The Whitstable IMP ISSUE 5 by Mel Birkett

whitstableimp THE

ISSUE 5

APRIL 2009

See Hullabaloo and Rubber Biscuit p41

NEW!

GIG GUIDE LATEST ON THE HARBOUR ART IN WHITSTABLE 50% off model shoot An Independent Media Publication

page 24

Gas Fires Gas Cookers Servicing

THE IMP TEAM EDITOR Christina Birkett

Christina started working in Media twelve years ago and enjoyed a happy and varied career, but with three daughters aged five and under, work needs to be flexible these days, and the IMP gives Christina the chance to balance work and family, as well as covering a subject she loves - Whitstable!

CONTRIBUTORS Liz Crudgington

Liz has spent the last eight years writing about Whitstable for one of the town’s newspapers and is excited to be involved with The Whitstable IMP. She’ll be working on news and features, and is looking forward to making sure the whole town knows what’s going on. Now a freelance writer, Liz is available for media, marketing and more contact 07766 735 940 or liz@mediaandmore.co.uk

Andy Capon

Andy has lived in Whitstable for several years, and is the founder member of local band The Trouser Trumpets. He has written two as yet unpublished factual books; Gone But Not Forgotten, and Does Humour Belong In Music?. Currently unemployed but hoping to return to work soon, Andy is also working on a novel, How Do You Know It’s Love?

Stephanie Shanti

Stephanie has been practising yoga for 12 years and teaching since 2000. She trained at the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Montreal, Canada, and has taught classes to a wide variety of clients. She lives in Italy with her partner and two sons on their yoga retreat - www.shanticentre.com.

Dominic Brice

Dominic has lived in Whitstable most of his life. He started out working for a landscape company 17 years ago and after 5 years decided to start his own company, Tranquil Earth Natural Garden Design, which specialises in creating traditional and contemporary gardens, built with respect for the environment and to encourage wildlife. Visit www.tranquil-earth.co.uk for garden ideas.

Welcome to the April issue of

The Whitstable IMP!

pring is here, and with it comes the desire to get out and about, admire our beautiful surroundings and really appreciate everything that Whitstable has to offer. This issue covers the harbour, local walks (with or without pet!) and spring projects for your garden. Feast your eyes - Andy looks at Art and exhibiting in Whitstable - and your ears - with our newest addition, the gig guide, a list of live gigs in Whitstable over the next month or so. This month you can win tickets to Bands@ the Belmont (details page 41), and there’s an exclusive offer for IMP readers for photography from Tim Stubbings (details page 24).

And while we’ve been busy compiling the magazine, imps have been beavering away behind the scenes, updating the website. You can now go to www.the-imp.co.uk to see all our issues reproduced in full online, to search through our new business directory, or to check something in the listings or the gig guide if you don’t happen to have your copy of the IMP to hand... (If you do spot any errors, please let us know, we don’t want to publish any inaccurate information.)

Malissa Taylor

SALES: Mel Birkett FREEPHONE 0800 44 88 309 DESIGN: Adam Boreham www.reactionvm.co.uk PRINTING: Headley Brothers www.headley.co.uk PUBLISHERS: IMP PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH

The winner of the draw for dinner for four at the Pearson’s Arms from the March issue is Cliff Willoughby of Collingwood Road, Whitstable - congratulations! The Whitstable IMP is a is a monthly magazine distributed free of charge to homes and businesses in Whitstable. A monthly minimum 90% of our 16,000 circulation is delivered via letter-box distribution, the balance being made available to locals and visitors through a variety of outlets including Whitstable and Swalecliffe libraries, The Horsebridge Centre, various dentists and doctors surgeries as well as other suitable outlets. Advertising is booked in the IMP is on the basis that 16,000 magazines are printed and made available in this way, anecdotal evidence that specific addresses have not been delivered to will not be grounds for full or partial refunds.

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THIS ISSUE

South African-born Malissa is passionate about three things; Mamahood, Music and Mother Earth. She spends most of her time consumed by these and feels that her responsibility is to ensure that each is celebrated by everything that she does. She recently moved to Whitstable, and she hopes to submerge herself in the community, something which she believes is essential for her wellbeing and that of her family.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 08

COMMUNITY

14 Local photographer Tim Stubbings offers you the chance to find out!

Page 8

Alternative ways to... put a spring in your step

A day in the Life...

Our new series - this month Liz talks to local PC, Andy Camp

Page 12

Girlguiding in Whitstable

With the centenary coming up next year we look at girlguiding today and ask you to share your memories of the past

Page 14

Good Herbs, Honestly Middle Wall’s own greenfingered cottage industry

Page 22

Bubble bits and bobs

Your monthly round-up from May Day celebrations to Volunteering in the Community

Page 24

Fresh air, spring greens and, of course, Yoga!

Page 28 Recipe

Samphire’s Head Chef Richard shares his recipe for Fish Pie

Gardening Tips for April

As everything turns green, Dominic has more wholesome outdoor projects for you to try

Page 32

Horoscopes

Will spring bring changes to your life?

Page 37

ENTERTAINMENT

Letter Box

Art in Whitstable

Page 34

What’s on? Another bumper month! Page 42

LIFESTYLE Pet Month

April 4 to May 4 - but even if you don’t have pets, check out some of these lovely local walks

With accessible galleries and plentiful local talent, Whitstable is the place to be

Page 16

Gig Guide

NEW!! Live music listings for the month ahead in Whitstable!

Page 39

www.the-imp.co.uk Cover shot: Tim Stubbings

26 THIS ISSUE

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Page 30

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Your views in print!

Are you model material?

Whitstable Harbour

Harbour Master Mike Wier tells Liz about the latest developments

See Hullabaloo and Rubber Biscuit p41

All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without prior written consent from the Publisher. Opinions expressed in the editorial are not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher. IMP does not accept responsibility for the advertising contents, or endorse or recommend any of the companies or products featured; nor shall IMP be liable for any damage caused to or losses suffered by any person who relies on the information published in this magazine. © Independent Media Publications.

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Holistic Health Spring is in the air, a perfect time to detox, de-stress and re-energise our bodies. Alternative therapists Amanda Thomas and Annette Stein are offering a wide range of treatments at their clinic in Whitstable. The treatments they offer are particularly effective for relieving stress, increasing energy levels and improving overall health.

Amanda, who has an acupuncture degree and spent two years training as a herbalist, treats a whole range of conditions from pain relief to skin problems. Her specialist area is working with gynaecological complaints, especially fertility and IVF support. She is proud to know many babies around Whitstable who were conceived after treatment and often meets up with them at toddler groups she attends with her own daughter. “It is wonderful to be able to share in that joy,” she said. “Many people come to us as a last resort, and studies show that acupuncture does improve the chances of successful IVF treatment, but I would also recommend sessions in preparation for conceiving.” Annette, a homeopath and craniosacral therapist, also treats pregnant women and offers her gentle technique to babies and children. She recommends craniosacral therapy as a wonderful way of de-stressing and restoring health and relaxation. Annette has also had a lot of success in treating adults and children using a specialist machine that measures electrical responses to pinpoint sensitivities and toxins in the body. The QX machine can also identify food intolerances, allergies and measure hydration levels and toxicities, giving a more complete picture of a person’s health.

Annette said: “It is a very useful tool if people feel generally under the weather or sluggish and are not sure why. Maybe after a long cold winter you feel like your body needs a spring clean. The QX machine can identify any areas that aren’t performing as well as they should and I can then recommend treatments to improve that.” The pair are planning to set up a special children’s clinic to offer advice and treatment on a range of childhood complaints and hope it could become a lifeline for worried mums. “Many parents are concerned about minor ailments like colic, teething and constipation for their babies and children and sometimes just want some advice on natural ways to treat them,” said Amanda. The Holistic Health Place is offering 20% off a first session for IMP readers when they book. For details, call 01227 265082 or click on http://www.theholistichealthplace.com or www.acupunctureplace.co.uk

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Development plots available... It’s enough to strike fear into the heart of anyone who cares about Whitstable Harbour. But does the reappearance of that ominous sign spell more dark days for the port?

COMMUNITY

ot according to harbour master Mike Wier, who insists lessons have been learnt since the management board’s last ill-fated attempt to select a development. “The more consultation that happens, the better,” he said. “That was a big lesson from last time. People are very keen to be involved. Hopefully those lessons have been learnt and that will happen for this process.” Back in 2007, almost 20,000 people signed a petition opposing the three schemes selected, which would have seen a hotel, supermarket or pub built on the south quay. The successful campaign was organised by the Whitstable Harbour Watch group, which has had many productive discussions with the harbour board since then. Mr Wier said: “After the last process

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was overwhelmingly rejected by the community, the board worked more closely with Harbour Watch and it was agreed that they would reject all three and start again, which they have done. The second exercise is now underway and there has been a strong interest from potential developers. It will be interesting to see what comes of them.” Expressions of interest for the quayside sites were due to be with the council by the beginning of April, and the first report on the proposals received will go before the harbour board later this month. There is nothing to stop the developers who were involved last time submitting schemes again and by mid March 40 application packs had been sent out. The council’s harbour development website, http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/

considered alongside the development proposals, and consultation on that will begin later this year. Visitors to the port may not notice many physical changes, although the harbour market and cafe have been given new five-year leases and repairs to the west quay started a few weeks ago. Ships carrying stone still come and go, albeit rather sporadically, and the fishermen are still a popular feature as they prepare and sell their catch. But on paper, there are some significant differences to report. Mr Wier said: “The harbour is now ring-fenced financially and we are about to put in some very good results. “Our projected year-end profit is £104,500. This figure doesn’t bear any relation to the economic downturn. It is our best ever result.”

COMMUNITY

assets/harbour/southquaydevelopment opportunityjune2008.pdf had also received more than 500 hits. But although the guidance issued to developers does not rule out largescale building projects, Mr Wier said the board would favour smaller schemes. “There is potential for total redevelopment but the idea was that it would be more incremental,” he said. “We want businesses to say they could put this business on that site. We have learnt lessons on that from the first phase.” Another change from the 2007 process is to the members of the board, which now includes architect Adam Roake, who will be able to provide valuable guidance on design principles and development. And the panel is also working on a strategic plan to be

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COMMUNITY 10

The record profits - more than £25,000 up on last year - are due to making better use of the harbour land with new tenants like the market, cafe, wind farm maintenance base and beach huts. There have also been cost savings in admin services and other areas which are helping to offset the downturn in shipping. Mr Wier said: “What makes it even more remarkable is that these profits were generated at a time of major investment with replacement of the East Quay and new equipment and infrastructure. And these profits go into the harbour fund for capital repairs and expenditure in the future.” So what else will that future bring? Until the board has considered the response from developers to this phase of the process it’s hard to say. But smaller scale schemes in the pipeline include more public seating areas and additional parking in the Oyster Indoor Bowls Club car park. Officials are in negotiations with the club about the project but hope

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to reach agreement in time for the summer season. Mr Wier said: “We are doing our best to keep the harbour accessible as well as clean and tidy and to make sure its future is secure. Any future development will have to contribute positively to the harbour’s function and the board’s objectives of, among other things, supporting the economy and contributing to the character of Whitstable. Proposals that include public space or that perform community functions will receive favourable consideration.” The harbour board meeting starts at 3pm on Friday, April 24 at the Parish Social Centre in Castle Road. It is open to the public although people wishing to speak must register their intention with the council beforehand. The agenda will be available from the district office in Harbour Street and online at http://www.canterbury. gov.uk a week before the meeting. Liz Crudgington

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... PC ANDY CAMP PC Andy Camp doesn’t need an alarm - his twoyear-old son performs that function admirably. The toddler makes sure his dad is up bright and early at 6am, whether he’s on an early shift that day or didn’t get home until late the night before. But the tot provides plenty of laughter and fun before his dad has to leave for his job as Whitstable’s town centre neighbourhood officer.

COMMUNITY

he IMP caught up with PC Camp on a late shift to see what a day in his life involves. PC Camp’s first job is to check his emails and phone messages and respond to anything urgent. But he hates to be tied to the office so after a quick catch-up with Whitstable’s PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) he is off out on his beat. The 33-year-old has been keeping the town safe for two years, but has 14 years policing experience and joined the force after a work experience placement as a teenager. “I love being out there and making a difference to people’s lives,” he said. “A lot of my role is about reassuring people and making sure they feel safe, as well as being an approachable person they recognise. Sometimes it takes me more than an hour to walk down the High Street because so many people want to stop me, but if that means I am getting the information I need to do my job properly then I’m happy to help.” One of his first calls is a follow-up visit to a woman who reported problems with teenagers the night before. Although PC Camp was not on duty at the time, as the neighbourhood officer

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it is part of his job to check for further problems and make sure she feels secure. He then visits the manager at Somerfield to check the CCTV tapes after a theft the previous evening. The store, like dozens of others around the town, is part of the Businesses Against Crime initiative which means staff have radios to alert other retailers of suspicious activity. PC Camp monitors the radio traffic throughout his shift and is ready to respond if there is an urgent call or a crime in progress. He said: “I love being part of an arrest or emergency situation and that does take precedence over appointments or meetings. “It’s one of the reasons I first became a police officer and I still love the feeling of satisfaction I get when a problem is solved or a criminal is prosecuted.” But meetings are also part of his routine and provide a valuable way for him to gather intelligence and build relationships around the town. He holds monthly surgeries for people to discuss any police-related problems and also attends meetings of both the town centre and West Beach PACT panels (Partners and Communities Together). This summer, the surgeries will move to the Chamber of

problems before they occur. Everyone we stop gets a letter home which is sometimes a shock for their parents.” Underage drinking and graffiti are two of the priorities set by the PACT panels, which are made up of community groups and residents, so a lot of his time is spent working on those particular problems. “The days I like are the days I can get out there and keep on top of things in the town,” he said. “I can deal with any areas of concern there and then. I love getting out and talking to people and working with them to find ways to improve the neighbourhood.” The shift ends with more paperwork back at the office - filling in forms and writing reports on his activities throughout the day. And after a quick cycle home, he relaxes for half an hour before going to bed to prepare for the next day’s early start.

COMMUNITY

Commerce hut in the harbour and will be held at the same time as the harbour market to make sure there are plenty of people about to pop in. PC Camp is also a familiar face to many of the town’s schoolchildren, because he tries to be around for school run times at least once a week. The youth club is also a regular stop on his patrol and he gets a warm welcome from the young people there, who appreciate his willingness to listen to their views. After checking some of the areas teenagers often gather to make sure there are no problems, he carries out some road checks, recording drivers’ speeds and looking for anyone using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt. Then, as the evening really begins, PC Camp visits pubs and off-licences to check for problems and let the licensees know he is around to help. “A lot of my time is taken up with underage drinking, especially at the weekend,” he said. “We try to get in there early to prevent

Liz Crudgington

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GIRLGUIDING IN WHITSTABLE

any people think of Girlguiding as

COMMUNITY

something rather old-fashioned, to do with knitting, knotting and hostess badges... But the world of guiding has moved on, and girls now have the opportunity to try their hand at any number of things - from abseiling to kayaking. The Guides’ philosophy has always been to learn by doing things - in a fun way, without pressure. This is the main reason why the girlguides have remained resolutely a girl-only space: “It’s about taking the pressure off and giving girls a chance to be themselves, without worrying about what they look like or whether they need to reapply their lipstick!” says leader, Rosemary Mills. “Take abseiling, for example it’s very physical, and normally the domain of boys. How many girls would feel comfortable trying it for the first time if they were worried about how they might look in front of the boys?”

And the feedback from the girls themselves only supports this view: “They like to have a girl-only environment, when they can relax and really be themselves without any distractions...” And although things have moved on, Girlguiding still teaches valuable life-skills. Some, like managing money and budgeting, which our mothers and grandmothers would have taken for granted - but others are particularly relevant to the issues of today, such as cyber-safety, environmental awareness, and healthy body image. There are currently more than 300 members in Whitstable who are Rainbows, Brownies or Guides, plus about 60 adult leaders. To find out about Rainbows, Brownies or Guides near you, contact Rosemary Mills at rkmills@btinternet. com, on 01227 274588, or check out the website www.girlguiding.org.uk to see what 21st century Guides get up to. Christina Birkett

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In 2010 Girlguiding UK celebrates 100 years since the organisation began. Here in Whitstable, September will see the launch of a year of celebrations. The IMP will keep you informed of everything that’s going on, including an exhibition at Whitstable Museum early next year - which is where you come in! It is said that 50% of women have belonged to the Brownies or Guides at some point in their lives and they will all have memories - or memorabilia - from these times. Do you have photographs of yourselves or your friends in uniform - or were you even a Brownie in the Blitz? If you have any interesting stories or pictures and you’d like participate in the exhibition, Rosemary would like to hear from you: “We would like to make contact with lots of past members in order to gather their memories of being in the Guides, and hopefully some of their pictures too.” You can contact Rosemary at rkmills@btinternet.com or on 01227 274588.

ART IN WHITSTABLE THE FISH SLAB GALLERY

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or the aspiring artist, finding somewhere to get your work seen for the first time may seem a daunting task. Whether it’s due to cultural elitism or sheer competition, an artist may find themselves hanging their work at home only. But one local gallery in Whitstable is sure to open its doors to any artist, and has provided a valuable conduit to artists trying to break into the local scene. The Fish-slab Gallery in Oxford Street is not just looking for established artists, but newcomers also, as John Bird explained: “The object of the exercise is to get as many up-and-coming artists in as possible. Ours is a non-elitist springboard into the local art world and all are welcome.” And it’s not just artists who are welcome at the gallery - they are also looking for anyone with experience in running a gallery. The Fish-slab gallery opened about 7 years ago, after Jean Willis persuaded the council to use the old Fishmongers at 11 Oxford Street, and Norma Fryer has been running it almost single-handedly since then. John is trying to put a committee together now to run the gallery, from which the council will derive an income (it’s been running rent-free since it’s opening). This will free up Norma’s time to concentrate on her own art, which can also be seen at the gallery. “The gallery has had a ‘grace and favour’ existence for 7 years but now they’re going to have to do it properly,” John explained. “We need a group of people to operate the system, particularly now, as the law dictates that if we’re getting rates relief, we have to run the gallery by the board.” Despite this, there are still many exhibitions and private viewings planned, including an exhibition, ‘Combination’

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by local artists Lin and Lawrence Fletcher from May 20-26. Lin told us: “The local art scene is thriving at the moment, especially with the rejuvenation of the Fish-slab gallery.” And it’s this rejuvenation that John hopes will attract new and younger artists to the town. “We provide a facility to encourage unknown artists... we want new blood to come in. The pricing is at the point where, if you haven’t got any money and your work is brilliant, we’ll find someone to pay for it. We don’t want to discourage anybody.” And established artists return to the Fish-slab, as John explained: “We still get some familiar faces coming back, as it’s a very affordable gallery. There isn’t an atmosphere of competition in the gallery community - visitors to Whitstable are aware of the art scene and know they have a varied choice in Galleries. When a gallery has a private view, others will stay open late to capitalise on this. All are welcome, and If an artist gets confidence from exhibiting with us and then goes on to another gallery, brilliant, we’ve done our job!” Anyone wishing to exhibit at the Fish-slab Gallery can contact John Bird on 01227 273952. Andy Capon

Sadie at the Horsebridge

SADIE HENNESSEY

eople take up art for a variety of reasons. Some are born to do it and others, it seems, take it up due to a change in life circumstances. One such artist is Whitstable-based Sadie Hennessey, and her recent exhibition at the Horsebridge belies the fact that she began art as a part-time career a mere five years ago. Currently studying for an MA in fine art at London’s Saint Martin’s college, Sadie is also preparing for an exhibition at the Affordable Arts fair in Battersea. But it’s quite a departure from her previous career as a TV producer, as Sadie explained: “I worked in TV for years and stopped when I had my first child in 2000, and after my second was born I couldn’t imagine going back to TV. I had a lot of free time and started work on some collages.” A chance meeting with another local artist, Paul Elliott, saw Sadie open her first exhibition of her trademark collages at Whitstable’s Fish Slab gallery in 2005. “I was petrified at first, given that I only had three months to prepare, but it was just what I needed. I was nervous at the private view, but then I sold one piece, and then another, and by the end of the night I had nearly sold out, which made me realise that people liked what I was doing - and I haven’t looked back since.” Sadie, 44, has been working hard on new work since and has many exhibitions under her belt. Her big breakthrough was a show at the Chelsea Arts club: “That was fantastic, and I managed to sell almost everything. A few galleries picked up on this and I was soon exhibiting in those.” It’s not hard to see why Sadie’s art is enjoying success, as the recent Horsebridge exhibition, which saw 500 people attend, showed. There is a darkly comic edge to some of Sadie’s work, in particular the piece entitled ‘St. Kerry of Katona’, which shows the TV reality star as a haloed saint holding a scroll saying ‘Mum’s gone to Iceland’, and the even more surreal ‘St.

Amy of The Beehive’, where Amy Winehouse becomes a crucifix-pondering Nun. But a preoccupation with 50s kitsch and the Punk era seems to be the main theme of Sadie’s work and she’s somehow managed to seamlessly blend the two genres. “It’s an aesthetic thing, I love the whole iconography of the 50s and I love the whole D.I.Y. attitude of the Punk era, just cutting stuff up to make your own thing.” One of Sadie’s pieces, a pastiche of the notorious Sex Pistols single cover for God Save The Queen, drew a lot of positive attention at the Horsebridge. It stayed quite faithful to the original and has a picture of our monarch with ‘God Saved The Queen’ across her face with ‘30 years on’ beneath. A picture nearby proclaims ‘Punks Snot Dead’, but other genres also get Sadie’s makeover - Elvis Presley, David Bowie and Marilyn Monroe are also parodied with pleasing effect. Sadie’s art has often been compared to Peter Blake, the creator of the famous ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ album cover, and the comparison soon becomes obvious when looking at the collaged nature of her work. Sadie’s work can be seen around London, but she is also aware of the importance of local support and is grateful to the Horsebridge Centre for not taking commission on her work, but rather charging just the rent of the gallery. “I love the support that Whitstable offers artists, and it’s relatively inexpensive to exhibit. The Horsebridge Centre was very accommodating, and the Fish Slab Gallery, too, charges next to nothing. It would’ve been a lot harder in London to start up and get people along to exhibitions. Whitstable is a great springboard for artists, and being local you get to know other artists, and meet people at the exhibitions.” Sadie is continuing to work on new pieces as well as the MA course, but despite these commitments is planning new exhibitions, and will be throwing her doors open for the Artists open house trail in the Autumn. Anyone interested in her work can find out more by visiting www.sadiehennessy.co.uk Andy Capon

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ART IN WHITSTABLE

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Tankerton, looking towards Long Rock

PET MONTH

Whether you’ve got a gorgeous gerbil or a felicitous feline, April is the month to celebrate them. National Pet Month runs from April 4 to May 4 and thousands of people across the country will be organising special events to promote responsible pet ownership or raise money for animal charities.

his year’s theme is ‘Healthy Pets Make Happy Pets’, which applies equally well to humans. So, as Spring is in the air, we at the IMP have put together our favourite walks which you can enjoy with or without your fourlegged friend... although it may be easier to leave the hamster at home.

Long Rock Swalecliffe A real doggy community exists here so there are plenty of chances to make new friends, of the two-legged and four-legged variety.

Cornwallis Circle Perfect for elderly dogs and their owners, with enough space to roam without getting worn out. Phew!

National Pet Month also aims to increase public awareness of the services available from people who work with animals, and many vets will be running special offers to coincide with the event. So if Fido’s due a booster or Tabby needs her teeth checked, April is the ideal time to do it.

Duncan Downs Tranquillity and beautiful open space for you, enough smells to keep the sniffiest hound amused for hours. Perfect!

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Clowes Wood Wonderful in all weathers, although a bit muddy in the rain, and near the Dogs Trust rehoming centre if you wanted to pop in and consider another canine companion on the way home.

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Seasalter Beach Park on Faversham Road and you even get newly refurbished toilets if those muddy paws need cleaning afterwards.

The Downs are beautiful in all kinds of weather

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Tankerton Slopes Best to visit this one in winter because the beach is dog-free in the summer. But the slopes themselves provide plenty of fun, especially if you have a ball with you.

Chestfield Rec Not the playpark area in the middle of the village but the open sports ground area near the Chestfield Barn. There are some great footpaths and a wonderful expanse of grass for chasing around. Watch out for footballers though!

LIFESTYLE

Horsebridge to Harbour Fair-weather walkers or those with pushchairs or wheelchairs can enjoy all the benefits of a

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seaside walk without the shingle using the walkway along the beach. Dogs will have to be kept on a lead in the harbour.

Westmeads Rec Perfect for a kickabout with the kids and the dog can join in too. But as with all our walks, make sure you pick up that poo!

The Crab and Winkle Way Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve saved the best till last - a fantastic route to enjoy with the whole family, and why not take your bike and make it a real day out? Article by Liz Crudgington, Pics by Debra Maybourne

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LIFESTYLE

wise person once said: “If you are lucky enough to live in Whitstable, you are lucky enough…” When I first came to this lovely town nearly five years ago, we took a walk along Middle Wall and discovered a lovely little garden filled with little white plastic markers and hand-written signs offering the readers an opportunity to share the most delicious herbs for as little as one shiny pound. The family responsible for this little herbal treasure trove are the Hastings; Andrew, Janet, and their children Imogen and Leo. About fifteen years ago, Andrew decided to share a packet of parsley seeds with the rest of the people in Whitstable and things have gone from strength to strength. For five and a half days, Andrew deals with money and those who need it, but his real passion (besides writing sitcoms and comedy sketches and playing drums in a local rock band – Crow Man) is growing herbs. He loves educating his family and anyone who will listen about the gorgeousness of herbs and how they make our life a much better place. The word ‘organic’ has been used lately to describe food or products approved by a certain association, but before this, it could be defined as natural, holistic, and healthful. This is also a perfect way to describe the Hastings’ herbs. Though the herbs are not certified organic, Andrew uses no pesticides nor any ugly things that could potentially harm the earth or the people eating them. He does not make enormous amounts of money but some of the money he has made, he donates to a charity called the CAH Society in honour of a friend. Over the years, I have bought herbs from various sources and Honesty Herbs are the only ones that have survived my brown fingers. There is a wide variety of herbs, including up to forty different kinds of mint, and even Vietnamese coriander. Take a little walk along Middle Wall soon and collect some great, organicallygrown herbs at good, honest prices. The herbs outside this house are much like the lovely family who are inside… a joy and a delicious accompaniment to a wonderful town. Malissa Taylor

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MODEL MATERIAL? MAGAZINE & FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY GOES MAINSTREAM, AS WHITSTABLE PHOTOGRAPHER TIM STUBBINGS LAUNCHES FREESTYLE – THE MAGAZINE-STYLE SHOOT WHERE THE MODEL IS YOU...

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t’s an overcast and chilly morning in Broadstairs, and Whitstable-based photographer Tim Stubbings is busy photographing another of his FREESTYLE photo-shoots. “It’s so simple really,” he says, “in that for years there have been photographers like myself working on location for commercial clients, finding innovative ways to work - and yet the high street studio’s offering to the public has mainly consisted of jumping around in front of a white background. Some people find a studio setting can be both sterile and daunting – but getting away from that can be great fun and a lot more relaxing. So all I’m doing is opening up the magazine-style shoot to everyone else, not just commercial clients. It really is a magazine-style shoot in which the model is you.” For Tim, this style of photography lends itself particularly well to Whitstable and the surrounding coastal towns. “It’s all about breaking out of the studio and using the beach, woodland or some great urban locations as well. The key to these sorts of pictures is both the lighting and the location, and we’re spoilt for choice along the Kent coast. A lot of fashion and magazine work will deliberately use locations which are neutral – and they can be anything, from a car-park, to a shelter on Tankerton slopes.” Tim completed a shoot just before Christmas,around the East Quay and Continental Hotel in Whitstable, and revealed: “There you have at least 3 or 4 great backdrops to work with, not even counting the sea or the views!” Taking part in the current shoot is Sophie, a student at UKC, who is working with Tim on the training courses he offers both commercially and to students (he coaches as a guest lecturer on the photography degree course at Christchurch). Tim explains: “We’re shooting here on what is effectively an industrial estate – but by being careful and selective we can find some great backdrops which act as our set.”

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TIM IS OFFERING AN EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION TO IMP READERS.

ADVERTORIAL

Anyone booking a FREESTYLE shoot in April will have a glossy 20-page book of their pictures (worth ÂŁ95) included absolutely free, in addition to a free 10x8 print. For more information of FREESTYLE see http://www.freestylepix.co.uk or call Tim on 01227 460604

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BUBBLE BITS AND BOBS DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE TIME TO SPARE?

WHITSTABLE’S 32ND NS IO MAY DAY CELEBRAT

COMMUNITY

Age Concern Whitstable are looking to expand their ‘Tea for Two Befriending Service’ in the Whitstable area. The scheme arranges for a volunteer befriender 4, May At 11am on Monday to visit a lonely older person regularly for a cup of ns Bay Lio Whitstable & Herne tea and a chat, giving the older person additional y Da y Ma their Club will be holding outside contact and something to look forward to. s, pe Slo kerton Celebrations on Tan There is also a wide range of other volunteering a h wit ds, Groun opposite the Castle opportunities, including helping in the day centre ng Bri . ’ theme ‘Teddy Bears Picnic best dressed bear, the for (chatting to clients, serving tea and coffee etc), zes pri are there along your Teddies, & Judy), stalls of nch Pu helping the management team by becoming a g din clu (in ents as well as entertainm trustee, assisting on a mini bus as a transport d. foo d d col all types and hot an at 10.30am rts sta escort, afternoon entertainment (the centre always al tiv Fes y Da The traditional May es from all over Sid ing nc welcomes volunteers who can play a musical Da rris Mo with outside the library, Oyster Morris Side. the by instrument or sing), assisting with the new healthy ed join d an d the country, organise they will proceed on no lifestyle and wellbeing initiative, helping with at y, rar lib the After dancing outside dge for more Bri health walks, exercise classes and dance classes. rse Ho the to t ee through the High Str y will be joined at the ere Volunteering can be on a regular basis or for wh ) ing nk dri dancing (and a bit of ’ (who has been en Gre a one off project. If you have a little time to spare the in ck ‘Ja al 1pm by the tradition ey all then proceed Th d). and would like to do something really worthwhile an erl mb Cu of ‘resting’ in the Duke line the street, the es sid and rewarding, please contact Gill Ball on 01227 rris Mo the re to Harbour Street we to the Harbour for all m 787313 or 07735556811 or Age Concern the ds lea d an , Jack dances through er Hill to join the Tow up Whitstable directly on 01227 272055 to find d cee pro n the l more dancing. They pes, where they wil slo n rto out more. ke Tan on s Lions club celebration May Day song. sing the traditional BANDS @ THE BELMONT ll, call Dixie on on or to book a sta A number of local businesses have joined forces For more informati to support Whitstable Town Football Club in 01227 275959 promoting awareness of the club, and trying to tap into other activities, apart from football, to benefit the EASTER ART TRAIL Whitstable community. From Marine Terrace down to the Harbour, Whitstable artists The first such event - Bands@the Belmont - will be will be opening their doors to the public for the Easter held at Whitstable football ground on May 15. Featuring bank holiday weekend. On show will be a wide variety of well-known local bands Hullabaloo & Rubber Biscuit, original artwork including stained glass, paintings, ceramics, gates open at 6pm, starts at 7pm, with KMFM Road contemporary jewellery, photographs and prints. Show. Drink & food will be available to buy. Wristbands For further details pick up a leaflet from Keam’s Yard can be bought for £10 in advance or £15 on the night. studio and gallery, (next to Keam’s Yard car park), and do Call Neil Harrington on 01227 266012 or 01227 272302 something different this Easter. Entrance to all venues is for more information. 26 free and all are welcome!

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RACE FOR LIFE

SUMMER IS ON ITS WAY...

This summer, thousands of women across the country will take part in a series of races to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The charity’s annual Race For Life campaign is one of its most successful, and has raised £240million for vital research since it started in 1994. This year, a target of £62.5million has been set, and IMP writer Liz Crudgington will be one of those helping to reach it. She has signed up for the Race for Life in Herne Bay, which together with the Canterbury event are the nearest to Whitstable, and has already started her training. “I did Race for Life once before but I walked most of the way and this time I am determined to run,” said Liz. “It’s a daunting prospect because I haven’t done any running since I left school, and I didn’t do much of it then, but I like a challenge!” Liz has set up a fund-raising website, http://www. justgiving.com/lizcrudgington so people can sponsor her online and IMP readers will be able to follow her training progress in future editions. For more information on Race for Life or to sign up, visit www.raceforlife.org

And with it will come Whitstable’s hugely popular Oyster Festival. But as you enjoy the events and activities, have you ever wondered who organises it all? The celebrations are actually put together by a small team of volunteers, working with co-ordinator Mair Stratton, and they are looking for more people to join them. Some of the roles people can take on include looking after the Lord Mayor and other VIP guests, manning information stands or helping to clean up after the events. Mair said: “We really need people to volunteer during the festival as well as to help us in the planning stages. There is a lot going on and we need a lot of hands to help out.” The programme for this year is still being put together but is likely to include a day centered around the heritage of the harbour, more performances by local musicians, events for children and families and all the old favourites. Last year’s Whitstable Wishes lantern event will not be repeated but another spectacular finale is being planned. If you are interested in joining WOFA or helping out during the festival, email secretary@wofa.org.uk or call Brian Baker on 07771 630056. To discuss performing during the festival or putting on an event, email mair@mairstratton.com or call 07712 529882.

Do you miss the company of people or fancy an occasional change of scenery? If you have a laptop and a mobile, why not use them to work from Whitstable Chamber of Commerce’s hut in the harbour? The building acts as a signpost to the town’s many businesses and attractions and is staffed by volunteers who provide a warm welcome to visitors and locals alike. Chamber spokesman Dave Heenan said: “One of our volunteers owns holiday accommodation and has taken many bookings from people visiting the Harbour Hut. “Another couple who volunteered on weekdays played Scrabble. “It really is up to you how you use your time in the hut, as long as you can relate to the people who come in and give them information about Whitstable. Of course, there is no pay and little thanks but it’s a friendly place to work and you might even get extra clients out of it!” If you are interested in volunteering, or want more information, pop into the hut on the south quay, email dave@bookist.com or call him on 07538 139183.

BOOK CLUB Did you know there is a new book and film club which meets the first Thursday of the month at the Whitstable Umbrella Centre? A fun and relaxed group, they alternate books and films in the monthly sessions, which begin at 6:30pm and end at 9:00pm. It costs £1 but this includes refreshment half-way through the session. With a chance for everyone to get involved in choosing the book or the film at the meeting, it is intended to be exciting and sociable, and everyone’s opinion counts. Either turn up and ask for Red or phone the centre on 01227 274880 for more details.

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COMMUNITY

DO YOU WORK FROM HOME?

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO...

Put a spring in your step

ooray! We have made it through the long cold nights of February and have come skipping and jumping through March, and with only Spring on our minds and here we are, April at last! Or is it just an anti-climax because it is STILL cold and rainy and a long wait till the Oyster Festival? If you feel that Spring is perpetually on its way but never quite breaking through, then try these simple exercises to literally put a spring in your step.

Go for a long walk - check out the beautiful Whitstable walks in Liz’s article on page 19 - they’re beautiful with or without pets! Set aside a day to walk in nature, even if it is raining or cold, wrap up warm, put on your waterproofs and go and find some spring flowers. Even the process of looking for and finding these signs of spring can really help lift the spirits. Breathe in deeply and just walk. Why not pack a picnic or treat yourself to lunch out and make a day of it? Just planning a day trip out will set you on your way to finding the spring in your step!

LIFESTYLE

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Do some yoga outside. Try the tree pose outside by a tree, or the dancer on the beach. Not only will they develop your co-ordination, balance, stamina and posture, practising them outside will help your lungs circulate some welldeserved fresh air around your body, and breathe away any cobwebs which might be making you feel lethargic.

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The Tree Pose •S tand up straight, with your feet together and arms by your sides. The toes are spread, thighs strong and the pelvis tilted slightly so that the coccyx points towards the floor. • The shoulders are slightly back and down, the chest open. Tree Pose

The Dancer •S tart from the same position. • Standing upright, slowly lift the left foot behind you and take hold of it with your left hand. • Bring the knees together. • When you have your balance, take the right arm straight up, alongside your ear. • Then, concentrating on

Eat some Spring Greens. We do not necessarily eat our vegetables in season anymore, since we can now buy vegetables imported from anywhere in the world. But there is nothing quite like the veg that pops out in the spring, especially if you can eat it within minutes of being picked. See if you can find fresh asparagus, broad beans and peas from a local supplier and check that they have been recently picked. Then steam them and serve with butter and a little salt. Mmmmmm. You could also try Spring vegetable and Miso soup, found on the Saturday Kitchen website, or a delicious Spring vegetable risotto. Eating these young fresh greens as nature intended will definitely put that Spring in your step! Stephanie Shanti The Dancer

a fixed point in front of you, slowly lean forwards with the upper body, taking the left leg back a little. Finally, if you want to stretch further, you can lift the left foot up behind you as far as you can. • Hold the pose, breathing deeply for about 10 breath and slowly come out. • Repeat on the other side. Please check that the positions Stephanie describes are suitable for you before you begin. Check with your Health Professional if you are unsure.

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LIFESTYLE

•T ake your left foot and place the sole of against the right inner thigh. (You can also try putting the foot against the other calf or knee at first.) • Take the left knee back as far as possible but keep the hips in line. • When you have found your centre, bring your hands together in front of your chest. For a more advanced posture, take your arms up towards the sky, alongside the ears, palms together. • Hold the pose for about 10 deep breaths and come out slowly. Repeat on the other side.

recipe recipe recipe RECIPE recipe recipe recipe RECIPE

SAMPHIRE FISH PIE TO SERVE 4-6 PEOPLE Head chef Richard takes us through Samphire’s special for April... METHOD Roux: • Melt butter in a saucepan • Add flour • Add wine and milk, whisking as you bring to the boil and allow to thicken • Finish with double cream and seasoning Fish: • Dice and place in ovenproof dish with cockles and shredded spinach leaves • Pour over hot Roux and leave to cool slightly Mash: • Pipe or spoon over as pie topping and add sprinkling of grated cheese if desired • Bake in the oven at 180-200 (depending on your oven) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown • Serve with buttered cabbage leaves

RECIPE

Alternatively call on 01227 770075 and let Richard do all the hard work while you enjoy a nice glass of wine.

Samphire, 4 High Street, Whitstable.

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INGREDIENTS Roux: 2oz / 50g butter 2oz / 50g flour 1/2pint / 10fl oz / 30cl milk 1/2 glass white wine 4 tablespoons double cream Fish: 9oz / 300g salmon fillet 9oz / 300g natural smoked haddock 6 oz / 200g cooked and shelled cockles 2 big handfuls spinach Mash: 2lb / 1kg potatoes milk, butter, grated cheese to taste

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GARDENING TIPS FOR APRIL

April is the busiest time of year for Garden Designer Dominic Brice, and this year is no exception. The sunny spring weather brings gardening to the front of our minds with the desire to get things in order for the approaching summer. This month Dominic offers some practical tips and ideas that will help you transform your outdoor space. Planning your garden It is important to consider the position of the sun in the garden in relation to when you spend time in it. For instance, if you are in the garden mostly in the afternoons or early evening and you like sunshine, make sure your patio or decking area is positioned to take full advantage of all the available sunshine (the sun rises in the east and sets in the west). This also applies to planting some plants require full sun and some are shadelovers. Careful selection of plants to suit your gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspect always pays dividends.

A pergola for shade

LIFESTYLE

Pergolas are timber structures that climbing plants can be trained over. They can provide a shady area to escape from the sun in summer. Pergolas bring height to a garden, creating a focal point that will add interest to a space. They can also be positioned to create a walkway or gateway to separate parts of a large garden. There are also lots of different types of arbors, archways and trellis that can be used to create vertical interest in a garden.

Garden lighting Garden lighting can extend the hours of your day outside and bring a whole new ambience to your garden. Creative garden lighting concentrates on subtle schemes that create atmosphere and enhance the planting, garden features and architecture within a space. This type of lighting can have an incredible effect on a garden, bringing it to life and warming it up even in the depths of winter. Many people leave their curtains open at night to see the new vistas created by the clever positioning of garden lights. Please remember that you must use an electrician to do any outside wiring or garden lighting.

If you have any questions, feedback, or interesting g email editorial@the-imp.co.uk or write theimp

Magnolia

What’s looking good? Tulips

Magnolia Magnolias are a real eye-catcher during April with their large colourful blooms. They vary in size from large trees to small shrubs and are often fragrant. Magnolias produce some of the largest flowers of any tree or shrub grown in UK gardens, though some species take many years to flower. The flowers often appear before the leaves and are showy, solitary and very fragrant. Magnolias prefer acid soil so use plenty of ericacseous compost when planting.

Quick Tips for April n Mulch around roses and shrubs – Apply a layer of organic mulch around roses and shrubs to help with moisture retention. Use ericacseous compost around Azalea and Rhododendrons. n Hard pruning – Prune back tall stems of buddleia davidii and cut back colourful dogwoods right down to about 12” from the ground. n Keep on top of the mowing – Keep the grass cut regularly during April as it will be growing at its fastest rate during he spring. n Weed and feed – April is the best time of year to apply lawn feeds and weed treatments. Make sure you follow the instructions, and choose environmentally-friendly treatments if possible. Dominic Brice

gardening stories or tips, please share them with us – e to PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH theimp

LIFESTYLE

Tulips are out in force during April, my favourite is The Black Tulip, commonly called the Queen of the Night. It belongs to the genus Tulipa that has over a hundred species of bulbous flowering plants. The Queen of the Night tulip has large, velvety, deep cocoa-purple flowers on tall stems. Black tulips appear nearly jet-black at early dawn and before dusk. It is a great attraction in the midday sunshine flashing its deep purple colour, and has a delicious scent.

THE LETTER BOX Dear IMP, We went through to town today, Sunday, and it was great to see how busy Whitstable was - so busy that we drove to The Jolly Sailor at Seasalter, as we had heard it had new management and it is good to give them our custom. We could have managed without the meal that we were after (they only had some food on the bar) but when i asked for a coffee the lady said that they only sold cold drinks. Their loss was our gain, as we had a lovely coffee and two meals with desserts at The Blue Anchor at Seasalter. It seems a shame that we could not get coffee in the first pub and maybe have helped them stay open in this time of the credit crunch. Mrs Marion Jenkins Dear IMP, Thank you for the ‘IMP’ which makes regular and interesting reading. I was interested to read the article on the Castle ‘improvements’ and the proposed one-way system on Tower Hill. I do hope that the planners have not forgotten that Tower Hill forms part of the Exceptional Load route between Tyler Way Industrial Estate, Swalecliffe and Whitstable Harbour and will bear it in mind when planning Bollards etc.

COMMUNITY

Name and address withheld Dear IMP, Thank you so much for The Whitstable IMP. I was delighted to receive them. I find them such a ‘good read’. Thank you again,

Norma

Dear IMP, I have frequently wondered why the state of repair of our residential roads here in Whitstable is so poor. This is not a direct result of the Arctic temperatures we experienced recently but something that has been steadily deteriorating over the years. I am sure there are many worthy candidates for the worst road surface in Whitstable but my road, Hillview Road, is surely in with a chance of taking the title. It has a manhole at the junction of Vale Road which is like a ski jump, it is full of potholes, subsides where holes have been dug and not been filled in properly and the tarmac is wearing away faster than the Polar Ice Caps. The pavements fare no better. The kerbstones have been set on top of the road surface with the result that many have become dislodged, broken, or are crumbling away. The footway has been dug up then patched (poorly) so many times that the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (our local regiment) are considering using it as an assault course! To be serious, the road surface is wearing away and breaking up and the pavements have numerous trip-hazards along both footways. I have seen men working on the road and pavements on numerous occasions but in my view the repairs can best be described as temporary. Recently I telephoned the council and was answered by a very helpful person who logged my complaint, gave me a reference number and informed me that I would be contacted by the Highways Inspector. Sure enough I received a call from the Highways Inspector who told me that he would come and inspect the road and ensure any repairs that were needed were carried out. I then received another call to tell me that he had completed an inspection. I was informed that there was no money in the budget to replace the road surface and pavements although a number of repairs would be carried out in the near future. I was pleasantly surprised. The system does work! However, I may have counted my chickens before they had hatched. The repairs consist of 3 spadefuls of tarmac and one patch about 2 foot square. Maybe the system doesn’t work after all. Omelette anyone? A resident of Hillview Road

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Any letters or emails sent in to the IMP may be included in The Letter Box – if you would not like your letter published, please state this clearly.

Dear IMP, A friend of ours is telling my Partner that he should advertise in your magazine claiming that the IMP reaches more people than the local newspapers. We are both very sceptical of this. The IMP is a great read, full of interesting news and local details but can hardly have wider distribution than, say, the Whitstable Times. Please put an end to our doubts, if you can. M. Bunting Hi M, Your friend is correct. 16,000 IMPs are distributed to the homes and businesses of Whitstable each month. The Times has a Whistable circulation of around 2,500. In fact we are just starting an advertising push to highlight our position. Thanks for your kind words too.

Write in with your points of view, questions or feed-back, email editorial@theimp.co.uk or write to: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable CT5 9AH

POETS’ CORNER A View but No Loo Whitstable’s now a trendy town The supplements all state. The arty folk’s chic weekend base. The ambiance is great. The seafood’s really heavenly And the sunsets gain renown. Peter Cushing gave publicity When he settled in the town. But there’s one thing, I think, alas Our town is lacking yet. The centre of this Shangri La Has but a solitary toilet. You can gaze in admiration At the harbour and its view. But that ain’t much satisfaction When you’re dying for a poo. Yes, great sights in all directions That the tourists come to seek. But their most repeated question ‘Is there somewhere for a leak?’ Alan Edwards 17 March 2009

Damaged suspensions, tyres and rims To drive on our town’s roads You need a chieftan tank, prayer book and hymns. With less likely craters on the planet Mars, Those unforgiving potholes are killing our cars. So motorists, cyclists, motor bikers unite Forward any repair bill to the council and fight The town’s roads all over in such disrepair Pot-holes upon pot-holes You take your life in your hands to drive out there. Robert Bergin We print as many of your letters as we can each month, but cannot guarantee to include all letters we receive, and may not be able to print letters in their entirety. The views expressed in the Letter Box are the readers’ own and not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher.

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COMMUNITY

Dear IMP, Congratulations upon the latest issue of ‘The Imp. ‘ With ‘Whitstable Times’ eventually coming together with its sister papers in H.Bay and Faversham, a distinctive Whitstable voice is more needed than ever. Interesting contribution from Liz and Chris West. Seeing that you now have a Poet’s Corner,how about the item below on a something else which, as well as tourism staff, needs a ‘more visible presence’ (to quote Chris ‘Imp’ page 15). Alan Edwards

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APRIL 2009 HOROSCOPES

PISCES February 19 to March 21 You need to be courageous and bold this month. Keep charging ahead and don’t take no for an answer. You can expect miraculous solutions to appear. Spring is really springing your way, and you can count on resources becoming available to you so you can start new projects professionally and materially. ARIES March 21 to April 20 April is really full of the joys of spring for you Arians, you are coming out of a period of nothingness and into new openings and horizons. A new romance is imminent, either with a newcomer or through re-ignited passion in your existing relationship. Be open to giving and receiving love this month. Resources can become available to you this month to begin projects that have been put on hold. TAURUS April 20 to May 21 This month you feel like you need to flower, but caution is warranted. You need to look deeper into situations of the heart before bounding in head first. You need to spend this month rather like a hermit, taking time sorting out what is inside before seizing that what you desire on the outside.

GEMINI May 21 to June 22 You will be given the opportunity to flower and blossom this month - you may feel like you have been waiting to shine. Have faith and hope as there is something positive and new on the horizon that you can’t see yet. The wheel of fortune is turning and, with or with out your consent, your fortunes are set to shift this month.

LIBRA September 22 to October 23 It is a month of ripeness for Librans, you are ready to shine. You can be an inspiration and indeed a teacher to those around you and they will follow your inspiring example. You are going on a journey of the heart, and it might actually be a material journey too. If you sacrifice your defensiveness, your path will be transformed.

CANCER June 22 to July 23 You can begin to teach and counsel others based on your experiences now. You have gone through a lot of changes this year and, as spring comes, you can breathe a sigh of relief, stop clinging to the past, and really start to let go a little. A shift into positivity and prosperity is making its way towards you right now so sit tight, watch, and enjoy.

SCORPIO October 23 to November 22 This month you may feel like past lives or past actions are coming out to haunt you. But don’t despair, try to use all the imagery you receive about it all to look to the future and positively change your ways. Some time alone in nature, meditating on your desires and intentions, will definitely help you at this time.

LEO July 23 to August 22 April is the time for the integration of all that you have learned this year. Put it all together and you will make something big this month. You have been feeling emotionally strong and you are now able to open to bigger and better things, especially where love is concerned. Let go of the anger that is holding you back and the sky is the limit. This month sees a resolution of conflict, the ease of mental tensions and a more harmonious journey into the summer. VIRGO August 22 to September 22 This is a month full of friendliness, either discovering new friends that have been near all the time, or rediscovering old and lost dear ones. Enjoy the feeling of cultivating relationships and integrating all your energies together. You can be very powerful this month if you put it all together. But be aware that to experience true friendships, you might have to let go of others.

SAGITTARIUS November 22 to December 22 You will feel the need to bring harmony to all the situations around you this month but be careful, some need to be looked at carefully and caution may be needed before you proceed headlong. You face an important choice - for some Sagitarians it may be the time to journey forward as old paths have collapsed, for others it may be time to reconsider your position and contemplate what needs to be relinquished. CAPRICORN December 22 to January 21 You will hopefully feel a touch of happiness and friendliness in this coming month, and you will feel that your desired outcome will occur in the very near future. Try to have patience and faith and don’t try to force things to happen. There should be a resolution of conflict and the ease of mental tension coming up, and generally a more harmonious journey across troubled waters. Stephanie Shanti

LIFESTYLE

AQUARIUS January 21 to February 19 This is a month for you to mature as a person. It is also the month for you to receive that which you are wishing for. Abundance is coming your way, so don’t worry about how things will work, they will just fall into place. April is a month of inspiring ideas and focussing them toward a successful outcome. Your far-reaching plans will be supported by material resources.

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STOP WASTING YOUR MONEY ON INEFFECTIVE ADVERTISING – YOU KNOW WE ARE IN A RECESSION! There are many ways to promote your business. BUT DON’T DO ANYTHING without measuring the results.

Stop any advertising that isn’t working Test your ads. If you cannot effectively test the ad you are running then stop advertising. That may sound obvious but many people are running ads just because that’s what their business has always done. They don’t really know whether the ads are working or not.

Look at how much you are spending. A good basic rule for comparing rates or calculating what you should pay for an ad is ‘cost per thousand’. That is what it costs you for every thousand people who might see the publication. So, an ad that costs you £100, in a publication which is read by 5,000 people, has a cost per thousand of £20.

Only run ads that are going to produce a response. There is no point in running an ad at a really low cost per thousand if the readers of that publication are not in your catchment area. The size of the catchment area varies from business to business. Bluewater draws customers from over hundred miles away,

SALES

whereas a local retailer may generate 90% of their turnover within a 3 mile radius of their location.

Get your ad right. The most important element is the headline. This needs to grab people’s attention. Use powerful, emotive words like FREE, Exclusive, terrific, exciting, staggering,

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amazing. Then we come to what you’re selling. You need to interest the reader, communicate the benefits of your product, why it’s better than your rivals’ product and, most importantly, give a reason to act NOW!

You have to shout loudest. Unless you have a vast marketing budget and can afford to pay for the biggest, most striking ad, there is little point in going into a publication with pages and pages of other advertisers. They are all vying for the readers’ attention. You can’t shout louder than all the others put together!

Don’t put all your eggs in the one basket. Relying solely on advertising is not always the best idea. Consider Direct Mail, Telephone Marketing, Direct Sales, email, Internet, or referrals.

Advertising works, if it’s done correctly. If you do it well, and test and experiment, then advertising can become a highly profitable element of your marketing mix. It’s easy to do well, if you know how. Make your business more successful, NOW. To get advice and guidance on any of the topics covered here, or any other aspect of sales or marketing please call Mel free on 0800 44 88 309 or email mel@the-imp.co.uk

the gig guide This information is intended as guide only. Please check with the venues before you go as details or dates may change after printing - contact details are provided.

10 - Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable - THE TROUSER TRUMPETS - doors open 8pm, £5. 01227 281174 10 - The Old Neptune - EMILY AND THE BEAST - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262 10 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm; CHIX WIV PIX - 9-11pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617 10 - Whitstable Brewery Bar BLONDIE - doors open at 7pm, £5.00. 01227 280280

13 - The Duke of Cumberland THE COMPLETE UNKNOWNS (featuring Jim Leverton!) - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617 14 - Deco5 - BLUE ARCADIANS FREE entry, call for details: 01227 770079 16 - Deco5 - FRANCES KNIGHT AND FRIENDS - FREE entry, call for details: 01227 770079 16 - The Ship Centurion - WILSON FORD - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740

10 - The East Kent - FALLEN ANGELS - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

17 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm; EMILY AND THE BEAST 9-11pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

11 - The Old Neptune - MIDGEN AND GIBSON - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

17 - The Old Neptune - PAUL ASTLER + BOBBY VALENTINO - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

11 - Horsebridge Centre - THE COAL PORTERS - doors open 7pm, £12, £10 conc. 01227 281174

17 - Horsebridge Centre - BLUE RHYTHM KINGS - doors open 7pm, £8, £6 conc. 01227 281174

11 - Deco5 - FLETCH - £5. Call for details: 01227 770079

17 - Whitstable Brewery Bar RUBBER BISCUIT - doors open at 7pm. £7.50. 01227 280280

11 - The Smack - TBC - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056 12 - The Duke of Cumberland ANDY WHITE - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617 12 - Deco5 - JAZZ JAM WITH ROGER LEWIN - bring your voice or instrument and join in! - FREE entry. Call for details: 01227 770079 12 - The Old Neptune - TBC - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

18 - The Old Neptune - CAMINE 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262 18 - Deco5 - THE RENATO D’AIELLO TRIO - £10, call for details: 01227 770079 19 - The Old Neptune - JOHN ATKINSON + SPECIAL GUESTS 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262 19 - The Duke of Cumberland MIGDEN & GIBSON - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

21 - Deco5 - COLROSE FOUR - FREE entry, call for details: 01227 770079 22 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056 23 - Deco5 - ANDY MACLEAN - FREE entry, call for details: 01227 770079 23 - The Ship Centurion - RUN VT starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740 24 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm; FAT RIVER BAND - 9-11pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617 24 - The Old Neptune - DIVA 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262 24 - Horsebridge Centre - JACK JACK AND THE HATS - show starts 8pm, £5. 01227 281174 24 - Whitstable Brewery Bar - FOOL FIGHTERS - doors open at 7pm. £5.00. 01227 280280 24 - The East Kent - GNT EXPERIMENT - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018 25 - The Old Neptune - AL RICHARDSON + MATT PERCIVAL 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262 25 - The East Kent - UNDERCOVER 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018 25 - Deco5 - JAVAJAM - £5, call for details: 01227 770079 26 - The Old Neptune - THE DEALERS - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262 26 - The Duke of Cumberland TBC - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

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ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL

28 - Deco5 - BILL BARNACLE’S A1 COMBINATION - FREE entry, call for details: 01227 770079

07 - The Ship Centurion - BULLDOG DUO - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740

15 - Horsebridge Centre - BLUE RHYTHM KINGS - show starts 8pm, £8, £6 conc. 01227 281174

29 - The Smack - HOOK - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

07 - Whitstable Labour Club - FOLK MUSIC EVENING, MAGGIE BOYLE - 8-11pm, £7 (£5 club members), 01227 277670

15 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

08 - The Old Neptune - STEVE BOLTON - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

16 - Horsebridge Centre - SATURDAY OUTING - show starts 8pm, £6, £4 conc. LGBT social - all gay-friendly people welcome. 01227 281174

30 - The Ship Centurion - KELLY’S HEROES - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740 30 - Deco5 - RACHEL GERRARD WITH THE ROGER ALLEN SOUND FREE entry, call for details: 01227 770079

MAY 01 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm; G ‘N’ T EXPERIMENT - 9-11pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617 01 - Whitstable Brewery Bar HULLABALOO - doors open at 7pm, £7.50. 01227 280280

ENTERTAINMENT

01 - Horsebridge Centre - KIT CURTIS AND THE SCENE - show starts 7.45pm, £5. 01227 281174

08 - Whitstable Brewery Bar CHILLBILLIES - doors open at 7pm, £7.50. 01227 280280 08 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm; SMILER 9-11pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617 08 - The East Kent - BLACKSTAR 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018 09 - Horsebridge Centre BOUGARABOU - THE RETURN! - show starts 8pm, £12, £10 conc. 01227 281174 09 - Deco5 - BRENDAN POWER TRIO - call for details: 01227 770079

16 -The East Kent - GET CARTER 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018 16 - Deco5 - AVA LA PUTIN call for details: 01227 770079 20 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056 21 - The Ship Centurion - MEL HARRIS - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740 21 -Deco5 - STRODE PARK SUMMER SOIRE WITH HULLABALOO call for details: 01227 770079

01 - The East Kent - BODEGAS 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

09 - The Old Neptune - TBC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

22 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

01 - The Old Neptune - TBC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

09 - The Smack - TBC - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

22 - The East Kent - SNEAKING SALLY - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

02 - The Old Neptune - JIM LEVERTON - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

10 - The Old Neptune - MATT BROOKS - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

23 - The East Kent - LOST WEEKEND - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

02 - The East Kent - DISCO - Michael Jackson Night - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

13 - The Smack - ZINTA AND THE ZOOTS - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

02 - Deco5 - FLC - call for details: 01227 770079

14 - The Ship Centurion - LEIGH HIGHWOOD - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740

03 - The Old Neptune - TOBY BARRELLI - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262 04 - The Duke of Cumberland BLUES BANDITS - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617 06 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

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15 - Whitstable Youth & Community Centre - FUZE - doors open 7pm, £3.50 on the door 15 - Whitstable Town Football Ground - BANDS AT THE BELMONT - RUBBER BISCUIT & HULLABALOO - Gates open at 6pm. Tickets £10 in advance or £15 on the gate. 01227 266440

23 - Deco5 - THE JAZZ IN PARIS PROJECT - call for details: 01227 770079 25 - The Duke of Cumberland - JIM LEVERTON & GEOFFREY RICHARDSON 3-5.30pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617 27 - The Smack - CAMINE - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056 28 - The Ship Centurion - THE FLING - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740 29 - The East Kent - THE HOOCHIES 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

25 - THE DEAL AND WALMER HANDELIAN SOCIETY - St Mary’s Church, Walmer, 7.30pm, music to include Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb. More details at http://www. handeliansociety.musicnw.co.uk/ handelian/index.php

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05 - CITY OF CANTERBURY CHAMBER CHOIR - St Mary-ofCharity, Faversham - 7.30pm. Music by Bob Chilcott, Maurice Durufle, Joe Duddell, William Mathias, Francis Poulenc, and Benjamin Britten. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions; £2 children) 01227 700673.

25 - BACH, MARTINU, SCHUMANN, BRAHMS - Victoria Simonsen (Cello), Nicola Eimer (Piano) - Whitstable Methodist Church - 7.30pm, £12, full-time students £6. Children under 16 FREE when accompanied by a member. Contact Gill Smyth on 01227 277227

09 - RSCM COME AND SING ‘MESSIAH’ - St Mary’s, Canterbury Road, Wingham, Kent, 3-7.30pm. For more details: 01233 820298 rscm.org.uk

If you would like to publicise your gig here please email christina@the-imp.co.uk or write to the usual address.

www.the-imp.co.uk

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FRIDAY 15TH MAY

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05 - STAINER’S CRUCIFIXION AND FAURE’S REQUIEM - Canterbury Cathedral. £10 for Adults, £8 concessions for OAP’s and Friends. Under 12’s free with a paying adult. 01227 464764

MAY

@ WHITSTABLE TOWN FOOTBALL GROUND

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TicketS ON SALE NOW - £ 10

To be entered into a draw to win 2 free tickets, simply send an email to imp@eventsatthebelmont.co.uk including your name and address.

B BELA N D M S@ O NT

B BEA N L M

TICKETS ON SALE NOW ONLY £10 @ www.eventsatthebelmont.co.uk, Kent Estate Agencies, 10/12 High Street, Whitstable

ENTERTAINMENT

CLASSICAL APRIL

26 - CAPRIOL CHAMBER CHOIR - St John the Evangelist Church, Dormansland - 7.30pm. Duruflé: Requiem; Dupre: Motets Opus 9; Widor: Surrexit a mortuis, and choral music by other French composers. 01732 866372

30 - Deco5 - CORINA BOSSA & JAZZ - call for details: 01227 770079

10 - FOLKESTONE CHORAL SOCIETY - Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone 7.30pm. Richard Strauss - Four Last Songs & Verdi - Requiem. For more details: 01303 228600

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29 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

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what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on? www.theTHE MONTH AHEAD Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 April - 7.45pm Theatrecraft Presents ‘TIME OF MY LIFE’ by Alan Ayckbourn, at the Playhouse, Whitstable. Tickets Thursday and Friday £7, Saturday £8. Call 01227 272042. Saturday April 18 and Saturday 2nd May Bank Holiday weekend, 10am-5pm - Seaside Brocante - St Mary’s Hall, Oxford Street (The Umbrella Centre) - Antique, Vintage: Homeware, Jewellery, Vintage/Designer clothes & Haberdashery. Call Cindy Mainwaring: 01227 773037, 07778 318319 Saturday April 18 - East Kent Model Railway Society Open Day - Info: 01227 275157, nickevanscomms@sky.com Friday April 24 - 8pm - Transition Town Whitstable ‘Mending Amnesty’ - call Helen on 07923 512 296 for details or go to www.transitionwhitstable.org.uk Sunday April 26 - Karaoke at The Smack from 8.30pm Monday May 4 - Whitstable’s 32nd May Day Celebrations. Join the Morris Sides at 10.30 at the library, Meet the Jack in the Green at the Horse Bridge, or enjoy the Teddy Bears’ Picnic theme on the Tankerton Slopes, opposite the Castle grounds from 11am. There’s a prize for the best-dressed bear as well as entertainments, hot and cold food, and stalls of all types. For more information or to book a stall call Dixie on 01227 275959. Monday May 11- Transition Town Whitstable Book Exchange - 8pm at the Duke of Cumberland. Contact our general number 07960 492 307 or the website www.transitionwhitstable.org.uk Second and fourth Saturdays of each month Whitstable Farmers’ Market - St Mary’s Hall, Oxford Street (The Umbrella Centre) 9.30am- 2pm, selling meat, fruit, vegetables, drinks, cakes, crafts and with a Fair Trade cafe on site. Becky Richards 01227 770836 Don’t forget to check out our new GIG GUIDE on pages 39 and 40 for this month’s gigs... ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Samba Pelo Mar - Whitstable’s own community samba band rehearses Tuesdays 7-9pm at Whitstable Junior School. Call 01227 281838. www.sambapelomar.com

COMMUNITY

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES Many of these activities may be term-time only, and some have waiting lists or need to be booked. Contact details are included for each listing, so please check before you arrive!

Babies Enjoy Your Baby – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Tuesdays – New mums should receive an invite through their Health Visitor. Call Carol Fellowes on 01227 594417 for more info Baby bounce and rhyme – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street, first Tuesday of each month, 1111.20am. Call 01227 273309 Breastfeeding Clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Tuesdays, monthly, by appointment only, through midwife Ursula. Call 01227 263998 Drop-in baby clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Thursday mornings, 9.30-11, no appointment necessary, just call in to see the health visitor for a chat and have your child weighed. Call 01227 263998 Baby Massage – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Thursdays: 12-1pm appointments only; 1.302.30pm drop in. Call Jo on 01227 594419 Baby Massage – Whitstable Health Centre – 5-week courses, Friday mornings. 50p per session, bring your own massage oil. Call Carol Fellowes on 01227 594417 for more info Locomotion – Joy Lane Children’s Centre Friday mornings 10-10.45, ages 2-5 years; 11-11.30 ages 6 months - 2 years. For more information call 01227 263998 PIPS - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - for families with children 0-5 with additional needs - Friday mornings 10:00 - 12:00. For more information call 01227 263998 Parent and Toddler Baby Ballet - Fridays 9.30am at Tankerton Dancing Academy. Activities, dance, and nursery rhymes. Contact Helena Griffiths for more details or to book your place, on 01227 275375 Twinkle Twinkle music group, fun action songs and instruments for children up to 3 years. Fridays 9.30 and 10.30am, the parish social centre, 15A Castle Road, Whitstable. Call Ava for more info on 01227 772893 Button Tots – Lucerne Neighbourhood Centre, Faversham Road, Seasalter. Monday mornings 10-12, call Jane 01227 282732 3 Years Plus Family Group – Westmeads Infant School, Cromwell Road, Monday afternoons 1.45-2.45. Children can play while parents chat and the sessions provide a gentle link to school. Call 01227 272995 Little Alfies – Seasalter Christian Centre, Faversham Road, fortnightly on Monday afternoons at 1.45, call 01227 276795 Story Time – Swalecliffe Library, Herne Bay Road, Swalecliffe, Monday afternoon 2-2.30, just come along or call 01227 792645

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Messy Play Sessions – Monday afternoon 12.452.45. Old clothes a requirement! Term time only. Free of charge. Joy Lane Children’s Centre – 01227 263998

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Tots @ TEC – Tankerton Evangelical Church Hall, Northwood Road, Tankerton, Tuesday mornings 1011.30, £1 per family, open to children from 0-5, call 01227 794328 Seasalter Christian Centre parent and toddler group – Faversham Road, Seasalter, Tuesday afternoons, 1.30-3, £1 per family, call Jane Myhill 01227 770257 Little Lights – St Alphege Church, High Street, every Tuesday afternoon 2-2.30pm, call 01227 770221 All Saints Parent and Toddler Group – Shirley Hall, Church Street – Wednesday afternoons, 1.15-2.45. 50p per family. Term-time only – Call Sue Smith 01227 471325 Little Oysters story time – Whitstable Museum and Gallery, last Wednesday of each month, 1.30-2.30pm, £2 per child, adults free, stories and crafts for under fives, materials and refreshments provided. Call 01227 276998 Parent and Toddler Group – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Thursday mornings, 9-11.30 in the large crèche room. All welcome. Free of charge – 01227 263998 Parent and toddler group - Thursdays 9.30-11.30, Parish Social Centre, Castle Road. £1 per family. Call Diana on 07766 163 436 Chatterbox Baby and Toddler Group – St John’s Church Centre, St John’s Road, Swalecliffe. Friday mornings, 9.30-11.30, 50p per person including drink and biscuits, open to all with babies or pre-schoolers, call 01227 792835 Story time – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street. Friday afternoon, 2-2.30, call 01227 273309 Friday Fun Group – Middle Wall United Reformed Church – 9.30-11.30am. £1 per family. Waiting list, spaces from Spring/Summer ’09 – Contact Pat 01227 771766 or Rita 01227 263959 After-School Clubs Whitstable Majorettes and Pom Teams - 5 years and above at St Peters Church Hall, Cromwell Street, Whitstable, Monday 4-6pm, £2 per session FITNESS Badminton courts at the Community College, Whitstable, are now available to hire at weekends. The courts are open to the public between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 1pm on Sundays. For more information or to book call Kelly Litchfield on 07880 902367

Yoga/Pilates Fitness - Mornings: Monday 10.30am, Wednesday 9.15am; Evenings: Wednesday 8pm, Thursday 8.15pm. Contact Helena Griffiths at Tankerton Dancing Academy for more details or to book your place, on 01227 275375 Salsa-Fit - Fridays 10.20am and 8pm. Contact Helena Griffiths at Tankerton Dancing Academy for more details or to book your place, on 01227 275375 Adult Ballet - Tuesdays 8pm. Contact Helena Griffiths at Tankerton Dancing Academy for more details or to book your place, on 01227 275375 Low impact keep fit - Mondays 12.15-1.15pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Suzi 07702 386176 Yoga - Mondays 1.20-2.20pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Suzi 07702 386176 Walk and talk - Wednesdays 10.30am from Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre – enjoy a walk, some fresh air and lively conversation! Contact centre 01227 274880 Keep Fit for over 50s and less active - Wednesdays 12.30–1.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880 COMMUNITY GUIDE Clubs/Societies Arts and crafts for adults - Thursdays 10am-12, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880 Book club - informal, fun reading group. First Thursday of each month, 6.30-9pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre. The group watch a Movie every other month. Contact centre 01227 274880 East Kent Model Railway Society - Wednesdays 7.30pm, at Club house in the Old Dairy (by Castle Stores), Castle Road, Whitstable. Large OO scale layout for members’ use. New members welcome, children (from 11+) should be accompanied by responsible adult. Open Day Saturday 18 April. Info: 01227 275157, nickevanscomms@sky.com Flowers and Crafts Club - Tuesdays 7-9.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact 01227 281138 Needles and natter - Thursdays 2.30-4.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre on 01227 274880 Oyster Lacemakers - Mondays, 4–7pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Kay 01227 276921 Reading Group - at Swalecliffe Library - are you interested in joining? We need a minimum of 6 people. If you’d like to take part please call the library on 01227 792645

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COMMUNITY

Playmates – Christian Fellowship Hall, Harbour St – Tuesday mornings 9.15-10.30 or 10.30-11.45. 50p per family. Currently full but spaces expected in New Year – call Diane Wilkin 01227 263393

what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on? www.theSamba Pelo Mar Whitstable’s own community samba band rehearses Tuesdays 7-9pm at Whitstable Junior School. Call 01227 281838. www.sambapelomar.com Scrabble Club - Mondays 10.30-12.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880 Short Mat Bowls - Friday and Sunday evenings, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Eddie 01227 794600 ‘Stitch and Bitch’ Knit Club - Wednesdays 6.308.30pm at The Archive Film Cafe, 39 Oxford Street. Call Sue Allen on 07592 020120 Walk and Talk - Wednesdays 10.30am from Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre – enjoy a walk, some fresh air and lively conversation! Contact centre 01227 274880 Whitstable Stroke Club - Fridays 3.30-5.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Avril 01227 266827 Health Whitstable Health Centre – 0844 477 2566 Chestfield Medical Centre – 0844 477 3073 Out of Hours service – 0844 800 1234 NHS Direct - including Out of Hours Dispensing Pharmacies - 0845 46 47 Blood Donation – 08457 711 711 Stop Smoking Service - NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent - 0800 849 4444

COMMUNITY

NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service - do you have a health-related problem and don’t know where to turn? For help finding your way through the local NHS - 0800 085 6606

Chestfield - PC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Mark Harriott 07772 226106 Gorrell - PCSO: Abi Symons 01227 868028 Harbour - PC: Andy Camp 07980 683530; PCSO: Aaron Pedwell 07772 226035 Seasalter & Yorkletts - CSO: Aarron Newell 01227 868028 Swalecliffe & Tankerton - PC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Graeme Downes 01227 868028 Volunteer Services Are you elderly or disabled and can’t access public transport? Call the Whitstable Volunteer Car Scheme on 01227 264743 Volunteers Needed Whitstable Volunteer Car Scheme - Volunteer drivers needed to take elderly or disabled to appointments they can’t miss. If you have time to volunteer please call 01227 264743 Whitstable Volunteer Centre - Volunteers recruited to work in many different charities. Contact volunteering@ whitstablevc.org.uk or call 01227 772248 Do you have a little time to spare? Age Concern Whitstable are looking for volunteers who could help with any of the following: befriending, escorting on their mini bus, day centre helper or lead a health walk. Call Gill Ball on 01227 787313 or 07735556811, or email agecorecruiter@btinternet.com LOCAL SERVICES Alternative Therapies

Information and Advice

Acupuncture - Nathalie Bachet - Member of the British Acupuncture Council - Gift vouchers available for acupuncture and facial revitalisation acupuncture. Please call Nathalie on 01227 265 708

Dial Kent - information and advice for the disabled people of Kent - Disability Information and Advice Line - Tel: 01227 771155, Minicom: 01227 771645, Fax: 01227 772631, email: enquiries@dialkent. co.uk, website: www.dialkent.co.uk

Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Ear Candles, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage. In the comfort of your own home or in Debra’s therapy room. Call Debra Maybourne, Holistic Therapist, 01227 276 881 or 07872 622 023

NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service - do you have a health-related problem and don’t know where to turn? For help finding your way through the local NHS - 0800 085 6606

Hypnotherapy at Q Hypnotherapy, based in Whitstable. Details at www.Qhypnotherapy.co.uk. Call Lisa Barnett on 0800 612 8153

Local Policing Police surgeries and meetings: www.kent.police.co.uk Inspector for Whitstable: Gordon Etheridge, with Sergeant Dave Brenchley on 01227 868028

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Hypnotherapy for Smoking is the least expensive within a 20 mile radius. Based in Chestfield. Call Peter Corrigan on 01227 792359 or email: peter.corrigan@tesco.net

imp.co.uk what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on?

THE ACUPUNCTURE PLACE, WHITSTABLE Acupuncture for pain relief, migraines, sciatica, back pain. Specialising in gynaecogical, fertility and IVF support. Member of BAcC. Contact: Amanda Thomas Tel:01227 265082 Mob:07763 566710 www.acupunctureplace.co.uk THE HOLISTIC HEALTH PLACE, WHITSTABLE - Treatments available for adults & children. Homeopathy, Craniosacral Therapy, QX Allergy & Health Testing. Contact: Annette Stein - Tel:01227 265082 Mob:07813778027 Beauticians Bbeautiful - your local mobile beauty therapist. Facials, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures and Lash/Brow Tints in the comfort of your own home. Bridal make-up and occassional make-up packages, Pamper parties and gift vouchers are available. Contact Rachel on Tel: 01227 272 579 Mob: 07784 223287 Catering Chrissie’s Kitchen - cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more. Specialising in gluten-free, supplying local cafes and restaurants, also available to cater for birthdays, weddings, christenings and any special occasion. Call Chrissie on 07511 009 757 Computer Repair Whitstable Computer Repair - All types of help with your PC, no call-out fee within 10 mile radius of Whitstable. Very competitive rates. www. WhitstableComputerRepair.co.uk or call 0800 224 8824 Curtain Making Affordable bespoke curtain and blind making service. Free estimates and measuring service. Co-ordinated soft furnishings, kitchenware and fabric gifts. Fabric also available to buy. Call Karen Mansfield Originals 01795 535348 or 07903 193390 Counselling Whitstable Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre. Feeling unable to cope and need somebody to talk to and think things through? Contact Deborah Gibbons on 01227 261159. Reduced rates for unemployed or those on low incomes Financial

Garden Design Tranquil Earth Natural Garden Design Specializing in creating traditional and contemporary gardens, built with respect for the environment and to encourage wildlife. Visit www.kentgardendesigner.co.uk for garden ideas Local Lettings Hillcross Holiday Homes - holiday properties for rent. Deborah Mylcrist 01227 277883, 272261; 07841 021207 ‘Stowaways’ Holiday Cottage. Newly renovated, comfortable 2 bedroom accommodation available for short breaks or weekly lets. Central, 2 mins from town centre, beach & harbour. For photos, search wellknown internet site for ‘Whitstable Holiday Cottage’ or call 01227 264719 Parties Candles and Home Accessories. Quality fragrant candles in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Tri-Glow Reed Diffusers. Have an evening/coffee morning with friends and host a candle party. Monthly Hostess/Guest specials. Call: Karen 07958 575980 www.candlesulite.com Bbeautiful - your local mobile beauty therapist. Facials, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures and Lash/Brow Tints in the comfort of your own home. Bridal make-up and occassional make-up packages, Pamper parties and gift vouchers are available. Contact Rachel on Tel: 01227 272 579 Mob: 07784 223287 Recycling/Waste Reduction Help with all aspects of recycling at home, school and in the workplace, including electrical items, go to www.recycle-more.co.uk The Freecycle Network - an entirely non-profit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about re-use and keeping good stuff out of landfills. See more details at www.freecycle.org Real Nappy Helpline 0845 850 0606; Nappy Finder: www.realnappycampaign.com/nappyfinder Council Services - Recycling Information: 01227 862 247; Recycling Collections, Banks, Sacks; Domestic Refuse Collection; Dog Fouling: 0800 031 9091; or email environmentalhelpdesk@canterbury.serco.com

Beat the Mortgage Credit Crunch. Don’t believe all you hear and read. Mortgages/Remortgages readily available. Call for an independent, unbiased, up-todate quotation - Meridian Consutants, Independent Mortgage Specialists on 01227 266644

COMMUNITY

Reflexology at Body Mind and SOLE - Denise Fasulo, MAR (Member of the Association of Reflexologists). Professional treatment in pleasant surroundings. Call Whitstable 01227 275855

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what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on? Retailers

FURTHER AFIELD

Allbits Plumbing Supplies Ltd - visit our showroom or call now for great bathroom offers: 01227 281 648

Golf

Crackin’ Glass - FREE ESTIMATES on replacement single pane glass of all types. To book a free quotation, call 01227 711151 Herne Bay Mobility - Visit the showroom or call for a free catalogue or to arrange a free demonstration on 01227 710055

Holiday Lets

Home Choice Carpets - Specialist home pattern service for all carpets, vinyls, laminates, woods and rugs. Free underlay, grippers, door bars and fitting on ALL CARPETS. Call for a free estimate on 01227 265544 or 07860 358552

Spain - spacious holiday bungalow to rent in Torrevieja Costa Blanca. Sleeps 6 (3 bedrooms). Fully-equipped, close to town and beaches, 50 yds from communal swimming pools and bar serving hot food till 2am. For more details ring Carol, 01227 770581

Invicta Gas Ltd - Save up to 40% on your gas bill with a new boiler. Call today for a FREE home quotation: 01227 770 510 The Kitchen Door Company - Why buy a new kitchen when you can change your doors? Over 30 designs in 45 different colours. Doors made to measure. Call 01227 791 850 or 07872 610 326 Ripple Farm Organics - Local and organic vegetable box scheme - weekly delivery to 4 collection points in Whitstable (& other deliveries in East Kent). Visit www.ripplefarmorganics.co.uk or call 01227 730 898 and leave a message Sunlock Blinds - Blinds for home conservatory or office. Made to measure, vertical, venetians, wooden, rollers, fly-screens, outside canopies. Home visits arranged, free no obligation quotes. Free fitting service. Family-run business 32 years, 01227 281191; 07828 564082 Weddings Classical Wedding Singer - Make your day really special with beautiful classical music - available for weddings, christenings and any special occasion. Call Christina on 07511 009 757 or listen at www.myspace. com/christinabosanko

COMMUNITY

Canterbury Golf Club - less than 25 minutes from Whitstable Town Centre. A Harry Colt Designed Course. 01227 453532

Club Class Carriages - Bentleys and Jaguars or the vehicle of your choice, for weddings and special occasions, with a Prestige service all year round. Call 0800 6118 528 or go to www.clubclasscarriages.co.uk for more details StuArt Photography - Available for weddings & special occasions; studio bookings or in the comfort of your own home. Call for pricing or booking on 07922 535 438

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Italy - B&B and Self Catering accommodation, near to the beaches, mountains and hilltop towns of Abruzzo. Go to www.shanticentre.com or call 003 908 587 08 273 for further information Relaxing breaks Yoga Holidays at shanticentre.com - half-price yoga holidays available for September 2009. Go to www.shanticentre.com or call 003 908 587 08 273 for further information or to book your place

Listings of 40 words cost £15 for one month, £30 for 3 months or £50 for 6 months. Non-profit organisations are listed free of charge. To be included please email listings@the-imp.co.uk or write to the usual address. Please do let us know if any details change so we are not publishing out-dated information For display advertising please contact mel@the-imp.co.uk or call freephone 0800 44 88 309. In all cases, if you would rather write, our address is: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH.

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The Whitstable IMP ­ ISSUE 5

The Whitstable IMP ISSUE 5