Wye December 2019

The

Village Directory Dec/Jan 2020 Edition • Issue 130 • Royal Mail

Wye Area

From everyday compliance and support to audits, assessments and inspections.

Our classroom based HSE Training courses offer a range of Health and Safety training for your staff.

Contact us on:

01634 35 36 77

Email: info@hawksafe.co.uk Visit: Hawksafe Ltd, Innovation Centre Medway, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9FD

www.hawksafe.co.uk

Health & Safety Compliance Services

5+

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

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.

T: 01233 740265 / 07702 119321 e: phillip@phillipswitts.co.uk Lords, Canterbury Road, Challock, Ashford TN25 4BB 2

Welcome Hi everyone, welcome to the season of goodwill, and boy do we need some of that this year! It’s been an unsettling year, to say the least.

2020 is on the horizon and for The Village Directory it represents big changes, the first since its inception in 2005. From February 2020 all of the magazines will be published every two months, so those of you involved with events and charity promotions will need to think ahead in order to avoid missing print deadlines. I’ve received some wonderful comments regarding the importance of the magazine for promoting fund raising events, I’m immensly proud of this and would hate anyone to miss out as a result of change. As Ashford and the surrounding areas continue to grow it’s inevitable that some change will occur.

In addition to the change in frequency the magazine boundaries will also be adjusted.

They will be based on locality rather than postcode boundaries, as a result some names will change. This Wye Area magazine will become The Villages North and extend to Charing and Pluckley, a new area map can be found on the inside back cover for reference.

Wherever possible events will be published across all of the magazines, unless otherwise requested.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for your continued support of this magazine, and of all the local businesses that advertise with us. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. I’m now off to put my feet up with a glass of wine (after all it is Sunday!) and write my letter to Santa!

Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk Feb/Mar Edition Deadline 10th Jan 2020

FREE Tai Chi Taster

See website for details www.taichiforyou.co.uk 07587 167756 For beginners, all ages & levels of fitness

N & E Window Cleaning Services Water-fed Pole / Traditional Window Cleaning Fascia / Gutter / Patio Cleaning / Solar Panels Please contact Nathan Turner for a free quote

07764 193492 n_eturnercleaning@yahoo.com The Zero Emissions Chauffeur Company

CALL TO BOOK: 07731 626678 Within Ashford: £7 Villages: £10

AIRPORTS £70 / JOURNEY

Email: thezeroemissionscc@hotmail.com

Oshens HairBoutique

For An Appointment Please Call

01233 811981 Closed Wednesday 100 Bridge Street, Wye

NEEDLES & PINSServices Paul Smith Plumbing REPAIR AND ALTERATION FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBINGSERVICE NEEDS

Zips & Trouser / Skirt Shortening from £5.00

FREESEWN ESTIMATES HAND CURTAINS CallCOLLECTION Paul on 01303 812965 FREE / DELIVERY SERVICE

07794005909 Call Christina 07495 728957 / 01303 864280

Paul Smith Plumbing Services FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS FREE ESTIMATES

5+

Call Paul on 01303 812965 07794005909 yy VAT Returns Paul Smith Plumbing Services yy Management Accounts

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING yy Year End NEEDS • Payroll FREE ESTIMATES - Based in Wye -

Call Paul on 01303 812965 Remove the Stress of Dealing with Accounts!

07794005909 Our speciality is CLOUD BASED bookkeeping, using XERO and RECEIPTBANK to automate processes, and promote efficiency.

Supporting Business Since 2009

Call 01233 812345 or 07850 630790 for a NO OBLIGATION assessment

3

cut to an outward-facing bud (so that the new growth produced from that bud grows outwards). Secateurs are good for removing dead and dying stems as well as for formative pruning (where you are helping to ensure the plant grows in the direction you want it to), and for pruning to encourage flowering. If you are pruning out dead and dying material, bin it or burn it in case it carries infection.

Pruning Perfection Winter is perfect for pruning and cutting back woody plants, so take advantage of the fact that deciduous trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers are now bare of leaves and get stuck in. It is only in really icy or frosty weather that you need to hold back.

(some even have telescopic handles), so that you can reach up higher without having to use a ladder or platform. They are much better at cutting through relatively thick stems than shears or secateurs and yet also allow for accurate positioning of the cut. Wear goggles and ideally Remember that for your pruning protective headgear if you have to really benefit the plant, you to cut back branches above your need the right tools. head.

For a relatively small expanse of hedge or a shrub that needs roughly reshaping, a good, sharp Create sloping cuts pair of well-oiled shears should whenever you can so do the job. When cutting along a hedge top, a guide line – such as that rain and moisture a taut string – will help you get runs off a neat, level surface. For larger hedges a powered hedge cutter Everybody with even just a single or hedge trimmer is preferable, shrub in their garden needs a though make sure it is not too pair of secateurs for pruning of heavy and you can use it safely. smaller woody stems, and the For removal of stems at better their quality the better various heights and of varying the job you can do. Provided thicknesses it is worth using they are good and sharp, you ‘loppers’. These are available can make a perfectly clean, with various handle lengths neat and accurate cut. Always

4

A proper pruning saw is necessary for pruning out or tidying up larger branches on trees and shrubs. If you choose one with one (or better still two) parallel lines of teeth you can create a very accurate and clean cut with relatively little effort. This is the perfect tool if you have fruit trees to prune. Use a sawing action for best results and again, if cutting above your head, wear goggles to protect your eyes from falling sawdust and debris. Make the pruning cut a few millimetres or so away from the main stem from which the branch you are removing is joined. A cut like this will heal over much more quickly and the wound size will be smaller and so less prone to fungal rotting.

MORE PRUNING TIPS Before you get carried away, check the best pruning time for the plants you have in mind. Most hedges and many shrubs can be cut back now, but for a good display of flowers make sure that you prune at the correct time

The Garden or else you may end up pruning out the plant’s flowering potential.

or large scale trimmers you cannot do this, but always do so with secateurs, loppers and saws.

Some trees, mainly those in the Prunus family – such as edible and ornamental cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, peaches and nectarines – are very prone to a potentially fatal fungal infection known as ‘silver leaf’. This is less likely to cause problems if these trees are pruned in the summer months, so don’t prune them now unless there is no alternative and you are prepared to take the risk!

Stand back from time to time when you are pruning to check the overall appearance of the plant and to help decide where you should prune next – if you are close up it is harder to see how you are affecting the overall shape of the plant.

Always make sure that pruning tools are really sharp. If they are in the slightest bit blunt then the job will not only take more effort, but you may end up with the plant being damaged as the cut made will be jagged or stems may be crushed.

Create sloping cuts whenever you can so that rain and moisture runs off and does not accumulate (wetness encourages wood rotting), and cut close to but not on top of a bud to allow new growth without dieback. When you are using shears

Robert Smith Fencing Solutions Limited

By Pippa Greenwood

At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, tools, planters, raised bed kits and the “Grow Your Own with Pippa” system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

G & H Garden Maintenance Experienced & Friendly Service Providing All-Year-Round Garden Care

T: 07400 406510

gandhgardeners@gmail.com

All Seasons Garden Services 5+

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

Domestic, Commercial and Acoustic

T: 01233 665322 M: 07941 205 374

Robert Smith: 07737 004 104

LogHeat

email: info@rsfencingsolutions.co.uk www.rsfencingsolutions.co.uk

Email: rob@ashford-gardening.co.uk

Seasoned & Kiln Dried Logs www.logheat.co.uk

07966 796 498 / 01233 733373

Tarmac & Resin Bound Gravel Specialists

01233 349 012

. DRIVEWAYS . FOOTPATHS . CAR PARKS . FORECOURTS . PATIOS . DROPPED KERBS www.kentsurfacingcontractors.co.uk DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL

5

5+

6

The Garden

Steve Jepson Pest Control

K

e Pest. Phone the Be li l th Cheap & Friendly st

Top quality materials. Top quality service.

Supply + Install. FREE QUOTATIONS. T : 01233 877 521 | M : 07710 179 600 enquiries@woodchurchfencing.co.uk www.woodchurchfencing.co.uk

• MOLES • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • BIRD CONTROL • WASPS BEES REMOVED (Beekeeper)

5+

7 Day Service

01233 612873 07710 903600

The Complete Landscape Service

Old Willow Farm Building, Norwood Lane, Newchurch, New Romney, Kent, TN29 0DY

5+

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

Tel: 01233 367038 07500 193703

• • • • •

Block Paving Resin Driveways Gravelling Crazy Paving Hot Laid Tarmacadam

• • • •

Brickwork Landscaping Fencing Turfing

Wotton Road, Ashford, TN23 6LL office@jddrivestyleltd.co.uk www.jddrivestyleltd.co.uk

Professionally Installed, Beautifully Finished No Deposits Required All work fully guaranteed for 5 years 7

Mowgli

by Montgomery Vets

H

ello everyone, Mowgli here! It is nearly time to find out if we have been good enough for Santa Paws to come. I have to admit that I am a bit sceptical about Santa Paws- I have a tendency to be a bit mischievous (hard to believe I know…..) but I always seem to get plenty of Christmas presents. Do you think that he knows that my heart is in the right place? This year I have been very good. Well, mostly very good. There is the continuing small issue of Jane’s rug that got so bad it finally had to be replaced and I have broken a few things with badly timed jumps but I hope that Santa Paws will see beyond all that and know that my heart is in the right place. Hopefully he will leave me plenty of catnip mice and dreamies.

Ebony and I just love dreamies! Ebony and I have been deciding what to give our feline friends as gifts this Christmas. We take this very seriously and always insist on trialling the toys before we select them..... Clive falls for this every year and comes home with a selection bag for us! We are hoping for a great selection of catnip products and some malt cream licks to try (I urge all you cats to try them. We cannot get enough!)

L

ouis of course is looking forward to Christmashe gets even more tasty treats than normal.

Josh is in charge of feeding Louis and they make a good team. Whenever Louis sees Josh he rushes over to him in the hope that it will make Josh get him food. It usually works, especially around Christmas!

B

efore I know it, the Christmas tree will be up and Ebony and I will be climbing up it, falling off it and posting the baubles under the boot room door. There are probably still some in the boot room from last year…. It is my secret hiding place and I am often surprised that even quite big things can be crammed under there.

From time to time Jane clears out the boot roomit is like a mystery lucky dip!

8

O

ther good things about the holidays are also of course, time off and visitors. Although Clive and Jane will be working for some of the holidays they will get to spend more time with us, and if they are home it means they will light the fire more often. We love the fire. We also love visitors because they are very easy to convince that we are hard done by and hardly anyone leaves our house without giving us a treat!

R

ight, I am off on one of my patrols around the house. Have a wonderful Christmas and I will write again in the New Year!

Mowgli

10+

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

The Home

Solid Style Pride & Groom Joinery Manufacturer All Breeds of Dogs Groomed Includes: 66 Bath 66 Cut 66 Hand Strip 66 Glands & Nails

Call Carol: 07985 933647 01233 714188 24 yrs Experience Located in Charing

• 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 Jakeman & Jakeman Homecare Steve Jakeman

Handyman Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Decoration and Maintenance

01233 625442 07910591393

219 Canterbury Road, Kennington, Ashford, Kent TN24 9QH

Jakeman-homecare@ntlworld.com

9

The Gift of Reading

Whether you’re buying for someone else, looking for ideas for yourself, or plan to buy a book, read it and then wrap it up (we won’t tell), there’s plenty to choose from this month.

Banksy You Are an Acceptable Level of Threat – Gary Shove & Patrick Potter This is so much more than just a coffee-table-worthy photography collection. For a start, it’s snort-out-loud funny.

It’s been updated for 2019 and now spans Banky’s career, from the early 90s to 2018.

There are anecdotes, irreverent biographical references and a few hundred photos to pore over.

The Testaments – Margaret Atwood The Testaments picks up a few years after The Handmaid’s Tale ended. It weaves together the stories of three women – Daisy, born in Gilead but raised in Canada; Agnes Jemima, who’s desperate to escape the life set out for her by her step-parents; and the infamous Aunt Lydia.

We won’t spoil it by giving away too much of the storyline, but it’s fair to say that it’s everything you hoped for and more. Perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale (book or TV series).

10

The Corset – Laura Purcell Ruth Butterham is on trial for

murdering her mistress. She confessed to the crime, but is she guilty or delusional?

The more that wealthy prison visitor Dorothea Truelove hears of the beaten and broken Ruth’s tale, the less sure she is of who the real villain is in the story. Is Ruth the killer, is there another murderer at large or, as Ruth seems to believe, is the real culprit something far more unlikely? Gripping historical crime fiction sure to appeal to fans of Sarah Waters.

Burn After Writing (Teen Edition) – Rhiannon Shove A journal with a difference, Burn after Writing invites teens to answer a series of questions to paint a picture of who they are, from ‘The song that makes me want to dance’ to ‘If I had a brainwashing machine, I would use it to’ and ‘Something I do that makes me feel proud of myself’. Perfect for 11 to 14 year olds. (The adult’s version is worth a look too.)

Little Robin Red Vest – Jan Fearnley This classic picture book is now 20 years old. It tells the story of

how the robin got his red vest.

(Spoiler: Father Christmas gave it to him as a reward for the robin giving away his own woolly vests.) A great story, beautiful illustrations and a feel-good message to top it all off. What more could a young child want from a book on Christmas morning?

Veg – Jamie Oliver Buying for a vegetarian? Or just someone who enjoys healthy food that tastes great and doesn’t take hours to prepare?

This book is for them. There are twists on new classics, such as Veggie Moussaka and Vegan Lasagne, and plenty of more inspired dishes that could soon become old favourites, like Masala Stuffed Peppers, Pulled Mushroom Sandwich and Crispy Cauliflower Katsu. Some take a few minutes to make from scratch, while others are more suitable for chilled-out Sunday brunches or dinners with friends.

The Home Free Surveys Your local, mobile service. Fully Insured & Certified

www.cosystovesandfireplaces.co.uk

yy Wood Burner Installations yy Chimney Sweeps T: 01303 311048 yy Servicing Showroom: Main Road, Sellindge, Ashford TN25 6EQ

•Virus Recovery •Internet Issues

•FREE Collection •PC Start Up Issues •Printer Issues •Speed Up A Windows PC

•Backup & Anti-Virus Services Available

Call Gary 07976

151 148

gary@flagcomputerrepair.co.uk www.flagcomputerrepair.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

APEX MASONRY STONE MASONS

www.apexmasonry.co.uk

GRANITE, MARBLE & QUARTZ WORK SURFACES Kent & Sussex Leading Stone Worktop Supplier Factory & Showroom: Units 5 & 6, (Off Brunswick Road) Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate, Ashford TN23 1EL

T: 01233 637316

11

glowing display.

Candles, candles everywhere Nothing says Christmas like warm, flickering candlelight – even better when the candles are scented. Stay safe and keep them away from decorations, though, and always remember to extinguish them before going to bed or leaving the house.

Better still, use battery-operated candles, LED for low energy usage and very little heat, in the form of tea lights, pillars or bridge decorations.

Traditional Christmas style Our top tips for festive decorating to create a warm and welcoming look.

12

A wreath on the front door A decorative essential for the Christmas season, a front-door wreath provides a wonderful festive welcome for visitors. There is an enormous variety of ready-made wreaths to choose from: classic or contemporary, heart-shaped or circular, small or large, utterly simple or lavish and complex… or why not make your own, using leaves, flowers and seed heads from the garden?

trim away any low-down or interior branches that you don’t need, and position your tree away from sunny windows and radiators. Wind with an even distribution of lights and garlands (use a stepladder if necessary, and stand back regularly to assess), then add baubles and other ornaments, making sure to hang some in the centre of branches as well as at the tips, to create a sense of depth and interest.

An impressive tree Britain’s most popular Christmas tree is the Nordmann fir, which will stay fresh for ages provided it gets enough water. The Norway spruce is less expensive, but tends to drop needles unless watered frequently. When buying a cut tree, ask the seller to saw half an inch off the bottom of the trunk to help it absorb water. Before decorating,

Mantelpieces, balustrades and pictures Drape generous armfuls of fir, ivy, holly and lush green foliage along mantelpieces and wind among balustrades – you could even add them along the tops of pictures.

Where appropriate, add pine cones, baubles, strings of tiny LED lights and maybe some small, batteryoperated candles for a gorgeous,

Piles of presents Presents under the tree look so much better when colourcoordinated and criss-crossed with ribbons and bows.

Inexpensive paper – even brown paper or newsprint – looks lovely if adorned with a home-made label, and avoiding metallic papers, which can’t be recycled, is good for the planet, too. You could even consider wrapping in fabric or employing a reusable box. For a finishing touch, add a tiny pine cone, small bauble or home-made iced biscuit.

Setting the table Laying the table can be a pleasing ritual that results in an eye-catching display. Start by setting out a special runner and your best crockery, perhaps with plates that layer in colour or that include edgings of gold.

Carefully position glassware and cutlery, and finish with greenery, pine cones, candles, baubles and other small-scale decorations, plus hand-written place settings.

Hang up some stockings Children especially love to hang a stocking for Santa, but there’s no reason why adults can’t get in on the act, too – the effect is so charming, after all. If you don’t have a handy mantelpiece, try a

peg rail, branch, coat hooks, along the banisters or specially bought stocking hooks.

bauble or pine cone) or perhaps from rows of string using mini wooden pegs.

Arrangements of cards Don’t Christmas cards seem to arrive earlier each year?

Despite the emergence of digital alternatives, they are still a lovely way both to keep in touch with friends and family and to decorate your home. Give some thought as to how best to display them, whether it be neat rows on a shelf or mantelpiece (tall at the back, small at the front), tucked into mirrors and picture frames, stapled to ribbons and hung alongside the staircase (weight the end of the ribbon with a

Decorative displays As the festive season gets under way, additional decorative flourishes will start to signal the countdown to Christmas. Go to town with illuminated ornaments or keep it simple with a few poinsettias in pots, some bowls of clove-studded oranges and a few baubles or fairy lights bundled into a glass bowl or vase for a pretty, sparkly effect.

The Home

By Katherine Sorrell

Image left: These metallic Christmas stockings feature a Moroccan-inspired design in gold foil. They are available in white or grey and can be personalised. Gold metallic Moroccan-print Christmas stockings, £59 each, Penelope Hope: 01481 721 410; www.penelopehope.com.

Image above: This beautiful door wreath weaves red berries with foliage in greens and silver-grey to welcome Christmas guests over the threshold. Foliage and berry wreath, £85, The Real Flower Company: 01730 818 300; www.realflowers.co.uk.

Merry Christmas from Purple Rhino

SPE

DISC CIAL OUNT

10 %

OFF When multipyou choose le ser Quote vices Ref PR D 12.01W

YE

Exterior Home Treatment & Cleaning Services Driveways • Patios • Roofs • Render • Gutters • Conservatories Call 0800

157 7484 to book today!

We make your home LOOK BRAND NEW

www.purple-rhino.co.uk

Cost effective CCTV Solutions Providing a wide range of HikVision CCTV, ensuring your security.

24/7 On-Call Service Available

Installers of CCTV for Residential & Commercial premises across Kent

Call: Sam 07543 181 516

e: info@sncctv.co.uk w: www.sncctv.co.uk

10% OFF

When you quote VDA1 13

-Turk’sFlooring

10% OFF

Any Carpet on Presentation of this Advert

Units 2 & 3, Stafford Close Ashford, Kent TN23 4TT Tel: 01233 239554

• Free Measuring and Estimates • Free Fitting • Expert Advice • Happily move furniture free of charge • Huge Flooring Showroom • Beat any like for like quotation • Can uplift & dispose of your old flooring

OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00 - 5.00pm

info@turksflooring.com

www.turksflooring.com

We w

14

The Home

QWIKDRY

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Reliability & Satisfaction Guaranteed - Fully Insured Residential & Commercial

50% OFF

Carpet/Fabric Stain Protection

Removes deep down dust/dirt – relieving allergies

Call Dave Hales 07932 085776 / 01795 539788

At £2.00 per square meter, carpet cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive!

Stephen Jepson Joinery & French Polishing Period Window Repairs Sash Replacement Oak Doors, Cupboards, Shelves French Polishing Service

Heirloom Restoration Furniture Repairs Kitchen Door Refurbishment Modern spray or traditional finishes

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

Tel: 07710 903600 01233 612873

5+

15

Professional Services

Leadership & Management Development Programme

BOOK your 3 d ay program me now This comprehensive 3 day programme encourages participants to adopt a more pro-active mindset, with a clearer appreciation of the role of a manager and leader and its impact on their organisation.

They will undertake a positive, honest assessment of their performance as a manager and a leader.

“

Really benefited from the talking about my problems, challenges and experiences as well as learning from others experiences and how they resolved them.

Call us on

01423 861122 www.ripleytraining.co.uk

16

”

or email us at info@ripleytraining.co.uk for more information

£1695

+ VAT per delegate

We offer preferential rates for in-company one to one coaching and small group training at your business.

• UK wide training centres

• at your business (can be split over three months) Book your preferred date and location now at www.ripleytraining.co.uk (under our Leadership and Management courses)

The Home

Bespoke Quality Timber Buildings... ...at affordable prices

Oak Carriage Houses • Car Ports • Garages • Workshops Home Offices • Garden Rooms • Stables • Mobile Field Shelters

01227 696111 www.olsontimberbuildings.com

Read our 5 star reviews

10+

FREE TAP AND SINK WORTH UP TO £500 *Terms and conditions apply

DO YOU DREAM OF A NEW KITCHEN? From simple door replacements to complete fitted kitchens

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

THE UK’S #1 KITCHEN MAKEOVER EXPERTS.

EST. 1999

Fully installed by local professionals in just a few days Choose from a large selection of doors, worktops and appliances

BEFORE

90 showrooms nationwide

48 Cinque Ports Street Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7AN Call us now for a free estimate:

www.dreamdoors.co.uk *Subject to minimum order value

01797 462021

AVERAGE SCORE 9.7/10

17

What’s On

L i v e Ja z z 2019 / 2020

T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b At T h e To we r To B o o k C a l l : 0 7 3 8 8 1 2 7 2 2 9 All gigs start at 8pm ~ All gigs £12 admission Seat Bookings: 01303 277175 Email: folkestonejazz@gmail.com Website: www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk December 5th

Alex & Willie Garnett Quintet

December 10th The Jazz Christmas Party January 2nd

Derek Nash with PICANTE’

January 9th

Robert Fowler / Mark Nightingale Quintet .

January 16th

The Liane Carroll Trio

January 23rd

Matt Skelton Quintet

January 30th HEXAGONAL February 6th

Nat Steele Quintet

February 13th

Mick Foster / Karen Sharp Quintet

T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b i s a n o n p r o f i t m a k i n g j a z z c l u b. R u n b y & fo r p e o p l e w i t h a l i k e m i n d e d i n t e re s t i n OUR KIND OF MUSIC D e r i c k Wo o d l a n d 0 1 3 0 3 2 6 0 3 3 0

18

December December 2nd Woodchurch Local History Society meets on the first Monday of the month at 7:30pm in the village Memorial Hall. December’s meeting is labelled ‘Members Evening’ and on this occasion a member will give a short presentation to be followed by wine and Christmas fare. New society members are welcome as are visitors paying £3 at the door.

Geoff Turner, 01233 860393.

December 6th Biddenden Neighbourhood Watch monthly surgery at the Tiny Teapot. NHW can be contacted on 01580291931, speak to Adrian Lidgett, who is also one of your Parish Councillors December 6th-7th Bethersden WI Pantomime Group Presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Bethersden Village Hall on Friday 6th December 7.30 pm and Saturday 7th December 3pm and 8pm.

Tickets £4.00 each available from the Bethersden post office or by calling 01233 820650 December 7th Warm Up for Christmas St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Ruckinge from 11.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hot homemade soup, bread and butter pudding, coffees, teas, cakes and a gift stall. Everyone welcome December 7th Spiritualist Meetings held every Saturday evening at Highbury Hall, Highbury Lane, Tenterden, TN30 6LE. Doors open at 6pm, for 6.30pm start, refreshments afterwards. December 7th - Sue Hawkins. Evening of Clairvoyance. 14th candle light service with Paul Broadway. 21st & 28th closed.

Reopen in January 18th 2020 with John King, Evening of Clairvoyance. £4. All are welcomed, we also have a page on Facebook - Tenterden Spiritualist Centre December 11th The Arts Society, Egerton meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Egerton’s Millennium Hall at 2:30pm. The talk today is ‘The Story of Wine’ by David Wright. Wine has been part of our global society for over 7,000 years. Drawings, paintings, engravings, buildings, pottery and wine labels all contribute to the story. David Wright has been a wine retailer, importer and distributor for 30 years and talks to the trade and to private audiences.

New society members are always welcome as are visitors paying £5 at the door. Geoff Turner, 01233 860393.

December 19th Ashford Concert Band Christmas Concert Join Ashford’s community band in our end of season Christmas concert for an evening of festive musical entertainment, show tunes and sing-a-longs.

Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start at Revelation St Mary’s, The Churchyard, Ashford. Visit www. ashfordconcertband.co.uk for more information and ticket details.

What’s On

ce Remembran services with carols

Saturday 7 December Ashford Canterbury Thanet outdoor services at Pilgrims Hospices Saturday 1 December All Souls Church, Cheriton Barham

Friday 13 December Charing Crematoriums

Saturday 14 December Assembly Rooms, New Romney Dover St Peter and St Paul Church

Sponsored by

Join Pilgrims Hospices this December to remember family and friends by dedicating a dove on our Trees of Love and come together for a remembrance service with carols.

www.pilgrimshospices.org/treesoflove | 01227 782062 19

What’s On December 21st Lees Court Singers will be returning to Smeeth Church for an Evening of Christmas music with carols starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 on the door, to include seasonal refreshments.

A lovely way to celebrate the Christmas season.

January 8th The Arts Society, Egerton meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Egerton’s Millennium Hall at 2:30pm. This session will hear a talk by Colin Davies entitled ‘Zaha Hadid Architectural Superstar’. This lecture tells the story of Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the most important architects of the early 21st century. Colin Davies is a Professor of Architectural Theory, a former editor of Architects Journal and an author. New society members are very welcome as are visitors who pay £5 at the door. Geoff Turner, 01233 860393.

January 15th The Weald of Kent Computer Club meets at 7.30pm in the New Village Hall Biddenden. At the time of going to print we were still awaiting confirmation from our speaker.

Please check the website for details - http://www. wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk Membership is £10 per year for 10 meetings but visitors are most welcome (£2 per meeting) Enquiries to secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk or contact Adrian Lidgett 01580 291931 January 18th-19th Woodchurch Players present

their 2020 Pantomime ‘Sherlock Holmes the Panto’ a traditional pantomime featuring the famous sleuth. Booking now open on line www. woodchurchplayers.com – Performances Saturday 18th January (matinee & evening), Sunday 19th (matinee) Friday 24th and Saturday 25th (matinee and evening).

January 25th the Evington Village Hall, Hastingleigh will be holding their annual Jumble Sale from 2pm.

Entry 20p. All proceeds will go to the Hall funds.

TN25 5HR. January 31st Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society’s meeting will be in the village hall commencing 7.15 for 7.30pm when there will be a presentation entitled “The Story of Cheese” by George Ward, retail manager for Cheesemakers of Canterbury. The evening will include tasting of local cheeses, followed by tea and coffee. For any enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813 451, email brabournewendy@gmail.com. Or visit our website at www.basgs.com FREE Tai Chi Taster call 07587 167756. New Beginners Tai Chi Class starts Friday 10th January 930 Lympne Village Hall FREE, then £6 thereafter. Call 07587 167756.

Christmas Fair and Santas.pdf 1 19/09/2019 16:08:01

Christmas comes early in our festive family fun run in a town near you.

SANTAS ON THE RUN! TRI-SERIES 3k

Join your local fun run or challenge yourself to do all 3 and join our tri-series!

5k

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Santas on the Bay! Sunday 1 December Herne Bay, CT6 5JN

Santas on the Harbour!

Sunday 8 December Folkestone, CT20 1QQ

Santas on the Seashore!

Sunday 15 December Margate, CT9 1HX

Santa suit included for everyone who registers in advance!

Sign up now at www.pilgrimshospices.org/santa or 01227 812609 Proudly supported by

www.pilgrimshospices.org fundraising@pilgrimshospices.org Pilgrims Hospices in east Kent is a company limited by guarantee Registered office 56 London Road, Canterbury CT2 8JA. Registered charity no 293968 and as a company in England no 2000560

20

What’s On

Superstar Soprano to perform at Saxon Shore Early MusicKenardington Elin Manahan Thomas is one of the most exceptional sopranos of her generation, performing recently at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She is joined by Elizabeth Kenny, one of Europe’s leading lute players in a programme to warm your hearts during Advent. With a programme of delicious music from all around Europe, from Handel’s merry arias to Bach’s more contemplative hymns, what better way than to start the festive season with an evening of musical magic.

Saturday 14th December 7pm Saxon Shore Early MusicKenardington St Mary’s Church, Kenardington, TN26 2NQ Book online at www.ssemk.org Tickets on the door if still available from 6.15pm Box Office & General Enquiries: 01233 721242 Tickets: £21.00 / £18.50 / £16.00 21

What’s On R O C K I T S the original community rock and pop choir have been singing together for over 10 years firstly in Tenterden and for 1 year in Hawkhurst . Great news they are now coming to The Village Hall, Aldington. Ashford. on Wednesday 8th January . The group will be led by the ROCKITS own Wayne Bridle. Wayne is a talented musician and a local music teacher.

ROCKITS are known for their enthusiastic, fun, approach to singing and socialising. New singers are warmly welcomed and will quickly feel part of a great team. Go and meet them and give it a go!

Everyone can sing. We are born with all the tools we need to do this .You may be worried that your voice is not up to it but. Never Fear! They have an open door policy with no auditions and all abilities welcome. They guarantee that you will go home with a big smile on your face!.

What makes them rather different from other groups is that they are a non-profit choir. Every penny raised from events big or small goes to local and national charities.In particular The Pilgrims Hospice an Breast Cancer Now. This year they have performed their Beatlemania concerts in St Mildreds Church Tenterden and Rochester Cathedral. The Wealden Times Summer Fair, Tractorfest and their unique outselling Think Pink Weald Tour for Octobers Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In total they have raised over £12,000 this year.

In October 2020 they will be producing and performing an even bigger and better Think Pink Tour combining Breast and Prostate Cancer charities. On July 3rd to 5th Tentertainment . On 1st August Godmersham Park and on 16th October Elvis Philharmonic at Rochester Cathedral,to name only a few!

They divide the year into 3 terms but you can join them at any time. The wonderful music and

22

lyrics produced and arranged by Max Wilson the Musical Director are available to all ROCKITS to download from their website. www.rockitchoir. co.uk .

Monday 6th January 2020 at 7.15pm The Sports Pavilion. The Moor . Hawkhurst TN18 4PG Tuesday 7th Janaury 2020 at 7.15pm St Mildred’s Hall Church Road. Tenterden TN30 6AT Wednesday 8th January 2020 at 7.15pm The Village Hall Aldington Ashford TN25 7DS

The Home Valen�ne’s Dinner Dance Saturday 15th February 2020 6.30pm—Midnight

at Ashford Interna�onal Hotel TN24 8UX

Tickets:

Drinks on arrival Silent Auc�on Three Course Meal with wine Magician Cash Bar Dancing

£60 per person or £55 if purchased before Christmas For �ckets, enquiries and menu choices contact: Mar�n Lees 07834 810373 or mar�nlees14@gmail.com Proceeds to go to the Janus Fund at St Mary’s Church, Great Chart Registered Charity no. 1171191

5+

Your Local Electrician - For all your Electrical Needs ØØ Local, friendly & fully qualified electricians. ØØ Part P Registered through NICEIC. ØØ FREE, no obligation quotations.

ØØ All electrical work undertaken, no job too big or small. ØØ Covering Wye & surrounding areas.

M: 07878 457018 T: 01233 620644

e: info@hughes-electrical.co.uk www.hughes-electrical.co.uk 23

Professional Services

Leadership & Management Development Programme

BOOK your 3 d ay program me now This comprehensive 3 day programme encourages participants to adopt a more pro-active mindset, with a clearer appreciation of the role of a manager and leader and its impact on their organisation.

They will undertake a positive, honest assessment of their performance as a manager and a leader.

“

Really benefited from the talking about my problems, challenges and experiences as well as learning from others experiences and how they resolved them.

Call us on

01423 861122 www.ripleytraining.co.uk

24

”

or email us at info@ripleytraining.co.uk for more information

£1695

+ VAT per delegate

We offer preferential rates for in-company one to one coaching and small group training at your business.

• UK wide training centres

• at your business (can be split over three months) Book your preferred date and location now at www.ripleytraining.co.uk (under our Leadership and Management courses)

Clubs & Societies The Royal Air Forces Association meet on the 2nd Thursday each month at 7.30pm in Wye Village Hall.

After a short business meeting we usually have a speaker followed by refreshments. Connection to the RAF is not necessary. Parking available. Contact: rita.elgar05@gmail.com Wye Historical Society – meets monthly from October to April in the Lady Joanna Thornhill School at 7.30pm.

Subscriptions £10 per year; visitors welcome at £2 per meeting - no need to book. For more info see www. wyehistoricalsociety.org.uk.

Ashford Art Society welcomes new members.

All ages & standards. A friendly group with a wide variety of events and meetings. Call 01233 630293 and 01303 850429 for details.

Aldington Corner Quilters is a long established group

of friendly ladies meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Aldington Village Hall, 7.00pm 9.00pm. We have a mix of beginners and experienced ladies who share their latest projects and ideas. We always welcome new members. For more info contact Julie Coney - quirkyjules@gmail.com or call 01303 813944 (eve).

Aldington WI on 3rd Mon every month. All ladies welcome, 7 for 7.30 at The Walnut Tree, Aldington.

Ashford Model Railway Club - We meet on Wednesday evenings at the barn café at Willesborough Windmill. between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, and the club would welcome new members. Contact John White on 01233 733416 for more information

Ashford Radio Aeromodellers, we have a field at

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

Ashford Soroptimists First Tues of the month, 7.15pm, except August, in the Dog House Evegate. We are part of a global organisation whose aims are to improve the lives and status of women and girls through education.

In addition we also have fun, with a programme of social activities. If you are interested in joining us do please give us a call. Contact Sue Wood 01233 623902

Sanders 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@ gmail.com.

The Brabourne and Smeeth Branch of the Royal British Legion meet every Second Tuesday in the

month at the Brabourne Baptist Church at 7.30 pm.

New Members area always welcome, please contact George Taylor 01303 812165 or Ron Cooper 01303 813330

East Kent Morris Men Do you like dancing, beer,

socialising, music, having fun? Why not try Morris Dancing? We are recruiting for new members.

Weekly Wednesday dance practices at Mersham Village Hall, 8pm to 10pm; afterwards we practise drinking in the pub opposite! No experience required.

Why not give it a try? Details from www.ekmm.org.uk or 01795 536 262

Enjoy Learning offers enjoyable adult classes in NEW ROMNEY, DYMCHURCH and HYTHE. We teach ART APPRECIATION & SPANISH CLASSES. The Spanish Classes are not for complete beginners, but if you have done a bit of Spanish in the past and would like to brush up your skills, the classes might be suitable. Cost £5 per week. For further details contact ANDREW and DEBBY on 01303 875542 Quilting Group held in the Oak Room, Smeeth TN25 6SA. If you are interested in quilting or patchwork why not come along and learn new skills and share your expertise with like minded people. Beginners and advanced levels are welcome. Bi-monthly meetings, for further information contact Marion on 01233 750319 Smeeth W.I. We meet on the second Monday of the

Month at 7.30 pm in the Brabourne & Smeeth village hall for further information do contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165”

Stanford & Postling WI meet in the comittee room at the rear of Lympne Village Hall on the 3rd Monday of every month. We are a small but friendly group who would love to welcome new members. For any futher information please contact Elaine on 01303 863096 or Iona on 01303 238390.

Bilsington Ladies meet in Bilsington Village Hall 2nd Thursday of the month at 2.15pm. Interesting speakers and a warm welcome awaits. Call Jan on 01233 641820.

Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society We meet on the last Friday of the month at Brabourne & Smeeth Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm. New members and visitors will be made very welcome. For further info call Wendy 25

Food & Domestic Services

Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

This soup is packed with flavour and makes a great winter-warming lunch served with crusty bread.

Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients 750g large ripe tomatoes 4 red peppers 4 shallots, peeled and halved 2 garlic cloves 2 tbsp virgin olive oil 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato puree 400ml vegetable stock 1 tsp sugar

TIP

Crème fraiche, roasted pumpkin seeds and shredded fresh basil leaves, to serve

26

Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6. Score a cross in the top and base of each tomato and place in the roasting tin with the peppers, shallots, garlic cloves, olive oil and Italian herbs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and roast for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft with charred, peeling skins and the peppers have blistered and blackened skins.

Carefully place the hot peppers in a large freezer bag and leave until cool enough to handle (this will help to make peeling them easier).

Leave the tomatoes and shallots to cool in the roasting tin.

Peel the peppers, discarding the seeds and pith, and remove the skins and any tough core from the tomatoes. Place both in a food processor or blender with the shallots and any juices from the roasting tin. Process until very smooth – you may need to do this in two batches.

Transfer the pepper and tomato mixture to a large pan and stir in the sun-dried tomato puree, vegetable stock and sugar. Slowly bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, to taste.

Ladle the soup into warmed bowls, top with a swirl of crème fraiche and some pumpkin seeds and basil.

To make crunchy roast pumpkin seeds, spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven with the tomatoes and peppers for 7-8 minutes.

Food & Domestic Services

5+

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

Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176

5+

Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall

Repairs to...

Washing Machines Cookers (Electric) Tumble Driers Dyson Vacuum Specialist Call Garry on 07958 640152 01233 632329

Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April) Rye Market Every Thursday at the Cattle Market Car Park. Early till around 3pm (depending on the weather)

Rye Country Market Formerly WI Market Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill.

Every Friday 10am -11.30am Tenterden Country Market Every Friday 9.30am -11.00am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road.

Tenterden High Street Market Friday’s – 0830 – 1400 Wittersham Market Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01580 753062 Wye First and third Saturday of every month, is on the Green by the Post Office in Wye. Tel: 07718 647065 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

27

The Best Beauty Gift Sets Beauty gift sets are not all created equal. There are the ones you buy in a panic on Christmas Eve – guaranteed to either end up in a charity shop or forgotten in a cupboard somewhere – and then there’s this little lot…

Chocolate lovers will rejoice with this Nature’s Kitchen Double Indulgence Chocolate Gift Box (£24.99, www.lovelula.com).

It features the Dark Chocolate Cleansing Butter Fudge Mask and Chocolate Mocha Polishing Scrub, both of which are packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as raw organic cacao, organic Italian roasted coffee beans and organic avocado, and smell delicious.

Fragrance fans will enjoy creating their own perfumed body oil with this Neal’s Yard Remedies Aromatherapy Bespoke Blending

28

Kit (£32, www.nealsyardremedies. com). There are three organic essential oils to choose from – orange, lavender and palmarosa, along with a base oil, mixing bottle and the Little Book of Essential Oils.

Know someone who could do with a bit of a break over Christmas?

Treat them to the Fearne Cotton Calming Collection (£18, Boots).

They’ll get a body wash, body mist, bath bomb, body lotion and candle – all with a fragrance designed to calm the mind and soothe the senses. And, as a bonus, there’s a rather pretty gift bag, so you don’t even need to wrap your gift up if you don’t want to.

It can be tricky to choose skincare or make-up for someone. If in doubt, stick to a pretty new cosmetics bag or a new brush set. The No7 Ultimate Brush Collection (£27, Boots) is a good bet. There’s an uber-soft brush for every makeup requirement, and a pot to keep them all in.

Lip gloss fans will love Bobbi Brown’s Glossy Lip Duo (£16, www. bobbibrown.co.uk).

Choose from Rosy and Pastel shades, or Bellini and Buff.

Or buy both sets to get all four shades, and keep three for yourself. We won’t tell.

Frequent travellers will welcome

Green People’s Skin Retreat – Comfort & Clarity Collection.

There’s a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Cleanser & Makeup Remover, a 30ml Neutral Scent-Free Light Day Moisturiser and a 10ml Neutral Scent-Free Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream.

All for the bargain price of £15 (www.greenpeople.co.uk). The products are aimed at people with sensitive skin, but they’re great all-rounders that will suit most skin types. The 50ml version of the moisturiser is usually £19.50, so you’re pretty much getting the cleanser and 24-hour cream for free.

Need some small gifts for teachers, colleagues or friends?

The Champneys Bubble Heaven Gift Set (from £16 at Boots) contains three of its bestselling bath soaks. As a set, it makes a great present, but it’s also ideal for splitting up into three smaller gifts.

Looking for a male grooming gift set? The Mr Festive Gift Set at White Stuff features a Christmas-themed body wash and soap for just £12.50…

By Kate Duggan

Health & Beauty

Sharon Tutt

MAR

REFLEXOLOGY restore rebalance relax

CALL: 01233 813658 TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

FULLY QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED THERAPIST IN THE ASHFORD AREA The Vault Hair & Beauty. 27 Church Street, Wye, Kent TN25 5GW

10+ NORTH DOWNS AD.indd Open

2

Tuesday to Friday 9-30 to 5-30pm Saturday 9-00 to 5-00pm

Late Night Appointments Available

01233 714030

VISION

04/04/2019 15:16

HAIR & BEAUTY

Barbering Service Now Available Walk-Ins welcome, prices start from £10

10% OFF

Your First Visit

www.visionhairkent.co.uk Unit 2, Brenchley Mews, School Road, Charing TN27 0JW

29

and exercises, or www.nhs.uk/ conditions/nhs-fitness-studio for online exercise videos. The range covers yoga, Pilates, strength exercises, aerobic workouts and more, so there’s something for everyone.

Six Tips for a Healthy Winter The shorter, darker, colder, wetter days of winter can leave even the fittest and chirpiest of us feeling mentally and physically rundown. To keep you feeling better through the winter:

fully active (10-14 days after vaccination).

1: Reduce your infection risk Colds and flu are rife at this time of year, and while being cold cannot give you a cold (only a virus can do that) it can stress your body and lower your immunity. Take extra care with hygiene and take antibacterial hand gel with you when you go out. Sadly, not everyone who touches shop door handles and uses public transport practises good hygiene.

Being too cold puts stress on your body

If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, or are in an at-risk group for whom the vaccine’s recommended, make sure you get it early, before flu season gets underway. Ignore those who claim the vaccine gives you flu; it can’t, as it contains no live viruses.

People who get flu after the vaccine may have a rarer flu strain not covered by the vaccine or may have already had a flu virus before their vaccination became

30

2: Keep exercising Exercise can boost your immune system, release endorphins that

make you feel better and warm you up, too. If you’re normally an outdoor exerciser, cold, wet weather might put you off. If it doesn’t, bundle up and stay safe by avoiding exercising when its icy and wearing bright, reflective clothes if you’re out in the dark.

If the winter weather does put you off, consider indoor alternatives: swimming, indoor climbing, exercise classes, shortterm passes for a local gym, a new exercise DVD or even some home gym equipment like an exercise bike or weights.

The NHS has some great free exercise routines. Check out www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise and click on ‘fitness guides’ for a range of ten-minute workouts

3: Get enough daylight, fresh air and vitamin D supplements!

Tempting as it might be, hibernating indoors isn’t great for your health. Your body uses sunlight to regulate your body clock and create vitamin D, an essential vitamin for building strong teeth, muscle and bone.

However, while daylight helps, between October and early March in the UK there’s not enough of it for you to make sufficient vitamin D, even if you regularly spend time outdoors; nor can you make up the deficit by eating vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish (e.g. salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified foods like fat spreads and breakfast cereals. So while getting some winter sun and eating vitamin D-rich foods can help, the NHS recommends that everyone should top-up with a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.

4: Stay warm Being too cold puts stress on your body. When the temperature drops below 8°C, some people are at increased risk of mental or physical illness, especially if they’re over 65, disabled, pregnant, have young children (under school age), have a mental health condition or have a long-term health condition.

Low temperatures increase vulnerability to heart attacks, stroke, flu, pneumonia,

The Home hypothermia, falls and injuries, and can worsen mental health conditions like depression and dementia.

It also increases the symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease, a relatively common condition that interrupts blood supply to the extremities, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, stiffness and pins and needles. It most commonly affects the fingers, and you may notice them go white or even blue and then turn red as blood flow returns.

Keep your home heated to at least 18°C and use hot water bottles, heat packs or electric blankets if you need them. Try a hot bath rather than a shower, have hot drinks and eat for warmth (hot cereals, soups and stews are good options).

Pre-warm clothes on a radiator or in your airing cupboard, and once you’re outdoors try to breathe through your nose, as this warms air before it reaches your lungs. Wear layers, warm gloves and a hat. If you have Raynaud’s Disease, use hand dryers for a warmth top-up while you’re out, wear an extra pair of gloves and socks, and avoid heavy carrier bags that restrict blood flow to your fingers.

5: Eat healthy comfort food Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy.

Stews and soups are great winter foods, but watch your fat and salt intake and include plenty of vegetables. Homemade soups are easily made with a cheap, simple blender, and cooked fruit with low-fat custard makes a great winter pudding. The NHS website has some healthy, warming recipes for dishes like fish pie, lemon chicken and vegetable soup. Just visit www.nhs. uk/live-well/eat-well and click on recipes.

6: Finally… look after your mental health Stay active, warm and sociable: exercise, time spent outdoors and the company of others can all help stave off winter blues. However, if you think you may have full-blown SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), see your GP for help. Don’t suffer in silence.

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

Making the Difference

A different and innovative approach to Well-being for People living with Dementia, using our own unique Model of Care Focusing on enabling our clients to continue as empowered participants and not just inactive recipients of care

99 Promoting safe and independent living 99 Rehabilitation - Goal Focused Early Interventions 99 Delivering Personalised Care 99 Support and assistance with Activities of daily living (ADLs) 99 Companionship and respite 99 Mood management and monitoring 99 Cognitive, Functional and Enviromental Assessments 99 Therapeutic Interventions Paula Larter Occupational Therpist BSc (Hons) MRCOT Telephone: 01233 521818 Mobile: 07391485101 Email paula@makingthedifference-kent.com www.makingthedifference-kent.com

31

Latest Posting Dates

CARE AND SUPPORT IN YOUR OWN HOME

LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES

UK Inland Services Wednesday 18th December Friday 20th December Monday 23rd December

2nd Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 2nd Class 1st Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 1st Class Special Delivery Guaranteed®

LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES International Standard & International Tracking & Signature Services Monday 9th December

Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central & South America, Far & Middle East Tuesday 10th December Cyprus, Malta Wednesday 11th December Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic & Slovakia) Thursday 12th December Australia, Greece, Turkey, New Zealand Saturday 14th December Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA Monday 16th December Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland Wednesday 18th December Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

Across

1. South American animal (6) 4. Clans (6) 9. Whirlwind (7) 10. Male duck (5) 11. Casseroles (5) 12. Surprised (7) 13. Source of power (11) 18. Cars, buses etc. (7) 20. Dangerous (5) 22. Tacks (5) REF Graceful CHAR05-002 23.

(7) (Bluebird Care) 24. Eighth month (6) NOTES 25. Flow (6)

Down

IMPORTANT

Our aim is to make your Homecare experience not just good but great!

Bluebird Care strive to do more than meeting your physical needs and keeping you safe. We want to provide you a service that enriches your life and gives you the fulfilment that you deserve.

Our aim is to make your Homecare experience not just good but great!

HOUSEKEEPING ●MOBILITY HELP● COMPANIONSHIP● PERSONAL CARE

BluebirdRESPITE CARE● LIVE-IN CARE● SHOPPING ASSISTANCE Care strive to do more than meeting your physical needs and keeping you safe. We want to provide you a service that CONTACT US TODAY enriches your life and gives you the fulfilment that you deserve.

Bluebird Care (Ashford)

HOUSEKEEPING • MOBILITY HELP • COMPANIONSHIP 01233 501222 PERSONAL CARE • RESPITE CARE • LIVE-IN CARE • SHOPPING ASSISTANCE

ashford@bluebirdcare.co.uk CONTACT US TODAY Bluebird Care (Ashford) 01233 501222 • ashford@bluebirdcare.co.uk

CROSSWORD

SIZE

63 x 93

1. Painter (6) 2. American handbag (5) 3. Masterpiece (7) 5. Should Wirelessyou (5) require any amendments, please indicate them 6. Woollen cover (7) (6) 14. Departing (7) return it to us together17. withMethod this form 7. clearly Fast (6)on the copy and 15.

19. Clenched hands (5) Right (7) 8. within Assembled the (11) next 5 working daysof a verse (6) Thank (5) you 21. Frighten 16. Lines

32

PLEASE NOTE

DA

AP

SIGNED DATE

While every effort will be made to follow up and contact you about your advertisement, it is ultimately

Health & Lifestyle We are a leading specialist provider of homecare services based in Ashford.

We provide tailored support and care programmes to a variety of service users, allowing our clients to remain as independent as possible within the comfort of their own homes.

www.azcaringservices.co.uk A 24/7 Home Care Service

Tel: 01233 227841 M: 07552 766428

Email: info@AZcaringservices.co.uk Aspect House, 4 Ulley Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 9HT

for good honest advice,þ informationþ and a solution to mostþ mobility problemsþ www.forrmobility.co.uk� New ,Used & Hire Equipmentþ from Aids for Daily Livingþ to Wheelchairs.þ

come and try the largestþ selection of mobilityþ equipment in ashfordþ

• Parking by the door.þ • Indoor & outdoorþ test areas.þ • Repairs / Servicing.þ • Modifications.þ • Adaptationsþ .þ •þEasy terms available.þ • Free homeþ assessmentsþ

10+

Derek Hales

13+

MASTER TILER SPECIALIST IN ALL FORMS OF WALL AND FLOOR TILING

CLEAN, FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE

For your free quotation

Call Derek on 07905 700 142 33

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

S I

R E

D P

TARGET Excellent 22 or more words Good: 19 words Fair: 17 words 34

E R C KAN

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: 10 4 letters: 14 5 letters: 4 6 letters: 1

RACK RAKE RANK 5 Letters CRANE CRANK CREAK 6 Letters CANKER

WORD WHEEL

TWO MINUTE TRIAL

4 Letters ACNE ACRE CAKE CARE EARN NARC NARK NEAR NECK RACE

G U N S

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

3 Letters ACE ARK ARE CAN CAR EAR ERA PAD KEN RAN

WORD LADDER

S H O T

SUDOKU

Puzzle Page

The Home

Oil Heating & Oil Cookers

10+

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

STANFORD ROOFING

99 99 99 99 99

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

e: info@stanfordroofing.co.uk

5+

99 Repointing 99 Flat Roofs 99 Public Liability Insurance

FREE ESTIMATES Over 25 yrs Experience

Tel: 01303 814860 m: 07725 124891

www.stanfordroofing.co.uk Pound Lane, Smeeth TN25 6RJ

Easy Access Bathrooms 5+ Safe, sound and stylish

Walk-in showers • Walk-in baths • Wetrooms Beautiful bathroom & shower conversions

Family run business with over 15 years of Knowledge & experience Zero VAT on Mobility bathrooms

To find out how we can help you call:

01233 210808

w w w . b a t h e i n s a f e t y . c o . u k

35

Kid’s Corner

36

The Home

5+ Industrial • • • • • •

Commercial

General electrical repairs New installations Electric showers EV Car charging Electric underfloor heating Central Vacuum systems

• • • • •

Tel: 01233 665107

Email: info@tbelectrical.org.uk 130a Godinton Road, Ashford, TN23 1LJ

5+

Domestic

Full & part rewires Periodic electrical testing PAT testing Garden electrics Ventilation solutions (including MVHR)

FREE Quotations!

GP Electrical & Plastering 07803 417098

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

Handyman Services Kitchens Bathrooms Tiling Painting Plastering

• • • • •

Patios Decking/Pergolas Fencing Turfing Jet Washing

FREE QUOTES

Tel: 01233 500676 e: kingspm54@gmail.com 07563 666322 / 07949 955919

Larkin Electrical Ltd

5+

The name for quality and reliability

At last, a team of electricians you can rely on to provide a

www.gpelectricalandplastering.co.uk

great service. Everything you need, from changing a light

Friendly, Professional Service - Free Estimates, Fully Insured

bulb, fault finding, new points, rewires, electrical reports

Plastering Artex Covering Walls and Ceilings Renovations & more...

10+

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

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

Call812148 Tony Telephone: 01303 T: 01233 365999Mobile: M: 07738 907 717 07738907717 e: www.plumbing-masters.co.uk plumbingmasters@msn.com

to commercial installations. You name it, we can do it!

Contact us on: 01303 812 400 / 401 E-mail: info@larkinelectrical.co.uk Located in Smeeth, Nr Ashford

Plumbing & Heating Services

All plumbing work undertaken no job too small!

Burst pipes, Blockages, Taps, Pumps, Radiators & Drainage work. Bathroom & Shower Installation

Call: Michael on 01233 733779 or 07515 651 717 No Call Out Charge. 24hr Service

Advertise Here

£20 per month + vat (£40 per 2 month edition) Monly Direct Debit Available The Villages North - Coverage: 7,000 via Royal Mail

Call 01233 720488 or email info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk 37

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

Natural LPG

0800 111 999 Details on tank

Doctors Surgery 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 Hastingleigh 01233 750415 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.kentcounselling.co.uk CARM E: office@carmromneymarsh.org.uk www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support www.forget-me-nots.co.uk Parkinson’s UK, Ashford Branch Contact Mike Wharrad 01233 623520 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448 www.eastkentstrokes.org SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138 email: mssoutheast@gmail.com NSPCC: Tenterden & District Mrs J Coombs 01580 763733 Pregnancy Sickness Support Kent and Sussex www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Contact: Denise Clifford deniseclifford@btinternet.com Royal Mail Residential Customer Services

08457 740740 Transport www.arrivabus.co.uk www.stagecoachbus.com www.nationalrail.co.uk Wealden Wheels: 01233 840000 Village Halls: Boughton Lees Brook Challock Westwell Wye

07986 252558 01233 812803 01233 740504 01233 712107 07504 839 858

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

5+

01233 840624

Disclaimer: Every care is taken to ensure this directory is as accurate as possible but the publishers do not Disclaimer: Every care is taken to ensure this directory is as accurate as possible but the publishers do not accept responsibility for any lossloss or damage resulting from errors or omissions. accept responsibility for any or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

The Village Directory Coverage

Delivered by Royal Mail to 60,000 plus Homes & Businesses Charing

Egerton

The Villages North 7,000

Pluckley

The Villages West - 7,500 Smarden

Westwell

Boughton Aluph

Orchard Heights Brook

Ashford TN24 15,000

The Villages South 10,300

Warehorne Chilmington Green

Finberry

Hamstreet Kingsnorth Bridgefield Mersham Park Farm Appledore

St Michaels

Stowting

Brabourne Lees Stanford

Woodchurch

Sellindge

Aldington

Tenterden

Small Hythe Wittersham

Hastingleigh

Hinxhill Brabourne

Bethersden Great Chart

High Halden

Bodsham

Wye

Hothfield

Little Chart Biddenden

Challock

Ruckinge

Stone-in-Oxney

Newchurch

Tenterden & Rye 9,640

Brookland

Iden Playden

Bonnington Bilsington

Ivychurch

East Guldeford

Dymchurch St Mary’s Bay

New Romney

Rye

The Marsh 10,675 Camber

Lydd Dungeness

Puzzle Solutions Kid’s Page

Word Ladder

Cranberry Sauce Roast Potatoes Stuffing Christmas Pudding Brussel Sprouts Turkey Extra word - ‘Turnip’.

20 Snowmen.

8 baubles.

Sudoku

Please note, this map is provided as a guide, it does not include all villages

Crossword

SHOT shod shed sued sues suns GUNS 39

GTP

5+

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

01233 642305 www.gtpwindows.co.uk