an hour. The lectures are given by experts in their fields, all of whom have gone through a rigorous selection process by NADFAS. The lecture meetings are included in the membership fee. There is plenty of free parking around the hall.

The lecture programme for 2015/16 can be found on our website www.ashforddfas.org.uk Our Visits and Special Interest Days We arrange day trips to museums, galleries and places of interest. Starting from Ashford, we travel as a group, by train or coach.

We hold one special interest day each year, usually in Aldington Village Hall. These days

are a mix of lecture and practical workshops, to allow members to delve more deeply into a particular topic. Recent subjects have included “The Art of Dining in Victorian England” and “Glass of the 19th and 20th Centuries”. In May 2016 we will experience “Painting for the Petrified”.

Young Arts ADFAS provides children and young people with exciting opportunities to get involved in creative arts activities. Our work with young people builds a lasting enthusiasm for the arts and an awareness of arts heritage and its conservation. We fund one-off Young Arts Projects ranging from running arts awards to funding artists in primary schools. We also run a group for members’ children aged 8-16, who meet in school holidays for art activities & cultural visits.

Church Recording Church Recorders promote recognition and preservation of the rich artistic heritage in places of worship by recording the contents of churches of all religions. Participating churches are presented with an illustrated book detailing each item and its history. Copies are also sent to national institutions. Recent projects were Great Chart and Boughton Aluph churches.

How to Join Membership is open to all and costs £36 per annum, to include the programme of ten lectures and coffee. If you are interested, please contact our membership secretary Christine Corfield through our website www.ashforddfas.org.uk. You would be welcome to just come & try a lecture, contact Christine on 01233 720241 to book a seat.

? y l t n e c e r e t a g ve E o t n e e b u o Have y eard about the expansion?

Have you h rious about this creative hub?

Are you cu ue services

iq un e th f el rs ou y r fo r ve co s i d d Come an s the NEW LOOK Evegate has to oer and attraction

/evegatepark

evegateashford

www.evegate.co.uk

Evegate

Two years ago Ashford Council gave us the chance to radically alter the appearance of Evegate.

A story of farming diversification

As farmers next door we were able to purchase Evegate in 1980, we wanted a location to create a farm shop to sell our own produce. Little did I know that within a few months the bank rate would reach 18% WOW!! After creating a farm shop in the first year of operation, we looked at the potential of converting some of the semi derelict buildings into potential retail units to complement our farm shop. Within a shot while we had a courtyard of small units including the odd office, some of those who joined us then are still with us today.

Later we were fortunate to be able to acquire the old tannery, a listed building in Ashford which we re-erected at Evegate in 1990, creating some 15 individual offices, even today I still marvel at the timer inside the old building. I think many were dubious of our ability to transform this lovely old barn into a viable working environment. A few years later the arcade was built, which was filled with small craft units giving us a balanced complex, but as often happens the demand that we found from various trades wanting to locate at Evegate was overwhelming.

/evegatepark

Firstly the vets were relocated to their new site near the entrance, plus some 140 additional car parking areas and then the first of two new blocks of offices were started last October. During this time we have managed to install a considerable amount of solar power to help run the complex plus a treatment plant for the sewage and shortly we will install biomass boilers for heating part of the complex.

After 35 years I can begin to see my lifetime dream achieving fruition, that of a business village where all different trades can work together, often being interactive with each other. My son Ben, who already had an IT business at Evegate joined me as a partner along with my wife Lizzie, giving a more rounded view of day to day progress at Evegate. By next spring when all the changes will be completed there should be a very diverse and stimulating group of trades and business working in the village environment of Evegate.

Eric Jeanes

evegateashford

Artisan Pop-Up

28th August to 28th September Every Friday to Monday

Full programme of events and opening times can be viewed on our website www.evegate.co.uk and facebook page.

STreet Food nights local live music

local food

Fruity Vodka Night

Tea tank

Vintage Citroen truck in

The Cheesemakers of Canterbury Cheese Platters

residence

DJ GIDEON

50's, 60's and 70's vinyl fest

Fashion Show

Ibbidi Bobbidi Boo are very proud to announce the opening of their 3rd Shop. With their clothing boutiques at Evegate and Tenterden they have now added another Shop called Ibbidi Bobbidi Boo Gifts at Evegate.

To celebrate the launch of our gift shop AND 12 years in Business we are holding a FREE and informal Fashion Show. There will be a charity auction too, 12 items donated by Ibbidi one for each year of business will be auctioned o and all proceeds will be donated to the Pilgrims Hospice Come join us to see a whole host of exclusive Suzi D clothing, fashion jewellery and handbags, win a fashion styling session and see both shops now open at Evegate.

The Robing Room who expanded and launched The School of Stitch will also be showing o a selection of their exclusive vintage dresses and lingerie all created by hand in their NEW premises at Evegate. Come talk to them about the sewing courses available.

r 11am - 3pm

13th Septembe

, r all the ladies A great treat fo ay nd Su e at for th to reserve a se t ac nt co ow 13th fashion sh ail 808274 or em Paula: 07983 om y.c sk @ paula.cameron

www.evegate.co.uk

EVEGATE Business, Retail & Artisan Village EST. I98I

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Evegate Business Park | Smeeth | Nr Ashford | Kent | TN25 6SX 01303 812334 | admin@evegate.co.uk

/evegatepark

evegateashford

www.evegate.co.uk

BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH

Plain Road, Brabourne Lees, Kent TN25 6QN Pastor Tim Simpson Tel:01303 813257 Art Club The next meeting will be on Tuesday

September 8 from 10am – 12noon Further details from Mike on 01303 812484

‘Mugabe and the White African’ Friday September 11 with guests Zach and Claire Freeth. This documentary film tells the story of the remarkable courage and faith of the Campbell and Freeth families as they take President Mugabe of Zimbabwe to the International African court and the penalty they pay in opposing Mugabe’s evil and violent dictatorship.

Light refreshments 6.30 pm and film will start at 7pm..

Following the film there will be an opportunity for Q&,A with Zach and Claire Freeth, who feature in the film. Admission and refreshments are free but there will be a voluntary retiring collection in aid of the charity “The Mike Campbell Foundation” To reserve a place please phone David and Sylvia Bonnett 01303 814437 or email davidandsylviab@btinternet.com

the home

The Old School House Indian Cuisine

Fully Licensed Restaurant & Takeaway

MP’S Surgery: Our MP Damian Collins, will be holding his monthly surgery at Brabourne Baptist Church from 3.45pm to 4.30pm on Friday September 18. If you have any questions, complaints or comments, please book an appointment by e-mailing your name, post code, subject and message to: shepwayconservatives@ btconnect.com or telephone 01303 253 524

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Ladies Breakfast; Cooked breakfast and good

company! Saturday September 26 at 8.45am.Guest Speaker; Annie Bentley from Long Acre Nursery, Hythe.

Proceeds to MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) All ladies will be made very welcome! Bring a friend! A contribution of £3 per person is requested on the day.

Please phone Val 01303 813152 or Tim 01303 813257

Café Wednesday The Café is open every Wednesday

from 10am to 11.30am. Drop in for coffee, biscuits, company and a warm friendly atmosphere. Choice of books available. Everybody welcome!

01233 733350 Open 7 Days a week including Bank Holidays 12.00pm - 2.00pm & 5.30pm - 11.00pm

Café Wednesday Extra will start again on October 14

from 12 noon for soup and rolls ,coffee or tea followed by a short reflection. Cost is still only £1. Tel Babs; 01303 813743 for details. Not been before? Just come and find us. Everyone is welcome!

10% Discount on Takeaways (Cash Only) Last orders 10.30pm

Meeting Point; is on Thursday September 24 meeting at 12 noon for lunch at Bybrook Barn. Please let Cathy know if you wish to join us;01303 814132 Men’s Breakfast; Saturday October 31 at 8.15am.

Further details from Mike on 01303 812484

The Street, Hamstreet, TN26 2HG

Church Hall Bookings Please contact Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152

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L i v e Ja z z What’s On

Se p t / O c t 1 5

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 w e r To we r T h e a t r e. N o r t h R d . S h o r n c l i f fe.

Fo l k e s t o n e. C T 2 0 3 H L To B o o k C a l l : 0 1 3 0 3 2 7 7 1 7 5 8 30pm £12 Sept 10th TENOR (Sax) MADNESS ( The Three Tenors + Rhythm ) Derek Nash - Alan Barnes - Vasilis Xenopoulos 8 30pm £10 Sept 17th THE KATE WILLIAMS QUINTET feat BOBBY WELLINS ( Jazz Pianist Kate Williams is the daughter of the classical guitarist JohnWilliams + + The legendry sax man Bobby Wellins)

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8 30pm £10 Sept 22nd THE SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET Simon Spillett tnr & soprano saxes -- John Critchinson piano, Alec Dankworth double bass - Clark Tracey drums 8 30pm £12 Oct 1st JULIAN MARC STRINGLE & HIS DREAM BAND with amazing jazz vocalist JACQUI HICKS 8 30pm £10 Oct 6th ROBERTO MANZIN & SUSANNAH FLACK QUINTET Unique combination of Tenor Sax & Steele Pan 8 30pm £10 Oct 15th ALAN BARNES MICK FOSTER ROBERT FOWLER The Lennie Niehaus Connection 8 30 pm £10 Oct 22nd PETE LONG & HENRY ARMBURG JENNINGS QNT Sax & Trumpet Lead with amazing rhythm section 8 30pm £12 Oct 29th THE SKELTON / SKINNER ALL STAR SEPTET Big Band Jazz by Big Band Musicians 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 ro f i t 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 n interest in " 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

Ashford Decorative & Fine Arts Society.

Tuesday 15th September, Aldington Village Hall, 10.30 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “Bruegel’s Scenes of Country Life”. Call Christine on 01233 720241 Tuesday 20th October, Aldington Village Hall,

10.30 coffee, 11.00 lecture on “The Victorian House around the World”. Call Christine on 01233 720241

Friday 6th November, a visit to the Goya Portraits exhibition at the National Gallery, with a private exhibition lecture & lunch. Call Ruth on 01233 720718 Tuesday 8th September, Studying the History and Archaeology of Lympne (SHAL) next meeting at 7.30 pm in St Stephen’s Church, Lympne, when Rosemary Stutchbury will be talking to us about the History of Education in Lympne and Aldington.

New and non-members welcome – a £2 donation requested. Just turn up or for further information please contact Fiona Jarvest on 01303 237143 or Peter Stutchbury on 07792 601328.

Sunday 13th September at 2pm, join us at St. Marys Church Sellindge for Afternoon tea. Indulge in a slice of homemade cake and a cup of tea on a Sunday afternoon! Funds raised will go towards supporting the church. At 3pm, there will be our monthly JAM session for children and families.

This will include a story, crafts, games and general silliness.Everyone welcome!

Monday 14th September.

Smeeth W.I. will meet at 7.30 pm at the Brabourne and Smeeth Village Hall for a meeting to celebrate the Centenary of the W.I. This will be an Open Meeting and any visitors, male or female are most welcome. There is to be a presentation by Kathy Embleton-Smith and Christine Gurr on “The Making of Archives and Anecdotes” - A social history and reflection on life on English Village Life in Brabourne and Smeeth. We shall be exhibiting scrapbook and archive material illustrating the history of Smeeth W.I. from 1918, and it is hoped that Members will come to the meeting dressed in a costume reflecting the period. We look forward to welcoming all members and visitors.

Should you require any further information please contact Joy Taylor on 01303 812165 or Margaret Garrett on 01303 813932

Wednesday 16th September Death Café meeting at The Cosy Kettle, Hamstreet 7.00 – 9.00

pm. All are welcome to come and join a friendly discussion on all aspects of death and what it means

to you. Whether you have lost someone recently, you or someone close to you has a terminal illness or maybe you are caring for an elderly or sick relative or loved one or just want to hear different opinions, There is no charge for the meeting but please buy cake and refreshments to support the café’s good will. Please email David at amberherne@btinternet. com for further information and to let us know you will be coming along.

dances,etc. that you have come to expect but also includes a collection of not to be missed special shows. More details of tickets can be found on the website at www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk or you can buy tickets online at http://www.musicglue. com/tenterdenfolkfestival/tickets/.

Tickets are also be on sale at Tenterden Gateway and Ashford Gateway Plus.

Sunday 11th October Hamstreet Scarecrow Festival 10am - 4pm Look for scarecrows around

Saturday 19th September - The Get Together Club are having a Jumble Sale in the Sellindge

the village, vote for your favourite, match the names.

Start at Victory Hall, Hamstreet. Fundraising for Ruckinge & Hamstreet Scouts and Guides. Enquiries 01233 732684

Village Hall, from 2pm - 4pm. There will be Bric - a - Brac, Books, Toys, Clothing, Nearly New, Raffle and Home made cakes. Entrance 20p.

Friday 25th September Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society will be meeting in the Village PP Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm when Heather Silk will be giving a presentation on “Fungi”. Visitors are always made welcome. For further info contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@gmail. com.

26th & 27th September - Quilt & Craft Show

Pluckley Village Hall TN27 0QZ 10.30am to 5.00pm each day £4.00 entry to include tea/coffee & cake and a wonderful exhibition of Canadian Red Cross QuiltsTrade stalls and demonstrations For details phone Judy on 01233 840280 or Sue 01233 840544

Wednesday

30th

September

Ashford

& Tenterden Samaritans invite you to a Quiz Night at Sandyhurst Lane Social Club, Ashford. £5 per head with a maximum of 6 per team. Bring your known nibbles. Round up all your friends for a fun evening beginning at 8p.m. in aid of a worthy local charity.

Tickets available on the door. Look forward to seeing you all there.

Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October Tenterden Folk Festival - The programme for this

year’s Tenterden Folk Festival is taking shape and includes all the regular concerts, workshops, barn

s ’ r e ish

F b o B Garage

SELLINDGE

Friends of St Mary’s Lenham presents

The Annual

Village Barn Dance Dancing to

‘Whistling

In the

Skirmish’

Tithe Barn, Lenham

Saturday 26 September Dancing starts @ 7.30pm

Tickets: £8.00 per person (children under 16yrs £4.00) Bring your own drinks and nibbles or order food from Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Square Tickets can be purchased from either:  Len Valley Newsagent, High St, Lenham  St Mary’s Church’s coffee morning 10.00am every Saturday  Or, Contact Lyn Fuller on 01622 851538

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Clubs & Societies The Get Together Club meet on the second

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wednesday of each month in the durling hall, sellindge FROM 2PM TO 4PM. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. East Kent Morris Men Do you like dancing, beer, socialising, music, having fun? Why not try Morris Dancing? We are recruiting for new members. Weekly Wednesday dance practices start on September 9th at Mersham Village Hall, 8pm to 10pm; afterwards we practise drinking in the pub opposite! No experience required. Why not give it a try? Details from www. ekmm.org.uk or 01795 536 262 Sellindge Gardening Association meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Durling Hall Sellindge (next to the main hall) at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Our programme includes speakers, a summer show, social events, day trips and an annual holiday.

For further details contact Linda on 01303 813288.

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

Ashford Model Railway Club - We meet on Wednesday evenings at the barn café at Willesborough Windmill. between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, and the club would welcome new members. Club members are currently building a model of Rye in 00 gauge in the SR period. Contact John White on 01233 733416 for more information Bilsington Ladies meet in Bilsington Village Hall 2nd Thursday of the month at 2.15pm. Interesting speakers and a warm welcome awaits. Call Jan on 01233 641820.

Smeeth W.I. We meet on the second Monday of the Month at 7.30 pm in the Brabourne & Smeeth village hall for further information do contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165” Sellindge Table Top Sale the 1st Saturday of each month in the village hall Sellindge. Tables booked in advance are £5. 00 Each and on the day (If available) £8. 00. Telephone for more information 01303 813475.

Refreshments are available and home made cakes.

A New Quilting Group held in the Oak Room, Smeeth TN25 6SA. If you are interested in quilting or patchwork why not come along and learn new skills and share your expertise with like minded people. Beginners and advanced levels are welcome. Bi-monthly meetings, for further information contact Marion on 01233 750319

Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society

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

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

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

month in the Aldington Village Hall at 7.45 pm for 8.00. We have a varied programme of talks, shows and social events. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further details please contact Jean Evans on 01233 720618 or colin.e123@ btinternet.com Aldington Short Mat Bowls Club We play on Monday nights at Aldington village hall from 7.30pm to 10.00pm. No special equipment required you only need a pair of shoes with flat soles and we can supply the woods. Go on give it a try it may be just the sport you are looking for.

Interested, give Jim or Janet a call on 01233 632102 Ashford Soroptimists Second Tues of the month, 7.15pm, except August, in Tesco Crooksfoot Community Room. We are part of a global organisation whose aims are to improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment or enabling opportunities and to be a global voice for increasing access to education and leadership for women and girls. We support local, national and international projects which have the same aims. In addition we also have fun, with a programme of social activities. If you think you may be interested in joining us do please give us a call.

Contact Sue Wood 01233 623902 Enjoy Learning offers enjoyable adult classes in NEW ROMNEY, DYMCHURCH and HYTHE. We teach ART APPRECIATION & SPANISH CLASSES. The Spanish Classes are not for complete beginners, but if you have done a bit of Spanish in the past and would like to brush up your skills, the classes might be suitable. Cost £5 per week. For further details contact ANDREW and DEBBY on 01303 875542

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Our Community Arts and Education programme offers a wide selection of short courses, day schools and part-time learning opportunities.

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health & beauty

Beauty

Shades of Autumn

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

This issue we’re looking at makeup, including the key trends for autumn/winter.

As your tan fades, you may find that you want slightly more foundation. ’Contouring’ is the art of using different shades to add definition to your face. Lighter tones highlight areas and make them stand out slightly, while darker tones add shadow and depth. If you’ve been thinking of trying contouring, but are worried that it will take hours, or make you look a bit fake, read on for our cheat’s guide…

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Start with an overall base that’s the same tone as your natural skin, before adding slightly darker shades under your cheekbones and along your jawline. Use a lighter shade on top of the cheekbones, under the eyes and between your eyebrows. And don’t forget to blend well! If you’re still not convinced, try searching online for video tutorials. MAC has some great ones on its website, for example. When it comes to the product itself, a cream tends to give a fresher appearance. Iconic London’s Multi Use Cream Contour Palette, £32.99, is a good choice, as it has several easy-to-apply shades in one kit, which also doubleup as eyeshadows.

If you don’t fancy contouring, but do want to add a touch of colour to your cheeks, Colorescience Pressed Mineral Cheek Colore, £28, is a good choice.

Available in five shades, including a natural looking coral, it’s easy to apply, blends well and lasts for ages. Colorescience is available from www.beauty-product-online. co.uk Want to master the perfect autumnal smokey eye? Neal’s Yard Remedies tells us how*:

• Apply a tawny brown shadow over the entire eyelid and up into the socket line using a medium eyeshadow brush. Apply to the lower lash line with a small eyeshadow brush.

• Using a medium brush, apply a dark hazelnut shade to the outer corner of the lid and blend into the crease of the socket line. Blend the colours using soft back and forth strokes. Apply dark brown mascara.

• Press a dark chocolate eyeliner into the eyelash roots, moving along the upper lash line. Go over this with a precise line, staying close to the lashes. Draw eyeliner along the lower lash line from the outer to the inner corner.

Statement lips don’t have to be red.

We love Bobbi Brown’s new Lip Trio in Twilight Glow, £39 – the perfect shade for autumn. One of the key looks for this season is ‘polished’. Think sophisticated, ‘grown-up’ make-up. The Lip Trio is perfect for this, as it gives you perfectly defined lips, with just a hint of gloss.

Victoriana looks set to become another one of this season’s key looks. Forget soft romantic frills though; this is Victoriana with an edge. Think dark, gothic eroticism. If you don’t fancy going the whole shebang, you can dip your toe (or fingertip) in the water with a dark red or purple nail varnish.

We like Vamp by HJ Manicure, which is £9.50 and doesn’t contain the strong chemicals often found in nail polishes, such as formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. * Taken, with permission, from Neal’s Yard Remedies’ new Beauty Book.

health & beauty

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health & Lifestyle

Health Sitting Comfortably? It Could Be Killing You.

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Even if you exercise regularly, too much sitting could significantly shorten your life.

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With employment and entertainment becoming ever more sedentary, sitting down for hours is the norm for many of us.

But in the last decade, research has increasingly proved that prolonged sitting is a health risk in itself, regardless of how much or how little exercise we do, and can cause irreversible damage.

Disturbing Research A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2008 estimated that for every hour we sit watching TV after the age of 25, our life expectancy decreases by 21.8 minutes, while a 2012 study in the Lancet estimated that inactivity causes 9% of premature deaths. So how does sitting shorten life expectancy?

Recent studies showed a 147% increase in the incidence of cardiovascular events (incidents causing heart muscle damage) and a 112% increase in diabetes risk amongst those spending longest sitting, compared to

those who sat least.

Inactivity is known to increase breast and colon cancer risk too - and unsurprisingly, obesity. James Levine, Director of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative, has said he believes sitting is more dangerous than smoking. “We are sitting ourselves to death.”

We know prolonged inactivity results in decreased bone density, and evidence now shows it reduces the action of enzymes that maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some experts have suggested the effects of prolonged sitting may partially resemble those of zero gravity, causing the accelerated ageing, bone and muscle loss that occurs in astronauts.

Unfortunately, exercise sessions aren’t a “cure for too much sitting,” explains Professor Marc Hamilton, from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in Men’s Health.

“The average person could never do enough to counteract the effect of hours and hours of chair time.”

Tackling the Problem A moderately active lifestyle which includes housework, walking or gardening is ideal.

Take regular active breaks from seated activities like reading and watching TV: mop the floor, take a quick walk, or do a few minutes of ‘step’ (an exercise step isn’t required. Stairs will do). You could also consider: • Reducing your sitting time by standing on public transport,

walking or biking to the station, or getting off the bus earlier.

• Standing or walking while on the phone.

• A standing desk, a desk that converts between sitting and standing, or a unit that converts your normal desk to a standing one.

• A treadmill desk (or attach a bracket or stand to your treadmill).

• Sitting on a yoga ball; your core muscles will be used constantly to retain balance.

• Walking or organising a sporting activity at lunchtime.

• Active Sitting. It won’t replace standing or walking, but makes sitting healthier. Try raising your heels up and down; contracting your stomach muscles; raising and lower your lower leg from knee height or whole leg from hip height; swivelling your office chair using just your hips; tensing, stretching and bending your arms; rolling your shoulders.

• Using the Pomodoro Technique, described here: http:// pomodorotechnique.com/. This time management technique inserts regular breaks – that’s the time to get active.

So next time you’re about to start something, stop. Does it have to be done sitting down? If not, then don’t sit! Bear in mind, though, that constant standing isn’t ideal either. Experts recommend aiming for a 50/50 split between sitting and activity.

health & Lifestyle

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19/08/2015 14:53:54

Centenary Celebrations: the WI turns 100 1915 First WI meeting venue This month marks one hundred years since the first UK Women’s Institute (WI) meeting. As the WI celebrates its centenary, we look at its history and its role today.

A Slow Start

As the twentieth century began, few branches of the new AOS (Agricultural Organisation Society) welcomed women, and female attendees were often too afraid of ridicule to speak. Yet in Canada, the Farmer’s Institutes had inspired women to found WIs to share knowledge on farming and raising a family. The movement spread throughout Canada and to the USA, Poland and Belgium.

However, in the UK, WIs weren’t established until the arrival of Madge Watt, a founder member of British Columbia’s first WI. Her speech about the vital contribution women could make to the war effort through working the land to grow food helped persuade the AOS to appoint her as founder of WIs in the UK. WIs would provide a hub for sharing knowledge about agriculture and home industries, and for social activities, but would initially focus on increasing food production to counter WW1 shortages.

The first UK WI meeting was held on 16th September 1915 in Llanfair PG, and by 1918 there were 99 WIs. Soon the WI became independent from the

Board of Agriculture; the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) was formed in October 1917 and began publishing its Home and Country magazine in 1919.

With WW1 over, the WI urged members to become active citizens and stand for election at local and parliamentary level. In 1921 WI member Mrs Margaret Winteringham became the first English born female MP and the second woman in Parliament.

By 1924, when Jerusalem was adopted as the WI song, there were 3,223 WIs.

World War Two to Diamond Jubilee

The WI had continued to support the League of Nations, and was preparing for war once again.

Lady Denman, the WI chair, became Director of the Women’s Land Army in 1938 and WI Preservation Centres played a vital role, canning produce and making jam to turn over 5,300 tons of potential waste into food for the nation. Meanwhile, the NWFI’s 1941 report on evacuees, Town Children through Country Eyes, stimulated debate about families that ultimately resulted in the family allowances after the war.

Queen Mary had become President of the Sandringham WI in 1919, and in 1943 her daughter Elizabeth joined the WI too. In

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

1945, the WI founded Denman College.

With the war over, the WI spread its wings, beginning the fifties with a national music festival.

Members also designed a house ideal for a working family for the Ideal home Exhibition (including a porch for muddy boots).

1965 was a significant year. The rule prohibiting the founding of WIs in places with populations over 4,000 was abolished, and representatives from 8,700 WIs celebrated the WI’s Golden Jubilee at a special garden party at Buckingham Palace. WIs also compiled Scrapbooks of the Countryside, now held in Local Record Office archives. The sixties ended with performances of The Brilliant and the Dark, an NFWIcommissioned musical following women’s lives throughout the centuries.

In 1974 the number of WIs reached an all-time high of 9,309, just in time to celebrate the institution’s Diamond Jubilee in 1975. At the AGM that year, the NFWI confirmed its belief in ‘the principle of equality of opportunity and of legal status for men and women’ and pledged it would continue to work towards it.

A Thoroughly Modern Institution

In the 1980s, the WI made its first appearance at the Chelsea Flower

Show and launched a three year campaign to raise the profile of the WI, culminating in the WI Life and Leisure Exhibition at Olympia in 1984, opened by the Queen.

There was a growing awareness of modern technology and current concerns as the WI moved into the 1990s and it campaigned with partners on several issues, including a project to promote sport as part of a healthy lifestyle. Significantly, in 1999 the WI joined with the National Farmers’ Union to hold A Women in Farming conference, with an address given by The Princess Royal, but perhaps what most overthrew its ‘jam and Jerusalem image’ was the widely reported response of many members to the Prime Minister’s address at their Triennial General Meeting in 2000. Feeling his speech was becoming a party political broadcast, they rewarded him with a slow handclap. However, the WI is still just as committed

voluntary women’s organisation in the UK, with 212,000 members and 6,600 WIs. It still strives to provide women with educational opportunities and campaigns on issues that affect all women and their communities, from equal pay and better midwifery to climate change and the plight of the honey bee, and over the last 100 years it has effected genuine change. So happy birthday, WI; thank you for all you have done, and long may you continue.

1940 Wartime fruit preservation centre to preserving traditional skills as it is to addressing the issues of the day, as demonstrated by their Craft Spectacular exhibition in 2000.

Today, the WI is the largest

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19/08/2014 12:10

Astronomy: A hobby that’s (literally) out of this world Star Trails

The spectacular appearance of the Perseid Shower, every year in high summer, is an event that demonstrates just how exciting watching the night sky can be.

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The Perseid Shower is a stream of space dust and particles that flows behind the rather unromantically named SwiftTuttle comet, forming a glittering procession of meteors. Make the effort to get up early to watch this natural light show and you’ll have a good introduction to astronomy.

Studying the stars and planets can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, whether you are a beginner, observing with the naked eye, or a tech-lover equipped with a substantial telescope and accessories such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera for capturing those nightsky panoramas.

First steps As an amateur astronomer you’ll need to become thoroughly familiar with the night sky: understanding how it changes, not just throughout the hours of a single night, but season by season, and even when viewed from different latitudes.

Most beginners will be tempted to buy a telescope, but remember if you live in an urban area where there is light pollution it’s unlikely you will get a clear view of the night sky, however

powerful your telescope may be.

The size and quality of the lens is important, but be warned: many of the instruments sold by nonspecialist shops are simply not up to the job.

The views of space you can expect with a standard telescope may not match the stunning shots taken from space (without the blurring effect of the earth’s atmosphere), but with a little effort you should be able to see the rich detail on the Moon’s surface, the rings of Saturn and the planet Jupiter’s surface contours, together with its four larger moons. Once you become more familiar with the night sky you may also be able to locate and view distant galaxies and star clusters.

Learning about astronomy There are many online sources of information, books and software packages to help you get to grips with this vast subject: a list of publications is available from the Royal Astronomical Society’s website (www.ras.org.uk).

If you want to make a serious study of astronomy, there are a number of distance learning courses available. The Open University offers a certificate in “Astronomy and Planetary Science”, which provides a basic introduction that can be studied in separate modules: see the OU website at www.open.ac.uk

By Kate McLelland for more information and costs.

Alternatively Liverpool John Moores University offers short courses for under £200 (see www. astronomy.ac.uk).

Joining the astro community Astronomy is fun, but it can be even more enjoyable when you link up with others.

The British Astronomical Association has supported amateur astrologers since 1890 and on their website (www. britastro.org) you can chat to other enthusiasts via BAA’s online forums or find out about meetings and events taking place all over the country.

Astronomy Clubs UK (www. astronomyclubs.co.uk) is also a fantastic resource where you can search for a local club, find blogs and podcasts or search out places to visit.

Whether you’re interested in how the universe was formed, the movements of the planets or the prospect of meeting an alien life form, astronomy is a fascinating and far-ranging topic. It’s a hobby that’s literally out of this world, and there’s no better place to start than in your own (suitably dark) back yard.

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Music at Spring Grove School In May 2014 our special guest, virtuoso jazz violinist Tim Kliphuis, opened the new Spring Grove Music Building. The building marked a new chapter in the development of music and performance at Spring Grove following years of grass-roots encouragement from our music team led by Hilary and Bill Jones. August saw a new beginning when the school ran its first Family Orchestral Course aimed at both children and adults.

Emphasis at Spring Grove is placed on opportunities for all: everyone sings at the school. We perform challenging vocal pieces and are proud that the school “choir� contains all members of the school family including staff and parents. In 2013, to celebrate Benjamin Britten’s centenary everyone sang his Psalm 150, our frequent musical drama performances are designed to be all-inclusive and our celebrated eagerly-anticipated annual House Entertainments bring together the wide-ranging performing talents of the pupils.

A particular highlight of the past year was the recording of a new school song, SG Swings, composed by the headmaster in collaboration with the pupils and performed by all. Two days of filming at the school resulted in a delightful

video that has been visited over two thousand times on You Tube.

Director of Music, Hilary Jones is thrilled with the opportunities afforded by the new building at the school and inspiring music lessons take place every day. Around 75% of our pupils have taken up an instrument in addition to their weekly class music lessons. In addition, the music building has been used for concerts and rehearsals by local professional groups and this summer the outdoor stage will be used for an outdoor garden opera performance.

Family music-making lies at the heart of what we aim to do and through it we can nurture a life-long love of music. Community singing is a vitally important component and the children love to play their instruments both in and out of school often for local church services, jazz events or for the elderly.

Not only does this provide for the children a significant and invaluable life-skill it is also good for them emotionally, physically and spiritually: musical performance encourages teamwork; it is food for the brain, it is good for the soul and it is jolly good fun!

WORDWHEEL

Puzzle Time Sudoku

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

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!

TARGET Excellent: 8 or more words Good: 6 words Fair: 4 words

S B

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Quick Crossword Across 1. Look sulky (4) 3. Trader (8) 9. Saved (7) 10. Tacks (5) 11. Concerns numbers (12) 14. Not working (3) 16. One hundred centimetres (5) 17. Glimpse (3) 18. Recognition (12) 21. Solitary (5) 22. Alleviate (7) 23. Poured onto salad (8) 24. In addition (4) Down 1. Found in Egypt (8) 2. Distressed (5) 4. Finish (3) 5. Substantial (12) 6. E.g. dogs and cats (7) 7. Throw (4) 8. Self-service stores (12)

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12. Loft (5) 13. Twists and turns (8) 15. Condemn (7)

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19. Perfect (5) 20. Hairless (4) 22. Move quickly (3)

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All electrical work undertaken from changing a light bulb to a commercial project.

Contact us on: 01303 812400 / 1 E-mail: larkinelec@btinternet.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

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

Morgan Morris

the home

D J Building Services www.buildinginkent.com

Extensions Loft Conversions Renovations Conservatories Bathrooms Kitchens Alterations Drives Patios Garden Walls GRP Flat Roofing Plans Drawn Fully Insured – No Upfront Payments Premium Builders Canterbury, Ashford Free Estimates and Advice and surrounding Kent villages 0800 6127961 • Traditional Kentish Buildings GemmaShay • Oak Specialists • New Builds Electrical Services Also smaller projects such as: Established ELECSA Part P Registered Electrician All types of work undertaken including: • partition walls • bathroom installation • opening up rooms • Lighting, sockets and rewires, garden electrics • brickwork repair • Fault finding and repairs • kitchen installation • staircase construction

www.morganmorris.co.uk

T: 01303 813 501 M: 07976 027 779

Lancaster Builders (Kent) Ltd BEST MIX - Ready Mix Concrete/Screed Mixed on site: Pay only for what you need from 0.5metres Supply to Domestic / Building Contractors No Waste - No Danger to Environment Barrow Service Available Available 7 days a week

0785 011 5218 / 0773 280 5510

01233 720889 Please Mention The

• Test and Inspect certification • 3 phase installations

Free estimates

Contact Phil Manning

Tel: 07739018050 / 01303 813132

Email: philmanning@gemmashay.co.uk

GP

Electrical & Plastering 07803 417098

www.gpelectricalandplastering.co.uk Friendly, Professional Service - Free Estimates, Fully Insured Plastering Artex Covering Walls and Ceilings Renovations & more...

Electrical Work Consumer Unit Changes Full Rewires Outhouses / Exterior & more...

Peg tiles, Slates, Leadwork Felt and GRP Roofing Over 25 years experience City & Guilds qualified, Fully insured Free estimates TEL 01303 814936 . MOB 07708 471869 www.atlas-roofing.co.uk

village directory When Responding to Adverts

45

useful information Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch

Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden

Crimestoppers

Contact Mike Wharrad

101 0800 555 111

Out of Hours Doctor 0845 4349655 William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331

Samaritans

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

08457 90 90 90

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

01233 730190 01303 812180

Parish Councils: Aldington & Bonnington www.aldingtonandbonningtonpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

46

Brabourne & Smeeth Mersham & Sevington

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

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

Royal British Legion CPRE Kent

01233 620 167 01233 714540

Royal Mail Residential Customer Services

08457 740740

National Train Enquiries

Doctors Surgery Hamstreet Surgery Sellindge Surgery

01233 623520

01233 623902 01233 720816

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

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

www.nationalrail.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Veterinary Surgeons Montgomery Vets

01303 813756

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

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

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.

The Village Directory Coverage

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

Boughton Aluph

Charing

Westwell

Pluckley

Eastwell

Orchard Heights

Smarden

Bodsham Hastingleigh Brook Elmsted Wye

Ashford 20,000

Charing Area 4,000

Wye Area 4,000

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

St Michaels Tenterden

Appledore

Small Hythe Wittersham

Dymchurch Newchurch Ivychurch

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

Brookland

St Mary’s Bay New Romney

The Marsh 10,400

Iden Playden East Guldeford Rye Camber

Lydd Dungeness

Call: 01233 720488

or email info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

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