Villages South Oct/Nov 2020

The Village Directory Villages South

Oct/Nov 2020 Edition • Issue 159 • Royal Mail

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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

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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

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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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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

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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.

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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Pet 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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Brabourne Lees

Smeeth

Hythe

Newly developed four bed property, quality fixtures and fittings. Set in large plot.

Situated on the outskirts of the village this property is in immaculate condition throughout and offers excellent countryside views.

Three bed luxury contemporary home.

Immaculate throughout. Sea views.

Stone’s throw to beach.

SOLD STC

SOLD STC

SOLD STC

Brabourne Lees

Aldington

Sellindge

: Four bed extended semi backing onto open fields.

Three bed semi, well maintained and presented with far reaching views.

Three bed mid terrace. Master Ensuite.

Good order throughout.

New bathroom fitted.

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£275,000

Mersham

Smeeth

Brabourne Lees

Four bed detached property, backs onto open fields.

Three bed detached bungalow, situated in quiet cul de sac.

Four bed semi, walking distance to amenities.

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£395,000

£425,000

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

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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

I have noticed that recently there seems to be quite a lot of news and social media noise about Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP). So, what is a SIPP and why are they doing this?

A SIPP can provide a cheap, flexible and straightforward way for people to save for their retirement. It is basically a do it yourself pension and a good option for people who want to gather all their pensions into one pot before they retire. They are designed for individuals who want to manage their pension themselves or with the help of a financial adviser.

Generally, Sipp’s are suitable for: • People with larger pension posts or people who are making large contributions • People with a financial adviser making decision on their behalf • People looking to consolidate their pensions • People comfortable with their own investment decisions.

• People who want to keep their money invested after they retire so they can draw an income.

One of the main advantages of investing in a SIPP is that it gives you a wide variety of assets to invest in including, but not exclusively: • Stocks and Shares.

• • • • • • •

Investments Trusts.

Government Bonds.

Unit Trusts.

Open ended Investment companies (OEICS) Gilts and Bonds.

Bank deposits including non-sterling accounts Exchange traded funds (ETFs) traded on the London stock exchange or other European markets • Commercial Property.

There are a wide variety of products that you can put into a SIPP and so it’s important to think about where you are putting your money and if it suits your risk appetite and needs.

The value of investments and pensions and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

In summary, everyone has their own individual needs and circumstances so it would be advisable to see a financial planner and have a full financial review which will include risk assessments. A financial planner will advise you as to whether a SIPP is suitable for you or not, if not they will recommend an alternative.

Corinne Gibbons Financial Planning adviser Corinne.gibbons@quilterfa.com

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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

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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

Continued on page 16...

The Home

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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

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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.

The Home

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call data as electrical pulses. The further your internet signals travel, the more your signal strength falters.

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

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 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!

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

It’s possible the internet problem is right there in your home or neighbourhood. You are no longer 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.

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.

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.

There’s a solution out there The solution to your work-from-home internet woes will vary. It depends on your location, what’s around, and the internet service options available.

I can help find the right fit.

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19

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’!”

‘A great place to grow’ for children aged 2 to 11 years

Open Morning Saturday 10 October

Or to book a personal tour call 01233 812337 admissions@springgroveschool.co.uk www.springgroveschool.co.uk · Wye, near Ashford, Kent 21

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 22

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.

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SIZE

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DATE

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Should you require any amendments, please indicate them clearly on the copy and return it to us together with this form within the next 5 working days Thank you

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24 While every effort will be made to follow up and contact you about your advertisement, it is ultimately the feedback regarding any artwork, either by email, telephone or post. In the event we do not hear from you w artwork, we will assume all is correct and approved for press.

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25

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.

26

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.

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

AshfordFRelelfoowr med ship Baptist All are

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.

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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27

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!

28

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

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29

For tech shoppers, November is Gadget Christmas. That’s because the last Friday of the month, the 27th of November, is Black Friday. Black Friday is when online shops and many high street retailers offer amazing discounts on all kinds of products. And the discounts can be massive, with hundreds of pounds off high-end laptops, big TVs and other bigticket purchases.

Xbox One X Expect big discounts on Microsoft’s superb console and Sony’s PS4 too: as their replacements are imminent there will be big savings to be had, especially on bundles with included games.

Usually £395, www.xbox.com

The name Black Friday is a little misleading because many of the retailers now run deals the week leading up to Black Friday and/or the week after.

Instant Pot We love the Instant Pot, a programmable electric pressure cooker that’s brilliant for soups, stews, chilli, curries, rice and pretty much anything else you can cook in a pot. It’s usually Amazon’s Black Friday bestseller.

Usually £84, www.amazon.co.uk

Many of the deals are genuine, but it’s important to do a little homework because some of them are a little creative.

Some deals are rather like the supermarket wine promotions where the price of a £6 bottle of wine is briefly raised to £9; the shop then goes back to the original price and sticks a ‘Save £3.00!’ sticker on it. In tech, the same thing can happen with prices going up just before Black Friday to create a discount that isn’t really a discount.

Another common trick is to quote a recommended retail price that nobody sensible ever paid. For example, a TV supposedly reduced from £1,799 to £999 may well have been on sale for £1,099 for the last six months. You’re still getting a saving, but it’s not as exciting as the shop wants you to think.

Big-name laptops If you’ve been looking for a new laptop, you’ll see some great deals on laptops from big names such as Microsoft, ASUS and Lenovo.

Some of the best discounts are on the most expensive models but you’ll find good budget deals too.

Various prices, www.currys.co.uk

Amazon Echo Amazon’s smart speakers get discounted for every Amazon sale event and Black Friday is no exception. The thirdgeneration Echo delivers surprisingly great sound despite its compact dimensions.

Usually £89, www.amazon.co.uk

Technology can help here. Use Pricespy. co.uk to see what other retailers are charging for the same product, and for Amazon deals use CamelCamelCamel. com to look at a product’s Amazon price history to see if a deal is good or just too good to be true.

As with any sale, don’t let the prospect of a big discount persuade you to buy something you don’t want or need, and if you pay by credit card make sure you pay it off as soon as you can. The interest on some cards can easily wipe out your Black Friday savings.

30

Philips Ambilight TV There are always great Black Friday discounts on smart TVs, and some of the biggest we’ve seen were on Philips’ clever Ambilight range, which uses coloured light to make the room match what’s on screen.

Various prices, www.philips.co.uk

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.

32

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35

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.

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 hours a day on 0800 3163 105 / 0333 3232 105 or go online to ukpowernetworks.co.uk Natural Gas:

0800 111 999

Doctors Surgery Hamstreet Surgery Sellindge Surgery

01233 730190 01303 812180

Dental Practices Starlite Dental, Finerry

01233 502231

Veterinary Surgeons Montgomery Vets Cinque Ports Vets Milbourne Equine Vets

01303 813756 01233 813003 01233 500505

Parish Councils: Aldington & Bonnington 01233 721757 E: clerk@ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk www.ald-bonnpc.kentparishes.gov.uk Brabourne & Smeeth 01233 623902 Mersham & Sevington 01233 750415 Sellindge 01303 813 271

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

Royal British Legion CPRE Kent

01233 620 167 01233 714540

Royal Mail Residential Customer Services

08457 740740

07767326138

Travel www.arrivabus.co.uk www.stagecoachbus.com www.nationalrail.co.uk Village Halls Aldington 01233 720213 Brabourne & Smeeth 01303 813746 David Smith e: keen.smith@btinternet.com Bilsington 01233 720818 Hamstreet 01233 732568 Mersham 01233 503192 Smeeth 01303 814977 Stowting 01303 862819 Sellindge 01303 813250 Sellindge Spts & Soc. Club 01303 812437

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 Ashford 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

High Pressure Jetting Service & Repair to Sewage treatment plants Soakaway Testing Cesspool Emptying Service 5+

01233 840624

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

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