Villages South April/May 2021 by The Village Directory

The Village Directory Apr/May 2021 Edition • Issue 162 • Royal Mail

Villages South

Ashford Prep School

Where learning is the ultimate adventure. 01233 620 493 | registrar@ashfordschool.co.uk | ashfordschool.co.uk

Welcome Hi everyone, I hope you’re all well and just itching to get back to some sort of normality. I’ve already booked my hair appointment and I’m keeping everything crossed that my niece’s wedding goes ahead in June, it’s been moved twice! We’ve lived in the same house now for over 30 years and during the interminable lockdown that we’ve been living through for the last few months, I’ve tried to make the most of the time by having a clear out. I will keep my language family friendly, but wow, we’ve bought some, err, ‘stuff’ over the years,. My son is 25 but I have a cupboard full of toys from his childhood. I can’t bear to throw out things that are perfectly serviceable. Still one man’s rubbish is another man’s gold as they say and thank goodness for the community Facebook and Freecycle groups which are great for recycling and Gumtree and Ebay for shifting anything that still has value. Rather than let any resale profits go into the day-to-day bank account (aka ‘the black hole’) I’ve made a point of putting the money to one side. As soon as we are allowed, I’m planning to spend that extra cash at local pubs, restaurants and retail outlets. Clearly this will be fun for me, but the local element is the really important aspect here. Spending in our own area is so much more than just helping a business owner return to profitability. Those businesses are employers of people and a higher percentage of young people too. They also use local trades and services which breathe life into our community. Finally, for your own wellbeing, it’s time to reconnect with other human beings. You don’t meet other people spending your money via your computer or phone. Feel good and do good by keeping it local.

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

Jun/July Edition Deadline 10th May

Oshens HairBoutique

For An Appointment Please Call

01233 811981 Closed Wednesday 100 Bridge Street, Wye

All Seasons Garden Services

Over 20 years experience All aspects of garden care undertaken Fully insured

T: 01233 665322 M: 07941 205 374 Email: rob@ashford-gardening.co.uk

Paul Smith Plumbing Services FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS FREE ESTIMATES

Call Paul on 01303 812965 07794005909

BLOCKED DRAINS & PLUMBING Toilets - Gullies - Gutter Cleaning High Pressure Water Jetting C.C.T.V Surveys - No Call Out Charge

Call 073 77 20 20 82

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Call 07545 408 714

Solid Style

Joinery Manufacturer • Listed Building & Conservation Work

• Doors & Windows • Mouldings & Repair Sections • Replacement Sashes & Casements

• Garage Doors • Equestrian Joinery T: 01233 731183 • Free Estimates E: solidjoinery@aol.com

- Reaching all of our rural village homes plus the towns of Ashford, New Romney, Tenterden and Rye -

The Home

Wanstall Ltd are an Ashford based supplier and installer of “A” rated Upvc and aluminium products, roofing services and general building works.

We are a family run business, offering insurance backed guarantees up to 10 years and an unrivalled customer service. We offer a supply only service or fully installed package with all of our products.

Aluminium bi-folds

Composite and Timber Doors

Upvc Windows

Sealed Units

Roller garage doors installed from £900 inc vat

GRP Roofs

Ral colours available on all of our products

01303 812357 / 01233 665745 07815 162663 www.WanstallLtd.co.uk Enquiries@WanstallLtd.co.uk

JMP Electrical are a friendly and reliable family run business offering All Domestic & Commercial Electrical Works Whether you need a light replacing or a complete rewire, we are here to help. All work undertaken. Please call James for a FREE quotation

T: 01233 626081 M: 07976 616756 E: james@jmpelectrical.com W: www.jmpelectrical.com

Dial a Plumber Plumbing & Heating Services • No Call Out Charge • Senior Citizen Discount • Free Estimates • All Aspects of Plumbing & Heating • All Work Guaranteed

N O J OB TOO S MALL Call Noel 07711 66 66 56 / 01233 642233

The Home

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AFTER!

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www.colourfence.co.uk 5

Look out of your window at your lawn and you’ll probably see that it has suddenly taken off and is growing rapidly. This means that now is the perfect time to get to grips with a bit of spring maintenance. True, your lawn will survive without it, but if you want it to look a good deal better than average, then get your skates on! In most areas temperatures should have evened up a little and the soil in beds, borders and under your lawn should hopefully not be wet and soggy. Grass needs regular mowing from now on; in some areas this may mean once a week, so make sure that the mower blades are good and sharp. On so-called utility lawns you will need to cut to about 2.5cm or 1”, while on higher grade smart lawns cut to about 1-1.5cm. Lawns benefit from a specially formulated spring feed at this time of year to encourage good strong growth and strengthen the grasses up after any winter setbacks. If you use a granular formulation, make sure that you water it in well if you cannot time the job so

that the rain does this for you! Give yourself a bit of a workout too and scarify the lawn. This means using a spring-tined rake to pull out any accumulated debris or thatch from the base of the grasses. This allows for a better flow of moisture and air, thus ensuring that the grass grows stronger and more healthily. If your lawn has developed a lot of moss (especially likely if it has suffered compaction, is shaded or has been particularly wet), then apply a proprietary moss killer before scarifying. Use a combined feed and moss killer to save yourself

The Garden time if you like, but whichever product you choose, make sure that you leave the specified time between applying the treatment and raking the dead moss out. If you don’t, the moss problem could become a lot worse, as you’ll spread the pieces of living moss as you rake.

ELECTOR

Worm casts may be there in abundance now too, so if necessary simply use a besom or brush to brush them away or distribute them over the lawn.

It is also worth sorting out any stepping stones that have sunk too low or become uneven. Use a spade to ease them out of the lawn and lift and readjust the level beneath before replacing them. It may sound as if there’s a lot to do, but remember that every hour spent now will make a huge difference to how the lawn looks for the rest of the year!

Humps and bumps in the lawn or indeed any other sort of uneven surface can be dealt with now, but you will need to get this done promptly, just in case the weather gets hot and dry soon. A minor problem can be dealt with using a sandy top-dressing mixture, but if there are some prominent problems then use a sharp spade to cut an ‘H’ shape over the bump or hollow. Now carefully peel back the turf and then remove or add soil as necessary before replacing the turf flaps, firming well and providing a good drink. At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system.

PREPARE YOUR LAWN TO ENJOY THE YEAR AHEAD

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Landscape 2 (approx A6)

Start your Lawn Care journey today: Call: 01227 652351 Email: ashford@greenthumb.co.uk Visit: greenthumb.co.uk

The Lawn Whisperer Spring is in the air and it is the time when many folk start to think about their gardens. The lawn is the centre piece of many properties whether it is ornamental, social or a play area for children and pets.

W: Lawnwhisperer.co.uk LL: 01233 645013 M: 07817 236275 E: thelawnwhisperer@aol.com

y name is Buster and my company The Lawn Whisperer undertakes seasonal lawn care work at residential and business properties in Ashford, the local villages and across the county. I’d like to offer three basic tips regarding Spring lawn care so that you can get the best from your garden naturally: 1.

Fill the gaps: Weeds and moss will take advantage of any weak or balding areas; grab a bucket and mix up some hardy perennial rye grass seed with a top soil, rake the target area and patch the bare spots. Hope for daily rain showers and water well when it doesn’t!

Edges: Tidy the edges of your lawn with a string trimmer or edging iron, take before and after photos – it makes a huge difference to the overall appearance.

Mulching – Use a mulch plug or dedicated mulching mower and give your grass natural nutrients. Mulch cutting leaves tiny, almost invisible clippings to break down into the soil. The added advantage is there will be no grass to collect and dispose of after cutting.

It definitely requires patience to improve or revive your grass but it is often the case of a little TLC making a big difference. You may not have the time or inclination to undertake your own lawn care work, if that’s the case contact The Lawn Whisperer to see if I can help:

I am now fully booked for Spring renovations but welcoming new customers for one off or fortnightly lawn mowing, which is my speciality. Having your grass cut at the correct height with a sharp blade is a great defence against weeds, moss and pests. I offer an eco-friendly service featuring a fleet of high voltage walk behind mowers (no petrol) to suit all gardens and client preferences, whilst aiding the fight against climate change. Returning customers receive a loyalty discount on lawn mowing and price freeze promise extending through the 2022 season. If you’re seeking regular grass cutting or even if you’re just curious to sample a one-off cut with professional cordless equipment, please do get in touch. Lawn mowing is bookable online or via telephone. I look forward to hearing from you.

Buster

The Lawn Whisperer

Lawn Care / Grass Cutting for Residential & Business Eco Friendly - Zero Carbon Tools - Fully Insured lawnwhisperer.co.uk

01233 645013 - 07817 236275 PRIVATE GARDEN LAWN MOWING SPECIALIST - OPEN 7 DAYS

The Garden 5+

The Complete Landscape Service

SJH Pest Control Helpful advice and control of rats, moles and all public health Tel: pests. BPCA/RSPH award 01303 875282 in pest management. Mobile: Fully insured. 07933 712442 Free callout.

Professional Garden & Grounds Maintenance Country Estate Maintenance Paddock Maintenance: Mowing, Hedge Cutting, Spraying Wildflower Meadows Planting Plans & Garden Design Hard & Soft Landscaping Pond Renovation, Clearance & Maintenance Professionally trained & qualified 20+ Years of industry experience Call for a free quote today

Rose: 07971 055 558 01233 770668 E: rose@bghorticulture.co.uk www.bghorticulture.co.uk

All Block Paving types supplied & laid Natural Stone supplied and laid Decking Specialists Full Height Glass or Wood Gazebos & Barbecue Areas Ponds and Patios Free Design and Build Service

Call: 07423 638 193 e: diggroundwork@gmail.com over 25 years professional experience

By Kate Duggan

Books to uplift, inspire and help you to move forwards. The Shift – Sam Baker Whether you’re just approaching the perimenopause or have reached the other side, Shift is a must read. It covers everything from common symptoms to the media’s treatment of ‘invisible women’. You won’t find a list of all the different types of HRT or discover a magic cure-all for hot flushes. Instead, as the subtitle says, it’s the story of how Baker lost (and found) herself after 40 – and how you can too. I loved the author’s wry humour and admission that she doesn’t have all the answers. Interspersed with her writing are quotes from hundreds of women, revealing differing views to the menopause, ageing and life in general. Where Hope Comes From – Nikita Gill Nikita Gill’s poems take the reader on a journey through the stages of grief, onwards to hope. Gill is at high risk from Covid-19 and lives thousands of miles away from her family. Her poems helped her to find a way forward. As she explained on Instagram, “When I realised that I needed to honour my grief and anger, I finally began to work my way through them.” The result is a truly beautiful collection of short poems to help the reader “… come away with a little more joy and hope than before.” One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot – Marianne Cronin A book about two terminally ill friends may not seem like the most uplifting of reads, yet somehow One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot manages to be just that. seventeen-year-old Lenni and eighty-three-year-old Margot meet in hospital. They set themselves a challenge of painting a hundred pictures, one for every year of their lives. As they grow closer, they reveal the stories behind the paintings. While the original focus in on Lenni, it’s Margot’s life, with all its ups, downs and loves lost, that ends up taking centre stage. Do Pause – Robert Poynton Poynton discusses how pausing (whether to reconsider, question yourself, appreciate your surroundings or just rest) can help us to take back control, become more creative and, ultimately, be happier. If you’re struggling to find a balance in life, or find your brain is always ‘on’, this little book could be the coffee break read you’re looking for. The Atlas of Happiness – Helen Russell Helen Russell explores traditions, practices and beliefs from around the world, from the Italian ‘dolce far niente’ (the joy of doing nothing) to Japan’s ‘wabi-sabi’ (appreciating things as they are, with all their imperfections). She also offers advice for embracing some of these practices in everyday life. An enjoyable read to dip in an out of, The Atlas of Happiness might just help you to see life a little differently. Other books to try… I’ve covered these before, but in case you missed them, I highly recommend: • Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library • Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse • Brandon Stanton’s Humans

The Garden Damaged fencing can spoil the appearance of your home

ROOT DAMAGED

WIND DAMAGED

WATER DAMAGED

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E S TALL E R S• D IN

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LISH

ESS

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AB ST

• Gates • Garden Buildings • Competitive & RELIABLE Service

FENCING

Tel: 01233 367038 07500 193703

• • • • •

Block Paving Resin Driveways Gravelling Crazy Paving Hot Laid Tarmacadam

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Professionally Installed, Beautifully Finished No Deposits Required All work fully guaranteed for 5 years

BENSKO

13+

PEST CONTROL & CHIMNEY SWEEP www.benskoservices.co.uk

Pest Control Chimney Sweep Every type of flue swept, pots, cowls & bird guards fitted and Certificates issued after each job. A friendly, clean and reliable service

Ethical pest control services for commercial and domestic customers.

• WASPS • ANTS • FLEAS • FLIES • MICE • RATS • MOLES • SQUIRRELS • COCKROACHES

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Authority Approved Fully Insured Local Family Run Business

Call: 01303 487401 M: 07857 344770 e: info@benskoservices.co.uk 11

J.A.G.E.R Electrical Contractors

Getting The Job Done No Matter How Big or Small www.kingspmkent.co.uk • • • • • •

All Domestic & Commercial Works Undertaken

01233 820400 info@jagerelectricalltd.co.uk

Handyman Services Kitchens Bathrooms Tiling Painting Plastering

• • • • •

Patios Decking/Pergolas Fencing Turfing Jet Washing

FREE QUOTES T Chaz: 07563 666322 Mick: 07949 955919

James: 07912 030574 Elliott: 07891 175422 www.jagerelectricalltd.co.uk

email: kingspm54@gmail.com

Unit 1, Mill Farm Business Untis, Bethersden TN26 3DB

STANFORD ROOFING

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

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e: info@stanfordroofing.co.uk

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10+

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STANFORD Conservatory & Building COMPANY www.stanfordconservatories.co.uk Guaranteed Price, No Hidden Extras! Start & Completion Times Guaranteed

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Conservatories - Advice, design & CAD Paths, patios, driveways, block or paving Decking and Car Ports General building & renovations Kitchens designed and installed or refurbished

e: stanfordconservatories@gmail.com 12

01303 812889 • 07710 077711

The Home

Brabourne Lees

Hythe

Attractive four bed gen accom. Walking distance to local amenities

Five bed detached village property and annex. Walking distance to village amenities.

Three bed luxury contemporary home. Immaculate throughout. Sea views. Stone’s throw to beach.

£500,000

SOLD STC

Mersham

Brabourne Lees

Charming det three bed bungalow. Central village location.

Brand New Three Bed Detached. Near To Completion. One Plot Remaining.

Sellindge Three bed unlisted cottage, Annex, Fabulous Garden

£500,000

SOLD

Mersham

Aldington

Sellindge

Four bed detached property, backs onto open fields.

Beautiful two bed cottage. Exceptional refurb. Far reaching views.

Three bed with ensuite. Good decorative order throughout.

SOLD STC

£350,000

£265,000

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

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

How to Plan for Your Retirement?

How to plan for your retirement? I am often asked ‘How do Ito know how the much I will When I am helping clients When I am helping clientswith withtheir theirretirement retirement planning, I always tell them imagine need to live off and how much savings will I need planning, I always tell them to imagine the retirement that they want not the retirement that they think they can have. Some people to create this income?’ retirement that they notbethe retirement underestimate whatwant they will able to do in retirement whilst others overestimate it. that they think they can have. Some people These figures from the Pensions And Lifetime I am often asked ‘How do I know how much I will need to live off and how much savings underestimate what they will be able to do in Savings Association are an average taken across will I need to create this income?’ the country but we obviously all have different retirement whilst others overestimate it. spending habits  These figures from the Pensions And Lifetime Savings Association are an average taken across the country but we obviously all have different spending habits. Income needed Comfortable lifestyle

Single person £33,000pa

Couple

Average lifestyle Frugal lifestyle

£20,200pa

£29,100pa

£10,200pa

£15,700pa

Savings Single Couple needed person Comfortable £587,116 £711,712 lifestyle

£47,500pa

Average lifestyle Frugal lifestyle

£267,116 £251,712 £28,656

£0

*assuming you qualify for a full state pension ( 2020 figure £9,110) and you live outside London. *Source PLSA 2019 – figures assume you are mortgage and rent free. *figures based on an annuity of £5,000 per £100,000



It is best practice to get an accurate figure for yourself. I would suggest you start to spendingto diary is easy tofigure forgetfor someproperties of your expenditure whenbusiness. planning. Once you and existing It iskeep besta practice get as anitaccurate Then doI awould now and then budget planner, some your expenses in retirement the sources of income will yougo will have you yourself. suggest you start to keep a ofknow up anddiary someaswill down. For example, to go from cars to one needwant to decide whattwo outgoings they will cover spending it iscome easy to forget some of youryou may a final salary pension or awillstate expenditure when Then more do a now and i.e.out. or you may wantplanning. to start taking holidays/days Some of your expenses be pension then budgetand planner, your This expenses would be used toofcover essential others some will be of flexible. should give youprobably an accurate figure how fixed expenses whilst investment personal in much retirement will ingoretirement up and some will come you need and whether you have anyan spare income or to ahelp you hitpension may down. example, you may want to go from be used to cover flexible expenses. You will then your For goals.

two cars to one or you may want to start taking have a clear picture and be able to ascertain Now you have an out. accurate youexpenses need to identify potential income e.g. how any much more you needsources to save/invest to get more holidays/days Somefigure of your ISAs, Investments, Personal pensions, willSavings, be essential and others will be flexible. This Work the pensions, retirementState you pension, want. Buy to let properties and business. know the sources of income you will have should give you anexisting accurate figure ofOnce how you much Careful planning can make all the difference need decide what youyou need in to retirement andoutgoings whether they you will havecover i.e. a final salary pension or a state between a comfortable lifestyle and a frugal would probably be hit used to goals. cover fixed expenses whilst an investment or a anypension spare income to help you your lifestyle. personal pension may be used to cover flexible expenses. You will then have a clear Now you have an accurate figure you need picture and be able to ascertain how much more Corinne you needGibbons to save/invest to get the to identify any potential income sources e.g. Quilter Financial Planning Adviser retirement you want. Savings, ISAs, Investments, Personal pensions, 07930 273033 Work pensions, pension, to letbetween a comfortable lifestyle and a Careful planningState can make all theBuy difference frugal lifestyle.

Corinne Gibbons PlanningAdviser adviser - Corinne.gibbons@quilterfa.com Corinne Gibbons QuilterFinancial Financial Planning 07930273033

Professional Services

Local Financial Advice Tailored specifically for you I live in West Hythe and can help you with advice or reviews, whether for businesses or personally on any of the following products: Retirement Planning Investments Mortgage Protection Income Protection Business Protection

Inheritance Tax Planning Pensions and Transfer Advice Mortgages and Re-mortgages Critical Illness cover Life Cover

Transferring out of a Final Salary scheme is unlikely to be in the best interests of most people. For a FREE initial consultation please contact:

Corinne Gibbons DipPFS CeMAP Financial Planning Consultant T. 01303 653425 E. corinne.gibbons@quilterfa.com W. quilterﬁnancialadvisers.co.uk

Steve Jepson Pest Control

the Pest - Phone the Bes d i t R Cheap & Friendly • MOLES • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • BIRD CONTROL • WASPS BEES REMOVED (Beekeeper) Solar Panel Bird Proofing

7 Day Service

01233 612873 07710 903600 Old Willow Farm Building, Norwood Lane, Newchurch, New Romney, Kent, TN29 0DY

AT THE EVEGATE CENTRE SMEETH, ASHFORD ‘We treat your pet as if it was our own’ Specialising in all pet animals including exotics & avian. Calm and friendly family run clinic.

Open 7 days a week Full emergency service Ample Free Parking

CALL 01303 813756

www.montgomeryvets.co.uk 15

DARREN CHAPPELL PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECORATOR Call: 07919 411 968 E: repairs@windowtec.org.uk

DOUBLE GLAZING

REPAIRS YOUR LOCAL

City and Guilds

• Public Liability Insured • Over 20 yrs experience • No Job too small • Quality Service • Please call for a free quotation

T: 01233 665585 M: 07912 789896 E: darrenchappell312@btinternet.com

UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & LOCK SPECIALISTS

Free Surveys

(Based in St Mary’s Bay)

Call Chris for a FREE Quote or Advice

07919 411 968 3 Multi-point Locks 3 Cylinders 3 Window Keys 3 Handles

3 Hinges 3 Lock Changes 3 Security Upgrades 3 Forced Entries

C O S Y F I R E S STOVES & FIREPL ACES

www.cosystovesandfireplaces.co.uk y Wood Burner Installations y Chimney Sweeps

T: 01303 311048

Showroom: Main Road, Sellindge, Ashford TN25 6EQ

DO YOU HAVE...

GAS HEATING ELECTRICAL

0739 820 8620 info@hdssolutions.co.uk

www.hdssolutions.co.uk

TINA FRANCIS DOMESTIC ELECTRICIAN

ESTIMATES ARE FREE AND NO CALL OUT CHARGE

New Installations Re-wires Additional or replacement Lights, sockets etc

or 01303 873 533

Newchurch, Romney Marsh, TN29 0DH

CALL 07919 411 968

Mobile 07761 695101 Email – tinafrancis1@aol.com

10+

The Home

Stephen Jepson Joinery & French Polishing

Floor Sanding & Re-polishing Period Window Repairs Sash Replacement Oak Doors, Cupboards, Shelves

French Polishing Service Heirloom Restoration Furniture Repairs Kitchen Door Refurbishment

Traditionally Made, Quality Goods Unit 2 Old Willow Farm, Norwood Lane, Newchurch, New Romney Kent

Modern spray or traditional finishes

Tel: 07710 903600 01233 612873

CONSERVATORY REPAIRS

RESOLVING LEAKS, REPAIRS, CLEANING & MAINTAINING

M & C Conservatory Maintenance ‘Restoring Perfection to Your Conservatory’

• New Roofs • Maintenance & Repairs • Leadwork & Guttering • Cleaning • Misted/Broken Down Glass Units • Painting & Varnishing • Fully Insured

For a Free Quote Call 01233 500719 / 07830 069991 www.mcconservatories.co.uk

Quality, Made to Measure Blinds at Affordable Prices FREE HOME DESIGN SERVICE

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Roller Blinds Roman Blinds Vertical Blinds Venetian Blinds Wooden Blinds Pleated Blinds Shutters Conservatory Blinds Commercial Blinds

■ 1 Year Product Guarantee ■ 3 Year Installation Guarantee

We Also Sell Curtains & Awnings For more information or to book an appointment

Call: 01233 226570

E: info@jlsblinds.co.uk W: www.jlsblinds.co.uk 17

Plumbing Masters No Callout Charge • Free Estimates 24 hour Emergency Service

All Work Guaranteed • No Job Too Small

Plumbing

Bathroom Suites • Taps • Ball Valves Hot & Cold Tanks • Blockages & Burst Pipes

Heating Installations • Repairs • Pumps & Radiators Specialist Powerﬂushing and De-Scaling Service 10+

Call Tony Telephone: 01303 812148 T: 01233 365999 M: 07738 907 717 Mobile: 07738907717 e:www.plumbing-masters.co.uk plumbingmasters@msn.com • From simple door replacements to complete fitted kitchens • Fully installed by local professionals in just a few days

Woodworm and Rot Treatments Based in Tenterden, covering Kent & East Sussex Free 30 year guarantees (worth £50) to NHS staff.

www.southeasttimbertreatment.co.uk help@southeasttimbertreatment.co.uk

T: 01797 270101 or 07818 369 153

Covid Aware

GemmaShay Electrical Services

Established ELECSA Part P Registered Electrician All types of work undertaken including: • Lighting, sockets and rewires, garden electrics • Fault finding and repairs • Test and Inspect certification • 3 phase installations

Free estimates

Contact Phil Manning

Tel: 07739018050 / 01303 813132

Email: philmanning@gemmashay.co.uk

10+

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Makes 12 Ready in 1 hr 10 mins, plus cooling INGREDIENTS • 300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped (see Tips) • 25g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting • 175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 175g caster sugar • 3 large eggs • 175g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 50g ground almonds • 1 tbsp milk

This easy all-in-one almond-flavoured sponge with a sweet and tangy rhubarb topping can be served warm with cream or custard or enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee. 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Grease a 23cm square shallow cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper. Toss the rhubarb and icing sugar together in a bowl and set aside. 2. Place the butter, caster sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Sift over the flour and baking powder. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Fold in the ground almonds and milk. 3. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and gently level the surface with a palette knife. Scatter the rhubarb evenly over the top. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is risen and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or cold dusted with icing sugar.

TIP Choose thin stems of pink forced rhubarb for this recipe and chop into small even-sized pieces. Add 1-2 tbsp drained and chopped stem ginger to the sponge mixture, if liked.

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Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 23 minutes, plus cooling INGREDIENTS • 125g/4½ oz asparagus • 1 handful of frozen peas (30g) • 2 spring onions, chopped • 60g/2¼ oz smoked salmon, cut into small strips • 4 eggs, beaten • Sea salt and ground black pepper

These colourful savoury muffins are easy to make and are delicious served warm for breakfast or cold for lunch with a salad. Asparagus is a fabulous healthy seasonal food to include, being rich in B vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E. For a vegetarian option swap the salmon for some feta cheese. 1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6 and grease and line 8 cups of a muffin tray with paper muffin cases. Blanch the asparagus in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes until just soft. Drain, then cut into 1 cm/½ in pieces using scissors. 2. Divide the asparagus, peas, spring onions and smoked salmon among the paper cases – they should be threequarters full. Beat the eggs in a jug with some salt and pepper, then pour into the paper cases. 3. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden and just firm in the centre. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tray. Serve hot or cold. Gluten Free, Dairy Free Nutrition per serving (2 frittatas) 110kcal, fat 6.3g carbohydrates 1.6g, protein 11.2g

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Puzzle Page

UANTGO 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.

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Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word moving from top to bottom.

S TA R

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Each word to be three letters or more (but no plurals), and all must contain the central letter. There’s at least one word which uses all of the letters. Target: Excellent: 50 or more words Good: 45 words Fair: 38 words

A E 26

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Across

1 Choose (6) 4 Bends (6) 9 Latest style (7) 10 Work out (5) 11 Scour (5) 12 Remove (7) Across 13 Arguing (11) 1 Choose 18 (6) Changed (7) 20 Used to steer a car (5) 4 Bends 22 (6) Attempted (5) 23 Kindergarten (7) 9 Latest24 style (7)Area, district (6) 10 Work25 out (5) Head of newspaper (6)

QUICK CROSSWORD

12 13 18 20 22 23

24 Area, district (6)

25 Head of newspaper (6)

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QuickCrossword Crosswo 1

8 9

Down 11 Scour1 (5)

Least risk (6) 2 Not the winner (5) Remove 3 (7) Type of plant (7) 5 Overturn (5) Arguing 6 (11) Rogue (7) 7 (6) Changed (7) Bedding 8 Unconnected (11) Used14 to steer Loosening a car (5)(7) 15 Taken down (7) 16 Attempted (5) Haggle (6) 17 Participant (6) Kindergarten (7) 19 Wireless (5) 21 Expel (5)

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S.A.C Dip RFHP

16 18

17 20

5 Overturn (5)

15 Taken down (7)

6 Rogue (7)

16 Haggle (6)

Across 1 Choo 4 Bend 9 Lates 10 Work 11 Scour 12 Remo 13 Argui 18 Chan 20 Used 22 Attem 23 Kinde 24 Area, 25 Head

Down 1 Least 2 Not th 3 Type 5 Overt 6 Rogu 7 Bedd 8 Unco 14 Loose 15 Taken 16 Hagg 17 Partic 19 Wirele 21 Expel

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Hard

M: 07990 612767 Neil Sharp A.B.S.M. Mmus e: ngsharp01@yahoo.co.uk w: www.pianolessonsashford.co.uk Kid’s Page The number total for the maze is '63'. The snake's missing numbers are 4, 18 & 47.

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101 0800 555 111

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info@ashfordcounselling.org.uk www.ashfordcounselling.co.uk CARM E: office@carmromneymarsh.org.uk W: www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support W: www.forget-me-nots.co.uk Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch Contact Mike Wharrad 01233 623520 St. John Ambulance Brigade East Kent Strokes www.eastkentstrokes.org SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. e: mssoutheast@gmail.com

01233 611414 01233 840448

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Brabourne Baptist Zoom Church Plain Road, Brabourne Lees, Kent TN25 6QN

Please feel free to contact Minister Paul Muir at any time T: 01303 813502 or 07929269777 or email: pjm436@hotmail.co.uk www.brabournebaptist.org. uk Renew 18 - Monday afternoons 3-5pm on Zoom We will have the Zoom room open again for anyone who would like to join us for a chat and a cuppa (provided by yourself of course!) Bring along a hobby too if you wish. It will be open from 3pm until 5pm and you can join us for as long or as short as you want. Also, please feel free to invite anyone you think might like to join us on the normal church zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/730435387?pwd=MzVrdm5 LSUFZYU01UmJScC9oUmtxZz09 CHURCH SERVICES VIA ZOOM Sunday mornings from 10.30am with various speakers. However, if you tune in from 10.20 am

The Stour Downs Parish The Stour Downs Parish serves the six communities of Brabourne, Mersham, Monks Horton, Sellindge, Smeeth and Stowting. We have six historic parish churches cared for by volunteers and maintained by voluntary contributions, with worship led by a team across the Parish who support the vicar, Rev Chris. The walls of our buildings are steeped in the prayers of centuries, a continuing witness to faith in these communities for so many generations. We continue to seek to share the story of this faith and to make a difference to local people today.

there is time for a general chat, as well as after the service. We are a very friendly bunch! PRAYER TIMES VIA ZOOM Monday - Saturday: 9 -9.30am Wednesdays: 7 - 8pm ZOOM SERVICES and further information To access Zoom services and prayer times go to the church website www.brabournebaptist.org.uk and click on “What’s On”. You will find the link to the meetings and some helpful instructions on how to access the meetings. Meeting ID: 730 435 387 / Password: 080196 Connecting to Zoom by phone for Sunday services and prayer times, Renew 18 and Church meetings: Ring 0330 088 5830. Enter the meeting ID number 730435387 then the # symbol and participant ID or #. The BBC YouTube channel can be found at: https://www. youtube.com/channel/UC-qAqpGiWKiCbkUzhzRB2Og taking part, which has so far brought us well on our way on the return journey. Sponsorship for this effort can be made to the Stour Downs PCC account (Sort Code 60 01 21 Account: 56761422 -please add The Walk as the reference) or at https://givealittle.co/campaigns/050269f0-c29e4d38-8b83-5eb1b7a60a00 In the Stour Downs Parish are five primary schools, and although the team of volunteers who love retelling Bible stories through drama with our “Open the Book” stories have not been able to visit over the past year, posting video versions of our stories on You Tube (search Stour Downs Parish) has seen these enjoyed with families at home as well as young people in school.

Since the start of this pandemic, we have seen the flourishing of a “seventh church”- a virtual building without walls, pews or a door that creaks to give away your entry (or departure)! Our online church has helped to keep us connected when it’s not been possible to gather in church, added to the ways in which we support each other and our communities in the difficulties of the past year, and a place for new and old friends to journey together in faith, whatever their starting point. Our Parish Facebook page has enabled people from beyond our local communities to join services – even as far away as Australia!

At the time of writing, we look ahead to how Easter might be celebrated and a transition to worshipping in church buildings will be planned – keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for details.

Whilst our patterns of worship have changed and we have not had our usual calendar of social and fundraising events and opportunities to meet with people in the community, the Stour Downs Parish has been busy phoning those who might be vulnerable, lonely or just in need of a chat, and setting up and running a Parish Foodbank in the pandemic – not to mention undertaking the feat to walk to Bethlehem and back- virtually! This fundraising effort has seen a collective effort to log miles walked by those

The churches in Brabourne, Smeeth and Stowting are open daily for prayer and reflection.

Find our online worship on Facebook (Stour Downs Parish https://www.facebook.com/Stour-DownsParish-275026813134319) daily at 9:15 and 6:15 and on Sunday at 9:30am, or by phone on Sundays at 9:30am (dial: 0333 0110 945 Room number: 15371271# PIN: 1030#).

See our website www.stourdowns.org.uk and our Facebook page for details of services and virtual church resources, or email office@stourdowns.org.uk to join our mailing list. Contact Rev Chris at vicar@stourdowns.org. uk or 01303 470791

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