Villages North Oct/Nov 2020 by The Village Directory

The Village Directory Oct/Nov 2020 Edition • Edition 134 • Royal Mail

Villages North

SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE *Deadline for September 2021 entry is 28 October 2020

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Welcome Hi everyone, I do hope you are all keeping well. I’m pleased to report that the vast majority of my advertisers are now back up and running and ready to take your calls. It will be a while before the What’s On pages resume their position, as you would expect, but that day will come! It seems that the reduced opportunity to holiday this year has inspired many to invest in their homes instead. I can relate to that, we’ve finally tackled jobs that I’ve been nagging about for ages! There are still plenty more on my list, but watching the finances is also important, I hear my mum say in my head! Since the beginning of the pandemic I’ve monitored how we are doing in our area, my son was one of many shielding. It appears that we’ve gone from one of the hardest hit areas – so bad that we were on the government’s watch list - to being THE lowest in Kent for new cases, as of 17th Sept. We know that cases are on the rise again in the UK, but it warms my heart to think that we, in and around Ashford, brought about such a marked change. Unfortunately by the time you read this the situation could be quite different. Talking of being careful, I have been made aware of a telephone scam relating to COVID-19 Testing. The scammer is supposedly from NHS Track & Trace, notifying you that you must self-isolate and be tested within 72 hours. They request your details in order to send you a kit but then ask for your card details payment of £50. Please don’t fall for it, put the phone down. There is no charge for NHS Testing.

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

Dec/Jan Edition Deadline 10th Nov.

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Pets Corner

Fireworks Phobia If your pet becomes really distressed during bonfire season, it could be that they have ‘firework phobia’. RSPCA animal behaviour expert Dr Samantha Gaines says: “Firework phobia in pets is a treatable condition and we recommend planning ahead to help your pet cope. For example, if your dog really seems to suffer, your vet may suggest referral to a clinical animal behaviourist to teach him/her to deal with the sounds, or suggest the use of diffusers which disperse calming chemicals into the room.” It is also a good idea to provide your dog with a safe haven – perhaps under some furniture or in a cupboard – and it is best to get them used to this before the season starts. Choose somewhere quiet and help him to learn that being there is positive and that no harm will come to him. You can do this by giving him toys or a variety of chew toys. Small animals that live outside should have lots of extra bedding so they can burrow. Some of

their enclosure could be covered by a blanket for extra insulation and soundproofing. If you are planning to bring them indoors just before the fireworks are likely to start, then introduce this a week or two in advance. Finally if you are using fireworks yourself, try to stick to traditional celebration dates like Bonfire Night, when most animal owners will be expecting fireworks and will hopefully have made preparations to help their animals cope.

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Located in Charing

PHILLIP S WITTS Cabinet Maker & Joiner Est 1980 www.phillipswitts.co.uk Bespoke Kitchens at competitive prices Design to Completion including site survey Solid Wood Carcasses - painted or natural using Oak, Ash and many other woods. Worksurfaces - using Granite, Corian, Quartz, Hi-Macs and more.

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Would you like to grow some fruit in your garden, but are a bit short on space? There’s a simple solution: make the fruit work in more ways than one. Fruit trees, canes and bushes need not be just productive and tasty, but can also be made to perform other functions in a garden – and with a bit of extra thought and creativity, you can make best use of their good looks too. Fruit plants are available at most times of year, but it is between about now and early next year that the widest selection is available from specialist fruit nurseries as ‘bare root’ plants, and this is also the perfect time to plant fruit. A simple and otherwise boring metal arch can easily be transformed into a fruity delight if you train tree fruit such as apples or pears up the vertical sides and over the top. Make sure you have perfect pollination (and so maximum crops) by choosing two different apples, one planted up each side of the arch. Choose apples in the same pollination group and they will each pollinate the other. You can use cordon apples or simple ‘whips’ (basically a straight stem and the least expensive way to buy fruit). A good fruit tree nursery will be able to advise you as to the best combination to grow. Cherries can do surprisingly well in a large pot or planter, or in a wooden half-barrel. The combination of their lovely white blossom in

spring followed by shiny cherries in the summer also means that they make an attractive plant for a sunny, sheltered patio or back yard. When you buy your cherry make sure you ask for one on what is called a ‘dwarfing rootstock’, such as Gisela 5, meaning that the variety you select has been grafted on to a different cherry – one that will ensure it does not get too big. If space is really limited then there are many types of fruit that take up extremely little space. You can either get varieties sold as Ballerina apples or, for even better value and to increase the range of varieties you can choose from, choose cordon apples or pears and simply train them vertically. These will form columnar trees that can be spaced 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart. To keep the shape good and compact, you’ll need to prune the fruiting laterals in summer and restrict the height of the trees to 1.8-2.4m (6-8ft). Perfect for planting at the front of a vegetable plot or a flower border, a stepover is basically trained to form just one ‘arm’ of fruit to the left and one to the right. You can buy these readytrained and the horizontal arms are generally about 45cm (18ins) above ground level, meaning that you can easily step over the apple. Covered with blossom in spring and fruit later in the summer, they look great and taste wonderful too!

The Garden Hybrid berries can also be trained over arches to form useful shade and a very delicious crop. There are several options – one of my favourites is when they are loosely tied to a chunky wooden arch. You can then enjoy the flowers in spring or summer, and the rich good looks of the fruit in summer or autumn.

Vines are another great option, and have the potential to produce a good crop in the UK if grown in a sheltered, sunny spot. They can be trained over a wall or allowed to grow over a pergola to create shade. Many vines have leaves that take on fabulous autumnal colours. There was a time when growing a peach in this country meant having massive greenhouses (and fleets of gardeners to tend them!), but nowadays there are a number of varieties readily available that grow well and produce a very worthwhile crop. If you have the space, I’d recommend Avalon for its ability to crop in a warm summer, but there are several varieties available on sufficiently dwarfing root stocks that will do well in goodsized containers. Try peach Bonanza grafted on to a St Julien rootstock to keep it compact, which has attractive pink blossom and, despite its dwarf size, produces full-sized fruit.

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Strawberries in a pot can crop heavily if kept well fed and watered. Either plant them into a large pot or other container full of good quality compost, or go for a special strawberry planter – which is rather like a large urn with lots of planting holes around the sides where one strawberry plant goes into each hole. The end result looks good and you’ll have the added advantage that it is harder for the slugs and snails to get to the fruit! Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.

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The Garden

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The Garden

By Katherine Sorrell

é This playful lamp contrasts deep fringing with the soft glow of a spherical bulb. Atmosfera fringe table lamp by Slamp Lighting, £386, Chaplins: 020 8421 1779; chaplins.co.uk. ç Colour and pattern – if you’re going for a granny chic bathroom, this is the way to do it! Shells And Pearls Wallpaper in lilac, £65 per roll, Catherine Rowe: 07969 845 703; catherinerowedesigns.com.

This comfortable, colourful, chintzy look could also be called ‘granny chic’ – and it’s the style of the moment for youngsters and the young at heart. They say that if you wait long enough, all fashions will come around again. And for the Millennial generation (roughly speaking, those in their twenties and thirties now) the trend du jour harks back to the cosy style of their mothers and even grandmothers – a look that has been dubbed ‘granny chic’ or ‘grandmillennial’. Could it be that this cohort is seeking familiarity and security in an uncertain world? That wouldn’t be so surprising. It is certainly a trend that, however old you are, is a welcome change from the cold, monochromatic, minimalist looks that we have seen in recent years. Grandmillennial is definitely nostalgic (and not in an ironic way), but it’s timeless rather than outdated, combining a more-is-more approach with a careful edit of

traditional elements alongside modern touches. It’s fun, pretty, happy and approachable; all in all an invigorating expression of individuality. Furniture Essentials Dark wood furniture is having a moment once again. Good quality, polished walnut, mahogany or rosewood, for example, all work with this look. On the other hand, wicker, rattan and cane pieces will also fit right in – think headboards, occasional chairs and small tables. When it comes to relaxing, choose the super-comfortable Victorian style of deeply buttoned upholstery, in the form of sofas, armchairs and ottomans – or even (think back to your nanna’s house) a pouffe. Velvet or chenille are both great fabrics to use, with a desirably soft, tactile and warmly traditional feel. Embellishments Ever since the Modernists decried the use of ornamental additions, interiors have become

more and more pared down and unadorned. Not with this style! Extravagant embellishments are your go-to for perfecting the grandmillennial look. Tassels, fringes, gathered skirts, pleats, scalloped edges, ruffles, braids and ribbons. These are the little extras that make this look interesting and different. Can you have too many? Maybe, but why not give it a try anyway?

as blue-and-white china, Staffordshire dogs or milk glass. Finish it all off with some block-printed or monogrammed napkins, botanical prints, an ornate mirror and – for their scent as well as beautiful looks – a cut-glass vase of hydrangeas, peonies or roses.

Pattern and Colour Pattern and colour are the heart of this design style, and while it’s true to say that they can be bolder and more layered than in the average home, that doesn’t mean they can be a complete free-for-all. Colours might be bright but they are also fresh rather than overpowering, with designs often on a white or pale background, or at least carefully controlled so they don’t clash (or at least, only clash tastefully). Wallpapers are a big feature in the grandmillennial room, but if an entirely papered room is not for you, a good alternative is a framed panel – and cheaper, too. Favoured colours are classic blue and white, pink, green and yellow (imagine a bouquet of summer flowers from a country garden), with specific patterns to look out for including chinoiserie, chintz or blowsy florals, toile de jouy and trellis. Accessories Few accessories could be as appropriate for the grandmillennial room as a hand-embroidered cushion in traditional style but bearing a sarcastic modern slogan: the ultimate in traditional with a twist. A selection of colourful, not too-wellmatched cushions in general is a good addition, as well as charming displays of collections such The Rise of the Grandmillennial The term ‘Grandmillennial’ was coined by Emma Bazilian in an article for American House Beautiful in October 2019. A selfconfessed grandmillennial herself, she identified a set of Instagram influencers who might post photos of themselves wearing floral maxi dresses or with dining tables carefully laid with block-printed napkins and white hydrangeas. “Grandmillennials have an affinity for design trends considered by mainstream culture to be ‘stuffy’ or ‘outdated’ – Laura Ashley prints, ruffles, embroidered linens,” she wrote. “Unlike that of the late-aughts hipster, their taste for the antiquated isn’t ironic, it’s

é Pile on the cushions and the blowsy, oversized, flower-print textiles. Add a buttoned sofa or armchair for good measure. Liberte chair, £899; Isabella velvet scatter cushions, £30 each; all Sofology: 03444 81 81 81; sofology.co.uk.

less twee than timeless.” She interviewed several young interior designers about the trend, who described the rise in interest in ‘oldschool’ design, with layers of bolder colours and patterns and a highly individual approach. And as Manhattan-based designer Ariel Okin explained, grandmillennials “appreciate the staying power of good, well-edited design, while putting their own fresh spin on it to make it feel updated and unique.” If you want to find out more about the style, look at these Instagram feeds: @grandmillenniallifestyle; @ grandmillennialshop; @grandmillennialdecor; @amyberryhome; @clarybosbyshell; @ arielokin; @lilsemckenna; @emilycbutler; @ lycettedesigns and @grand.millennial.

ONLINE ART CLASSES IN 2020

WITH JENNIFER HEDLEY

“Whether you’ve never painted before, want to brush up with your skills in 2020, this is the online class for you!” ‘During this time of social distancing doing Art at home is good for you especially during these uncertainties. Art has begun to feel a respite or an escape but a formidable tool for gaining perspective on what are increasingly troubled times.’

Jennifer is a professional artist with 12 years teaching experience, she exhibits regularly in Kent and London. With her expert tuition and a supportive environment, you will be surprised at what you can achieve. You will learn drawing and painting skills, own materials will be required. All abilities welcome!

Mondays 10am-1pm. £10 per lesson (or £40 for 4 lessons in a block) We will meet in a closed Facebook group, private YouTube channel and 1-to-1 help over the phone if needed. To book a place please contact Jennifer Hedley 07534 409119

indianlights@live.co.uk

Even though more places are now beginning to reopen, we are still encouraged to socially distance, therefore creating art at home is good for you during these uncertain times. Art can provide respite or an escape, and is a formidable tool for gaining perspective on what are increasingly troubled times. I am a professional artist with 12 years of teaching experience, I have exhibited regularly in Kent and London. With my expert tuition and a supportive environment, you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve. You will learn drawing and painting skills, all abilities are welcome! I have been running a successful, regular Art Class at the Creek Creative in Faversham every Monday for almost 5 years. My adult students have been attending my classes for many years and enjoy producing beautiful art pieces. Within the group good friendships have been formed, therefore, it was especially important to keep the group running throughout lockdown. I had to think quickly and adjust the format of my classes to change from face to face classes to virtual, online classes once a week. I purchased a flexible arm mount stand from Amazon for my iPhone and began taking videos of my lessons, then uploading the tutorials to my closed Facebook group ‘Arty Creatives’ weekly. I also uploaded the resources plus inspirational quotes.

Like the majority, I was at home during lockdown week on week, so preparing my lessons for the online Art Class every Monday gave me structure, it made me feel useful, knowing I was helping others to produce lovely art pieces at home each week. My adult students would send me photos of the paintings on WhatsApp, email and Facebook and I would upload a weekly gallery online. I was amazed by the standard of art produced each week, and from the feedback I received from my students. They said, ‘it was a godsend’ and ‘so important and therapeutic during these unprecedented times’. I think the aim in the future would be to have a post lockdown exhibition to show the public what they have all created at home. I think some of the paintings will act as a social commentary on these times, especially the project inspired by Grayson Perry’s Art Club ‘Home’. My students created paintings of food that brought them comfort during these times, like tinned tomato soup, bread flour and interestingly more of the necessities that were in short supply at the start of the pandemic like antibacterial gel and toilet roll. It has been a wonderful journey with our online Art Classes, it has provided my adult students with some much needed structure, a period of escapism, and brought us joy when it could be hard to find at times. My students have learnt to dance in the rain, and I feel immensely proud of what they have achieved. We painted rainbows like the NHS symbol, we painted house plants, items from our homes, our houses, our kitchens, places and landscapes where we wanted to escape to, and most recently beautiful paintings on the theme of ‘Water’. In September we are painting ‘Animals’, as I know our pets have given us comfort during this time. We have adapted to virtual Art Classes, yet we have stayed together and created art that has been healing and good for the soul. I will be running my socially distanced Art Classes back at the Creek Creative in September, face to face, but many of my students want to continue with my online classes too, so I am open to new students joining. You will need to supply your own art materials; you do not have to do the class on a Monday, just fit it in at any time in the week. I will provide tasks and inspiration. Do get in touch, my email is indianlights@live.co.uk. Keep painting, stay positive, and see the benefits of being creative regularly.

Call Jennifer Hedley 07534 409119 indianlights@live.co.uk

A stunning new later-living village in Leeds, Kent.

A range of one and two-bedroom properties with wellness spa, cafĂŠ, bistro restaurant, cinema and more.

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Please call 01622 805 857 to make an appointment or visit lediangardens.co.uk Upper Street, Leeds, near Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1RZ

F_IVG_1052 Ledian Gardens - The Village Directory - FP - Oct/Nov 20 Issue - Hyperlocal.indd 1

10/09/2020 13:29

Pieces of jewellery have so many stories behind them and to be able to make a piece that is part of a love story, family history or friendship is very special. I established my business Chloe May Jewellery in May this year during lockdown. I specialise in making bespoke jewellery such as engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I can also redesign and remake existing pieces of jewellery into something new. I have always wanted my own jewellery business so that I would know the story behind the pieces I make: who it is for, if it’s a surprise, what it means to the client or why they chose a particular design. It’s a very special moment seeing my clients faces when they open the box and see the piece of jewellery they have been thinking about getting handmade for a while. My jewellery is all custom made by hand starting with the design. It always starts with an initial consultation and from there I draw a selection of ideas for my clients to choose from and can help guide them so their jewellery is as they pictured. I always source the materials myself using high quality graded diamonds and gemstones. My workshop is just outside of Ashford where my clients can come and see the journey of their piece of jewellery being handmade. I completed a five year apprenticeship in London’s Hatton Garden training as a Diamond Mounter through The Goldsmiths’ Company which has supported apprentices since the 14th century. After finishing my apprenticeship I became a Freeman of the City of London and 16

was admitted into the Guild of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’. I then went on to train in Paris where I developed my skills further at a jewellery company making high end jewellery. In my career so far I have won 3 industry awards for my craftsmanship as a diamond mounter. I am also very proud to be one of Retail Jeweller’s Rising Stars of 2019 and an Ambassador for the Women’s Jewellery Network. If you would like a consultation about a bespoke piece of jewellery you would like handmade please have a look at my website www.chloemayjewellery.co.uk for more information about how I can help you.

The Home

Stephen Jepson Joinery & French Polishing

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The Home

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New Head for Spring Grove School The start of the new school year has seen a new Head for Spring Grove School in Wye, as Therésa Jaggard has taken over from Bill Jones, who retired in August after 12 years at the school. While September was the official start of Mrs Jaggard’s headship she was already well-known to the Spring Grove community, having spent a ‘handover’ term at the school since Easter. Mrs Jaggard taught online as part of the team that delivered the SG Home Learning programme during the Covid-19 lockdown, as well as welcoming the children back to school for a few weeks at the end of the Summer term. Under Mr Jones’ leadership Spring Grove established an enviable reputation for the creative arts, particularly music and drama, and Mrs Jaggard is well placed to continue these traditions - she is a talented violinist, pianist and singer herself, and music is a lifelong passion. Education is another passion - Mrs Jaggard has experience in both the state and independent education sectors, and most recently was Deputy Head Teacher at Leybourne, St Peter and 20

St Paul CEP Academy. At Leybourne Mrs Jaggard led the school through Academy conversion, as well as introducing Forest School to the curriculum - another good fit for her headship at Spring Grove with its well-established and multi award-winning Forest School. As Spring Grove’s new Head she plans to continue to grow the culture of the school, where wellbeing and academic rigour go hand in hand, while preserving the school’s strong foundations and traditions. So having already completed a full term of teaching at Spring Grove, in the strangest of circumstances, what were Mrs Jaggard’s first impressions of the children? “They are curious, confident and creative - and they clearly love learning and enjoy living! After my first term at the school I can confidently say that it's a ‘great place to grow’!”

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The Book Nook

This edition’s book review is dedicated to promoting our own local writers, if you wish to be put in touch with any of them please contact The Village Directory

Tales From Mother Earth, Phoebe The Bee - Jen Bailey, Ashford. In these troubled times, we are all very aware of the importance of conservation and doing all we can to nurture and encourage generations young and old to appreciate the natural world. Therefore, the collective mission is to collaborate and bring about a lasting change, one that will encourage wildlife to prosper and one that will ultimately benefit us all. By compiling a realistic and touching animal and insect series of children’s picture and audio books, they aim to raise awareness among the young, highlighting the current threats our wildlife is facing from erosion of natural habitat, climate change and plastic pollution. Phoebe the Bee is the first story which it is hoped will ignite the conservationist in all who read it and empower them to help in some way. Visit www.talesfrommotherearth.co.uk for more.

Our Magistracy, A Democratic Jewel Beyond Price - John Hosking, Charing A rare insight and celebration of the magistracy which explains why local participation by ordinary citizens is so crucially important. Among other things the book deals with the nature of summary justice, day-to-day practicalities, major devel-opments, economics, management and changing times. Author John Hosking casts his experienced eye over the magistra-cy’s fascinating history of local administration and the core values of justices of the peace before identifying mistakes by politicians, bureaucrats and others which threaten the continuance of this 650-year-old institution. Thoroughly informed and based on first-hand experiences the book shows why we should all wish to protect what Lord Bingham, Lord Chief justice, described as ‘a democratic jewel beyond price’. Visit www.watersidepress.co.uk for more information.

It Must Have Been The Compo - Mike Huss, Ashford It was autumn of 1964 – with one war about to end and one about to start – although no one knew about that yet. You have just turned 19, a young soldier, a Staff Clerk by trade, and you are about to discover that the Army’s maxim of ‘soldier first – tradesman second’ is about to be put into practice. Now in your role as a soldier, you are to be issued with a rifle and bayonet – no bullets! Because that nice Mr Healey thinks you might shoot a citizen of an oil-rich state, causing all sorts of problems. So, much better a dead soldier than an annoyed oil-rich nation. Mike was born in London and raised in Surbiton. He left the grammar school at 18 and joined the regular army straight from school. He was then stuck in war zone for two years and the book is largely a summary of his time there as expressed in the person of his alter-ego hero, ‘Jack’. He met his wife, Janet, in Aden. A varied career with a N. Ireland Training Board, a group training association, being Personnel Director and Tribunal Advocate resulted in writing the Dear Doctor employment law column in Sunday Times for 10 years. Visit www.amazon.co.uk to view/buy.

Folkestone’s Lost History - Mark Newman, Romney Marsh

Both interesting an informational, this book recalls some of Folkestones lost treasures from over the years. Written by Mark Newman this books tells you all about the history of Folkestone, and some of its historical gems that have been slowly forgotten about over the years. Locals of Folkestone have bee recruited to share their knowledge of the history of Folkestone, many photographs were also shared to add to the story of historical Folkestone making this a very personal, but also compelling read. Contact The Village Directory

The Home

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Makes 14 Ready in 30 mins, plus chilling • 50g hazelnuts, chopped • 50g pecans, chopped • 50g dried ready-to-eat apricots, chopped • 50g Medjool dates, stones removed and chopped • 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter • 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted • 50g desiccated coconut • 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup

These no-bake energy balls are packed with dried fruit and nuts and are great for on-the-go snacks. They can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. 1. Place the hazelnuts and pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. 2. Add the apricots, dates, peanut butter, coconut oil and half the coconut to the processor and process until everything is combined. Add the honey or agave syrup and pulse briefly. 3. Divide and shape the mixture into about 14 balls. Spread the rest of the coconut on a plate and roll each ball in the coconut to coat. Chill for 1 hour or until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

TIP Use any combination of nuts you prefer and replace the dried apricots with dried figs or prunes for a change of flavour.

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Fresh meat for delivery on Oct 5th or frozen (straight from the butcher) every Friday. Whole box approx 16kg, £140 Half box approx 10 kg, £87.50 Quarter box approx 4.5kg £35.48 £8.75 per kg plus £2.88 packaging.

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PA L P S E You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6-letter word will always be just a normal everyday word. 3 letters: 12 4 letters: 18 5 letters: 8 6 letters: 1

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Coping with

Arthritis By Catherine Rose

Put simply, arthritis means inflammation of the joints and can be due to numerous causes. Although it is thought of as a disease of the elderly, it can affect people of all ages, even children. There are more than a hundred different types, including psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis and reactive arthritis to name just three. Over 10,000 people in the UK live with the disease.

Arthritic symptoms can be very debilitating, with joint pain, stiffness, loss of movement, swelling and bone deformity. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the knees, hips, spine, and fingers. It occurs when cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the joints wears away or becomes damaged through illness or injury. The rate at which cartilage thins over time may also have a hereditary factor. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its synovium – the soft tissue around joints that produces lubricating synovial fluid. Over time, this damages the joint. It can also lead to systemic symptoms such as generalised fatigue, loss of appetite and even anaemia. Sadly, arthritis is not curable but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms. The first step is to go and see your GP, who can check your joint condition and range of movement and refer you to a specialist for assessment. A blood test can diagnose whether you have rheumatoid arthritis, while X-rays and scans can detect osteoarthritis with its telltale thinning of cartilage, swelling and the bony spurs that can develop called osteophytes.

Treatments for arthritis aim to reduce pain and swelling and help with movement. They can include medication, physiotherapy, walking and other aids, steroid injections into the joint, or in severe cases, either a full- or part-joint replacement. When it comes to alleviating pain, the following medication can be prescribed: analgesics for pain; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen-based Naproxen which reduces inflammation as well as pain; topical ointments; or steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets such as Prednisone and Cortisone. There are also anti-rheumatoid drugs available that suppress the immune system response. Targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joint will help alleviate pressure and reduce pain. A physiotherapist will give you exercises to do and monitor your improvement. One of the knock-on effects of having arthritis is that it can cause imbalance of movement, as you unconsciously put more weight on the less affected knee or hip joint for example, resulting in increased stress on other joints, which leads to more pain and joint problems. Gentle strengthening exercises such as swimming, yoga and Pilates are all helpful. A relatively new and effective treatment for osteoarthritis is AposTherapy®, which works to realign your joints and improve your gait or walking pattern through the

Health & Lifestyle daily wearing of special customised footwear. Treatment can take several years but results over time have shown greatly decreased levels of pain in patients.

joined to the hip socket. This would only be offered when the resulting lack of movement is the better alternative. Losing weight will help as it reduces pressure on the joints. You may find that certain foods exacerbate your arthritis, so omitting those foods and choosing a diet rich in antioxidants can be beneficial. Avoiding fatty, processed and sugary foods often makes a difference.

Applying heat pads or ice packs can also help temporarily relieve pain and/ or swelling. The most important thing is to keep the joint moving as much as possible. Although your instinct may be to rest, this will be detrimental in the long term. Your doctor may recommend you for surgery. This most commonly involves having either a hip or knee replacement. Currently knee replacements do not last as long as hip replacements, so consultants are not as willing to carry them out on younger people. Another more extreme form of surgery undertaken in certain cases is joint fusion. This can be done on fingers for example, or the hip (known as a girdlestone operation) where the diseased ball joint is removed and the femur

There are also supplements available over the counter that reduce inflammation and support joint health, such as curcumin and glucosamine. It is now believed that some people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are sensitive to gluten, so cutting this out of your diet may be worth trying. Living with arthritis is not always easy, but do not despair as there is help available.

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By Kate Duggan

Show yourself some extra kindness this autumn Many of us have been inspired to exercise more this year. Exercise can boost your mood and ease anxiety, as well as help to keep you healthy. But as the days grow shorter and colder, it’s all too easy to let those good habits slip. If you need some extra motivation to keep up (or increase) your activity level, why not try: • Exercising with a friend or family member. • Giving a different kind of exercise a go, such as martial arts or an online dance class. • Downloading the Couch to 5K app by Public Health England (I recommend choosing Sarah Millican as your personal trainer). • Treating yourself to some new fitness togs. While you can don’t need expensive gym gear, it’s important to at least be comfortable while you work out, and you’ll need decent trainers for outdoor high-impact work. • Setting yourself achievable goals, e.g. being able to jog/swim/cycle/row/walk a certain

distance, gaining the next martial arts’ belt, or just perfecting a new dance routine! Ideally, set small goals that you can reach within the next few weeks, as well as a more ambitious long-term target if you fancy pushing yourself. • Write down why you’re doing this and stick your note somewhere prominent, like the fridge. Keep it simple, such as “I’m going to exercise three times a week to keep myself mentally and physically healthy” or “I’m going to swim every week because I know I feel calmer afterwards” or “I’m going to do Pilates twice a week to keep my body flexible and to enjoy better sleep.”

A good hair day can put a real spring in your step. My new favourite hair product is Percy & Reed’s Smoothed, Sealed & Sensational Volumising No Oil Oil (£15, www.percyandreed.com). A couple of drops smoothed through damp hair helps to reduce frizz, boost shine and add volume. You hair will look healthier and bouncier with minimum effort. If you’re worried about using an oil, don’t be. This one is non-greasy so it won’t turn your hair into an oil slick. As an added benefit, it helps to nourish hair and protect it from heat-related damage. (I do love a multi-tasker.) Know someone who could do with a helping hand to unwind? Meditation app Headspace has launched a series of new gift cards with Boots. Each one gives the recipient a six-month subscription to guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, videos and calming music. There are four themed meditation collections to choose from: Mind, Health, Sleep and Focus. (They all give full access to Headspace and are £30 at www.boots.com.)

Cha Vøhtz’s Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Body Oil is designed to lock in moisture to leave skin feeling softer, smoother and more radiant. More importantly, it smells and feels lovely. As the name implies, this is a luxury product. It’s packed with natural active ingredients, including neroli, pomegranate oil and safflower. And at £25 for 50ml, it’s not cheap. But, if you fancy a treat for your skin and your senses, the oil is available from www.greenpeople.co.uk.

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04/04/2019 15:16

Solving Your Work-from-Home Internet Woes Your internet used to meet your needs. You could check social media and stream a TV show whenever you wanted without trouble. Now, since working from home, you’re finding your internet service more frustrating: it’s too slow when you want to send and receive large work files, or erratic when you take part in video meetings. Here’s help. Blame your service provider

Even if you’re only trying to watch Netflix, just as you used to, you might notice lagging more than before. There are probably more neighbours on their Wi-Fi, too, which can result in congestion in your area.

It’s a good idea to keep your expenses low, and that budget internet service provider (ISP) may not have been a problem in the past. But ISPs may save money by buying less bandwidth. Bandwidth impacts the data transfer rate, which makes a difference to downloads and connectivity. ISPs might also oversell their capabilities, betting that everyone won’t be online at the same time. Yet, now, everyone is!

If you can switch to a 5 GHz connection, do so. The speed will improve. Plus, you’ll find you’re not in competition with as many others, as many home Wi-Fi setups are on the 2.4 GHz frequency.

Some people are fortunate to live in places with full-fiber connections. This uses fiberoptic cable to send more data, more quickly. Others must rely on providers using copper cables. Copper cables are old school and designed to carry call data as electrical pulses. The further your internet signals travel, the more your signal strength falters.

I can help find the right fit.

If poor wired infrastructure to your home is the issue, consider point-to-point Wi-fi, 4G, or 5G. For instance, for Wi-fi, you’d install a Wi-fi dish on your roof pointing to a nearby wireless provider. With a 4G connection, you’d be using cell phone towers. Sorry, the problems at your end It’s possible the internet problem is right there in your home or neighbourhood. You are no longer 34

the only person using your internet connection. You could be trying to download something on one computer while your partner is taking a video call. Maybe you also have kids online in an online classroom.

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Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

Kitting out a child’s bedroom can be extremely pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or upgrading furniture as your child grows, these tips from Kate Duggan might help you to stick to your budget... Look for quality furniture second-hand If you want furniture to last, look for plain, solidly built furniture. We bought my daughter’s chest of drawers when she was a baby. It’s plain white, but we stuck some removable decals on to ‘prettify’ it. And, as it’s decent quality, it’s lasted well (she’s now eleven). It was second-hand and cost well under £50 – contrast this to the new chest of drawers bought subsequently at twice the price, but of nowhere near the same quality. So my top tip is, buy decent furniture secondhand rather than cheap furniture new. Solid pine furniture lasts for years and is easily available second-hand. You can paint it with chalk paint and update it in different colours as your child’s tastes change. I picked up an ugly (but well-built) bureau for £12 a couple of years ago. The result of some chalk paint and new handles is an attractive, unique piece of furniture that could be passed down to future generations.

returned furniture at 25% off, for example, and most items are in perfect condition. At www.nnwarehouse.uk, you’ll find furniture from children’s brand Noa & Nani at knockdown prices. In exchange for accepting a minor cosmetic imperfection (e.g. a small scratch or dent), you could save over 50% on the RRP. At the time of writing, a grey single bed is on sale at £39, rather than the usual £129. There’s also a bunk bed for £89, a wooden toy box for £20 and lots more. Think of resale value If you’re buying for the short term and don’t fancy a customer return, look for brands that you can easily sell on again. Ikea’s Kallax storage units, for example, seem to hold their value well and are robust enough to withstand a few knocks.

Facebook, eBay and Gumtree are good places to look for furniture, as are Freecycle and local charity warehouse stores. I’ve also picked up bargains at my local tip.

Decorating on the cheap Pick up some wooden picture frames from a charity shop and paint them in different coordinating colours. If you’re decorating a baby or toddler’s bedroom, cut out an applique from an outgrown or stained Babygro or T-shirt. Once framed, it looks like a handmade (expensive) piece of art. You could also try sticking colourful buttons on some cardboard in the shape of your child’s initials and then framing it. Or just use pictures from a calendar or even a comic.

Look for customer returns Prefer to buy new? Some stores offer customer returns at a discounted price. Wayfair often sells

You may have a limited budget, but with a bit of perseverance and imagination, you can give your child a room to be proud of.

Important Information Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden

Crimestoppers

101 0800 555 111

Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Samaritans

116 123

www.samaritans.org

Electricity: Contact UK Power Networks 24 hrs a day on 0800 3163 105 / 0333 3232 105 or go online to ukpowernetworks.co.uk Natural Gas:

0800 111 999

Doctors Surgery The Charing Surgery 01233 714490 Willesborough 01233 621626 Wye 01233 884585 Veterinary Surgeons Barrow Hill Vets 01233 624687 Montgomery Vets 01303 813756 Cinque Ports Vets 01233 813003 Milbourne Equine Vets 01233 500505 Parish Councils: Brabourne & Smeeth 01233 623902 Boughton Aluph & Eastwell 01233 720392 Brook 01233 750415 Challock 07895 494851 Charing 01233 713599 Egerton 01622 853558 Hastingleigh 01233 750415 Pluckley 01233 770739 Wye & Hinxhill 01233 812459 Westwell 01233 623902 Ashford Borough Council 01233 331111 www.ashford.gov.uk Ashford Gateway 0845 8 247 247 info:ashfordgateway.co.uk www.ashfordgateway.co.uk Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185 CPRE Kent 01233 714540 Volunteer Centre 01233 665 535 Age UK Ashford 01233 668 765 www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com

Ashford Counselling Service 01233 610083 info@ashfordcounselling.org.uk www.ashfordcounselling.co.uk CARM E: office@carmromneymarsh.org.uk www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support www.forget-me-nots.co.uk Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Transport www.arrivabus.co.uk www.stagecoachbus.com www.nationalrail.co.uk Wealden Wheels: 01233 840000 Village Halls: Boughton Lees Brook Challock Charing Charing Heath Egerton Little Chart or Pluckley Westwell Wye

07986 252558 01233 812803 01233 740504 01233 713599 01622 858296 01233 756630 07753 802814 01233 840396 01233 840280 01233 712107 07504 839 858

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

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The Village Directory Delivered to Your Door by Royal Mail since 2005 Coverage 60,000 Homes & Businesses Call: 01233 720488 or email: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

KIDS PAGE Corals C & F are identical TWO MINUTE TRIAL

3 Letters: ale, alp, ape, asp, lap, lea, pal, pap, pea, sap, sea, spa 4 Letters: ales, alps, apes apse, laps, leap, leas, pale, palp, pals, paps, peal, peas, plea, sale, seal, slap, spae 5 Letters: appel, apple, lapse, leaps, pales, palps, peals, spale

6 Letters: apples

WORDWHEEL - TREMBLE WORD LADDER WALK - talk - tale - tile - rile - RIDE

CROSSWORD

Across: 1 Mist, 3 Tourists, 9 Trestle, 10 Foyer, 11 Explanations, 14 Era, 16 Globe, 17 Sup, 18 Photographer, 21 Ocean, 22 Croquet, 23 Blending, 24 Beef. Down: 1 Muttered, 2 Sleep, 4 Ode, 5 Refrigerator, 6 Sayings, 7 Sore, 8 Straightened, 12 Among, 13 Aperitif, 15 Achieve, 19 House, 20 Tomb, 22 Can. 1

U 9

T 8

T 11

G T

E 10

M L

N O

R R

S R E

S 13

G U

A P E

R G

A I

N 17

T 22

G B

S A

V L

M 23

A C

O D

R 14

S 24

GTP

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

Conservatories

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

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