Birchington Parish Council Magazine

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Autumn Edition 2014

Lest We Forget

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Welcome

Letter from the Chairman

With this, our penultimate magazine of the year, we have once again endeavoured to make the issue as interesting as possible.

We have included further details on the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the First World War. If you or your organisation would like to place any news in the next issue please email me before 1 September.

Cllr. Bill Furness Editor Off Licence Frozen Food Newspapers Magazines

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Contents

Minnis Bay

open until late 7 Days

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Council Contacts

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Erlebach Sons’ Last Resting Places

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First World War Explorations

16

Dreamland 24 Events, Groups & Clubs

36

Birchington Residents’ Association

Birchington

Parish Council

Cover photo: Dedication of the Birchington war memorial in March 1920, when almost every resident attended

COMMUNI TY MAGAZ INE

Autumn Edition

Lest We Forget

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A big thank you goes out to all the local businesses that have advertised and supported the Birchington Parish Magazine.

Please support local businesses and mention the Birchington Parish Magazine when responding to advertisers

To advertise please call Calvin on 01843 292348

Published by Community Ad Web Ltd 01843 834160 email info@communityad.co.uk web www.communityad.co.uk The views expressed in any published content are solely those of the contributors. The Publishers and Birchington Parish Council accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in the publication. The contents of this magazine including images may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, downloaded or displayed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Birchington Parish Council and/or Community Ad Web Ltd. Unless otherwise specified, the authors of the literary and artistic works in the pages in this magazine have asserted their moral right pursuant to Section 77 of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of those works. The Publishers reserve the right not to publish a submission or part of a submission that they consider defamatory or otherwise inappropriate for publication.

Birchington Parish Council

3

2014

COUNCIL

NEWS

Letter from the Chairman representatives to La Chappelle d’Armantiers , that will visit the war cemeteries and pay our sincere respects.

We have ensured that there is a fair representation of Birchington youth.

On a lighter note we are having another Model Railway Exhibition on Saturday 11th of October promising to be , if possible , even better than the last.

Then on Saturday, 29th November youth will have its fling with “ Pipeline” running our pre Christmas celebrations with something for every age , that will be enhanced by a bevy of BPC beautiful Christmas lights.

Cllr Jack Cohen Chairman, Birchington Parish Council

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We sold out of Bacon Rolls but Homemade cakes and tea completed the refreshments. A very successful Bric a Brac stall was run with all proceeds for the Pilgrims Hospice.

Birchington Parish Council

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Even though the morning was not too bright and rain threatened. It seems so much enjoyment was had that about 50% of them asked to join as Social members to try our Monday afternoon roll-ups at £2 a time, you never know they may get “hooked” and become full members later on.

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On the morning of 10th May at least 40 people (new to bowls) attended our Open Day to “have a go” at Bowls. We had plenty of experienced players to “show them the ropes” and guide them.

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Time does seem to fly and Birchington Parish Council’s (BPC) events for the year are now getting closer and taking form.

It is the time to ponder for we are now in the hundredth year since World War 1 was declared.

On Sunday, August 3rd 2014 we recognise the importance of the declaration of war on 4th August 1914. The British Legion will be holding a service on the morning of Sunday the 3rd and in the afternoon Birchington Parish Council will be holding a commemorative event at the Village Centre. Amongst other things will be featured the soldier poets and in particular Geoffrey Dearmer who survived and lived in Birchington to the age of 103. There will also be the unveiling of a commemorative stone.

On Remembrance Sunday your Parish Council has arranged the usual reception at the Village Centre after the Parade and Church service.

On Tuesday, 11th November, BPC has booked a large coach to take various

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In the afternoon we held a HOSPICE DRIVE with all members who played dressed in various shades of blue to reflect the Pilgrims logo, it looked very colourful and we luckily had a very good game battling the wind which was ferocious and playing against us all the time, but a great laugh was had by all.

A real fun day that raised in the region of £600 for The Pilgrims Hospice.

Birchington Parish Council Chairman Jack Cohen “trying out” bowls

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COUNCIL

Things you didn’t know about

Councillor Jack Cohen Jack Cohen comes from Eltham London.

When nine months old his parents took a holiday in Sturry and has a photograph showing himself in his pram by the old pier in Herne Bay .He has been coming down to this part of East Kent ever since. He has lived in Nonington , Deal ,Dover and finally Birchington. His family originates from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

He qualified in London at the Royal Dental Hospital in 1960 and passed his Membership exam at the Royal College of Surgeons England in 1979. Feeling like a change from general practice and having two uncles that each won the military medal , Jack took a short service commission with the British Army as a major with seniority but resigned his commission a few months from becoming Lieutenant-Colonel, when his elderly mother fell ill. Which he considers a most worthwhile decision as she lived another nine years to the ripe old age of 96.

Nevertheless Jack immediately joined the Territorial Army and was later mobilised for the first Gulf War being on 48-hour standby. His war role was anaesthetist and resuscitator and instructor in Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare. He left the TA in 1993.

Jack met his wife Zeena in 1988 and they married in 1989 ,that he considers one of his best decisions.

His dental career has been most varied having worked in his late Father’s dental practice also for Kent and London County Council as a school dental officer as well as providing emergency treatment 6

for prisoners in four of HM institutions.

He helped start Dr Jack Bernard Cohen the emergency MGDS LDS RCS Eng dental service “Dentaline “in East Kent , as well as working sessions in the oral surgical department of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. He has for many years been a clinical tutor for the Kings group in London as well as and internal examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons. Jack has always been dedicated to the NHS and associated disciplines.

As a student ,he was a keen sportsman dedicated to weight lifting ,boxing and long distance swimming.

As a table tennis player he took his hospital team into winning their league in the University of London. Later his pasttimes where hunting ,shooting ,fishing and sailing in which he became a qualified Board of Trade yacht master. He also regularly competed in local local horse trials and twice rode against the then Princess Ann. Politically he has served on Lewisham Council ,Dover and Thanet District Councils and has been Chairman of Nonnington and Birchington Parish Councils.

He is passionate in preserving our democracy and listening to the community and abhors those that take advantage and abuse their position of privilege.

Jack believes that” Hypocrisy is an evil that eats into the soul of any community”.

Birchington Parish Council

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Call today on 01843 842838 or call in at 95 Station Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9RE or book a market valuation on-line at www.your-move.co.uk

Talk to the agent you can trust *Calls may be recorded and/or monitored for training and security purposes.

It is YOUR MOVE’s policy to respect any sole agency agreement currently in place. We will not market your property until this has expired or has been terminated. If you do not terminate any previous agreements you could be liable for more than one set of fees.

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Lest We Forget

World War One Commemoration Arrangements to commemorate the beginning of World War One Sunday 3 August Morning

Church Service with Birchington British Legion at All Saints Church Afternoon

2.30 Unveiling of commemorative stone at Birchington Library Gardens followed by tea (courtesy of B.R.A.) with “Words and Music” from the Guild of Players and invited guests

Complimentary tickets for tea and concert available from the Parish Offices, 2 Albion Road 9-1pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Tel 841107 or birchingtonparishcouncil @yahoo.co.uk

Monday 4 August Evening

Birchington Medical Centre

We now have five doctors: Drs Ghazi, Martin, Afridi and Finlay, and Dr Tasou started in July. We would like yet another, along with our two nurse practitioners.

Nurse Mandy has come back to do a diabetic clinic on Tuesdays. We have another new nurse in Louise Tasou (yes, his wife) who will specialise in long term conditions. We have another new nurse due to start in July who can do a range of procedures.

Our new HCA is Rachel Smith, who many will know from the district nursing team.

We lost a couple of people, Maggie who used to do blood tests, and Jackie who worked mainly with children, but as you can see we are trying hard to maintain our clinical numbers.

Patient focus group will have their own email address, which will be bmc.ppg@nhs.net. They have voted in an executive committee: Roger Newman, Leonie Robinson, Pat Hickson, Geraldine Watson and Roger Walford.

7.30 B.R.A. Illustrated Talk

by Pat Orpwood “The Fateful Year” 1914-1915 In Birchington and England and through the eyes of the early War Poets.

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Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Parish Council

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COMMUNITY

COUNCIL

Birchington Parish Council

Calendar of Meetings 2014/2015

Ann Barnes

Police and Crime Commissioner I have been pleased to be able to support Kent Police’s Play Your Part campaign to keep our roads safe in Birchington and throughout Kent as I am absolutely convinced that speed kills.

I don’t often share these things, but my own sister was killed when she was 12; smashed against a wall by a lorry.

I understand completely the absolute grief, utter anguish and raw anger that a tragedy like that causes. The family never, ever recovers – it is an absolute life sentence.

My sister died many decades ago, but it’s still as fresh now as it was then.

So whatever measures Kent Police put in place to help keep our roads safe get my total support. “as do the Speedwatch volunteers who play their part to make Birchington a safer place to live in.”

The force has recently launched a campaign encouraging all road users to “play your part” in reducing the number of road accidents on in our county. This campaign will run for several months focusing on different road safety themes.

However we use our roads – whether a driver, cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian – we must remember we are all responsible for keeping each other safe. It’s incredibly worrying to me that in the last 12 months there has been a slight increase in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. I will do absolutely anything that I can to raise awareness of road safety issues – no one will be shouting louder about it than me.

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However, road safety is not just a police issue. Although the force have over 70 members of staff in roads policing – one of the largest units in the UK – and rightly so given the size of Kent’s road network and the amount of traffic we have, Kent County Council and the Highways Agency also play their part.

That’s why partnership working between the force and these agencies to make sure their road safety messages are shared as widely as possible is so vital.

As Police and Crime Commissioner, my message is simply this: please, please be more mindful here in Birchington when you are driving near the Brunswick Road and the Brookshill Junctions. Slowing down by just a few miles per hour can make a huge difference to everyone’s safety, preventing someone else from becoming part of the tragic statistics and saving a family from a life sentence of loss and despair.

AUGUST Tuesday 12

Ppp/planning

SEPTEMBER Tuesday 9 Monday 29

Ppp/planning Full Council

OCTOBER

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Saturday 11 | 10am-4pm Birchington Model Railway Exhibition The Centre, Alpha Road, Birchington CT7 9EG Adults £2 | Children £1 Families £5

Tuesday 14 Wednesday 22 Monday 27

Ppp/planning Finance Full Council

NOVEMBER Tuesday 11 Monday 24

Ppp/planning Full Council

DECEMBER Tuesday 9 Monday 15

Ppp/planning Full Council

07545 863193

07931 205505

FEBRUARY Tuesday 10 Monday 23

Ppp/planning Full Council

MARCH Tuesday 10 Monday 30

Ppp/planning Full Council

APRIL Tuesday 14 Wednesday 22 Monday 27

Ppp/planning Finance Full Council

MAY Monday 11 Tuesday 13 Monday 18

Parish Assembly Ppp/planning Annual Meeting

Meetings take place at The Council Office, Albion Road

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JANUARY 2015 Tuesday 13 Ppp/planning Tuesday 20 Finance Monday 26 Full Council

Birchington Parish Council

11

COUNCIL

Council Contacts

Birchington Parish Council Council offices: Albion Rd, Birchington

The Parish office is normally open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 1pm

w 01843 841107

Your Parish Councillors

Councillor Jack Cohen | Chair w 01843 847421 q jackbernard.cohen@gmail.com Cllr Bill Furness | Vice Chair w 01843 845228 q bill.furness@waitrose.com Councillor Julie Francis w 01843 841796 Councillor Michael Jarvis w 07798 681574 Councillor Bernard La Roche w 01843 844553 Councillor Marian Evans w 01843 841198 Councillor Linda Wright w 07825 338999 q lindaw1310@hotmail.com Councillor John Worrow w 07847 303256 Parish Clerk Jamie Thomson w 01843 841107 q birchingtonparishcouncil@ yahoo.co.uk Your Birchington Kent County Councillor Roger Latchford OBE w 01843 846458 q roger.latchford@btinternet.com

COMMUNITY

Your Thanet District Councillors Birchington South Ward Dr Alasdair Bruce, 39 Foreland Ave, Cliftonville, CT9 3NH w 01843 295852 q alasdair@rockdoc.co.uk Dr Jack Cohen, 2 Leslie Road, Birchington CT7 9HG w 01843 847421 q jackbernard.cohen@virgin.net John Worrow, 16 Ingoldsby Rd, Minnis Bay, Birchington w 07847 303256 q cllr-john.worrow@thanet.gov.uk Birchington North Ward Keith Coleman-Cooke, 23 Grenville Gardens, Birchington CT7 9LA w 07980 599560 Simon Day, 35 Berkeley Road, Birchington CT7 9JR w 01843 845230 q simonday@clara.co.uk Birchington Community Warden Liam Doogan w 07969 583919 q liam.doogan@kent.gov.uk Your Member of Parliament Sir Roger Gale MP c/o The Old Forge, 215 Canterbury Road, Birchington w 01843 848588

NEIGHBOURHOOD ENGAGEMENT MEETING Birchington,Garlinge, Westbrook and Westgate

 Thursday 4th September  Tuesday 25th November Victoria Villas, 150 Canterbury Road, Westbrook 6.30pm An opportunity for residents to meet with representatives of the Police, their PCSOs and Community Wardens, Councillors and the TDC Community Safety Officer for the area

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD NEEDS YOU!

Other Contacts Kent Highway Services w 08458 247800 Thanet District Council w 01843 577000 Birchington Medical Centre w 01843 848818 Victim Support Kent w 01304 2111161 Police non-emergency w 101

If you would like further information then please contact your local PCSO by calling on: 101 Or e mail to: nhp.thanet@kent.pnn.police.uk For any Thanet District Council related issues call: 01843 577000 or email community.safety@thanet.gov.uk

for all your members of the European Parliament please refer to our website

www.birchington.org

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Birchington Parish Council

Raise issues that concern you with the assurance that they will be taken seriously!

Birchington Parish Council

13

COMMUNITY

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Birchington Parish Council

Stop the Scammers I have been working on a project with Kent Trading Standards this past month regarding scam mail. They received a list from the police showing the names and addresses of people who were being targeted for scam mail and scam telephone calls.

There were 184 addresses in Thanet and we are visiting them all to see if the resident needs help and to find out just how big the problem is. I’m pleased to report that so far the problem is not as big as I thought it might be. However, some people are being conned and there are probably loads more we don’t know about.

To be clear: I’m talking about scam mails and call not the calls you get about PPI and wanting to check your pension.

The following is a list of the type of things that scammers do: • Say you have won the Australian/Irish/ Spanish etc lottery and if you send them money they will pass on your prize.

• Tell you that you have won something in a draw like a TV and they need £19.95 to cover the carriage • Get you to order vastly extortionate cakes; foods; fish; vitamins etc so that your name will be in a prize draw • You will have good luck but unless you send them money your luck will change and you will be cursed.

This is only a small example of scams.

The letters are generally from France; Belgium and others countries foreign.

However some come from the UK or have UK return addresses. You will win NOTHING! You will lose your money Birchington Parish Council

GUARANTEED. Shred these mailings up and put in the bin. Do not write back to them as this will confirm that there is a warm body at that address and increase the mailings.

If this sounds like you or you know someone in Birchington who is being scammed like this, ask them if they want help. If they do, pass their details to me and I’ll see what I can do. They will usually be getting a lot of mail every day.

Things you can do to help yourself include: • Write to the Mail Preference Society or the Telephone Preference Society • Contact your telephone provider about Last Caller Barring (14258**) • Get a telephone handset that shows the number calling so that you can decide whether to answer it or not UNDERSTAND – if it looks too good to be true it generally is.

Contact your local Community Warden or PCSO for further advice Be safe and have a great summer.

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First World War explorations In the previous issue of this magazine, I referred to my great-uncle Charlie Woodbury’s First World War service.

He died in 1922 and I don’t recall my family mentioning him until around 2003. All that was known then was that he had been a private in the East Surrey Regiment, was wounded and later captured. Finding exactly what had happened to him, particularly as like most his Army personnel records were lost in the Blitz, proved a testing, but ultimately absorbing, challenge. Along the way, I discovered that R.C. Sherriff, author of Journey’s End, the most famous play on the First World War, had served like Charlie, with 9th East Surrey. Much research followed in London and Surrey, especially after my retirement in 2008, along with trips to the Western Front.

Diagnosed with serious illness early in 2010, I wanted a project to occupy my recovery. I wondered if I could write a history of 9th East Surrey. The editor of the Western Front Association’s journal, who had published some of my articles, gave me useful advice and a publisher. I sought to make extensive use of original sources. My son, Andrew, gave invaluable

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assistance with German ones, providing views from the other side of No Man’s Land, demonstrating that the mistakes and hardships were not all on one side.

The book appeared in 2012 as ‘The Journey’s End Battalion’. In it, I seek to provide more than just a straight narrative, discussing the experience of serving with the unit in and out of the line, and how the battalion changed during the course of the War. It was unlucky to be thrown into a failed attack at the Battle of Loos on only its second day at the Front in September 1915. It served on, after a famous last stand in March 1918, through to the Advance to Victory, leading to the Armistice in November. During 1915-18 more than 850 men of the battalion lost their lives. Sherriff was profoundly influenced by his experiences with the unit in 1916-17, when he later wrote his

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play, and I discuss these and the men providing the models for his characters.

He is on the book’s cover. It is available from booksellers, or (signed copies) from myself (01843-841228).

During my researches I heard of Captain George Pirie, the 9th’s Regimental Medical Officer. He was a frontline medic at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Sadly he was killed at Ypres in 1917.

However, he left remarkable detailed diaries. Some diarists are terse, selfobsessed, or record only trivia. Pirie has none of these faults. He was also a keen and sympathetic observer of his fellow soldiers, both officers and other ranks.

Moreover, unlike many accounts, written long after the War and distorted by fading memories and hindsight, Pirie’s diaries are fresh and vivid: they open a window into a century ago and tell how

things were and, rightly or wrongly, how they were perceived at the time.

Often fortunately, he did not know what tomorrow would bring for him and his comrades. Like Pirie, a good number of those he wrote about did not survive the War. These diaries are the Great War as it was experienced: the strain of unrelenting shellfire and sniper fire, with danger ever present in the front line, even in the long intervals between major actions; but also the comradeship and light relief in and out of the trenches, which helped to make things bearable. Pirie comes across as a brave and dedicated doctor and a nice man, who has a good word for almost everybody, except those few senior officers he fell foul of. I have edited his diaries for Helion, which publishes them in September as ‘Frontline MedicGallipoli, Somme, Ypres’. The cover has a caricature of Pirie by one of his men.

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17

RSPCA Shop Opening The recently refurbished RSPCA Charity shop in Station Road, Birchington-on-Sea was officially opened on Friday 30 May 2014

by Cllr Bill Furness, Vice Chairman of the Parish Council

Bill Furness with Roger Walford

Face painting by Tracy’s Face Painting

Time Team’s “Tony Robinson” look-a-like George Wood

Balloon modelling by Alan the Magic Man

Why use a Toastmaster for your special occasion?

Whether it is a Wedding, Civil Ceremony, Charity Auction, Banquet or Ladies Night the Toastmaster will co-ordinate all the key services making sure the event runs to time taking all the stress off the shoulders of the central players.

He knows how to keep the Bride, Bridegroom, Best Man and Parents calm so that they enjoy the special day they have planned for so long. He will be the one to ensure that the caterers and photographer know the timeframe required. He will also have made himself aware of all the facilities at the venue, so that guests can ask him ‘anything’ - he even carries a needle and cotton!

At least two weeks prior to a wedding he will meet with the bride and groom and parents to discuss their plans for the day, he will then make sure that their wishes are delivered.

When it comes to charity auctions he has the authority and power to enhance the bidding therefore getting the best outcome for the fundraising event. He CAN control the audience.

Coast 2 Coast Chauffeur Services

Customers and Shop Manager Ann Smith together with some of her team of Volunteers prior to the successful and well attended opening 18

Birchington Parish Council

Gatwick £90 Heathrow £100

24 hour pick-up and drop-off… whatever time you arrive

01843 845775

martinayles@f2s.com

www.coast2coast44.co.uk Birchington Parish Council

Banquets and Ladies Nights are enhanced by the presence of the ‘Man in Red’ and the guests know who to ask for any information. Liaison between caterers, musicians, photographers and entertainers helps the whole event run to time and ensures that disasters are avoided. No one likes a cold meal.

Whatever your event the Toastmaster brings authority, class, Fun and humour.

He has a few stories he can share. So always consider yourself as a guest at the event you have planned, do you want to keep getting up to sort out a problem? Of course you don’t, but the toastmaster will.

Philip M Fisher Toastmaster of Ceremonies, Birchington, covering Kent and East Sussex 01843 842507 | 07761 781704, toastmasterpf@hotmail.co.uk www.toastmaster.me.uk

D.WEBB DIGITAL AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

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To advertise

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Salmestone Grange Exclusive 14th Century Venue available for

Carvery Sunday Lunch Funeral & Christening Receptions Weddings & Bridal Suites and other Special Occasions

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Birchington Parish Council

Let us take the hassle out of getting your Repeat Prescription We can collect your prescription from the following surgeries: Birchington Medical Surgery Westgate Surgery Minster Surgery Your prescription will then be ready for collection from the pharmacy or delivered to your door

Drummond Hayes Painting, Decorating and General House Repairs

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BRILLS

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Delivery Services Key Cutting Glass Cutting Timber Cutting Building Supplies Gardening Electrical Decorating Dept

a nd

Plumbing Timber Household Housewares Hardware

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Quex Wood Products has come about because of an obvious need for people to own something that is not made from plastic and mass produced. All of Quex Wood products are made from locally sourced timber or recycled solid wood. They are all hand crafted with no computer controlled machine involved in their manufacture.

Est 1965

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Birchington Parish Council

Our timbers are locally sourced and are brought into the yard directly from the site where they grew, all within a few miles of our facility. Here they are processed into the items we make, be they decorative or practical.

07598 091769

www.quexwood.co.uk 21

Erlebach Sons’ Last Resting Places

Arthur Erlebach As you can see from the illustrations to this article, the Memorial Recreation Ground speaks volumes about the cost to the village of the Great War in just one family, but mirrored by many others.

The father of these three boys was the Head of Woodford House School (now the site of Woodford Court)

Arthur Woodland Erlebach Born 1894 Buried 5 July 1917 Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenie Cemetery, France

Edward Eustace Erlebach Born 1897 Buried 7 February 1917 Linsells, 3 miles SSW of Menin, France

Henry Woodland Erlebach Born 1886 Buried 28 October 1915 Hop Store, British Cemetery, Vlamertinghe, near Ypres, Belgium

We need to guard this small corner of our village very carefully, because it represents the cost of our freedom Jennie Burgess

The wording on the plaque in the pavilion reads: Birchington Memorial Ground This Sports Ground was presented to Birchington in 1924 by Mr H. A. Erlebach as a memorial to his three sons, who fell in the Great War. The Children’s Playing Field was purchased out of the surplus monies from the Birchington and Acol “War Relief Fund” and the “Birchington War Memorial Fund”

The ‘Rec’ as it is affectionately known 22

Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Parish Council

23

Dreamland

Dreamland Revived is a new book tracing the 150 year history of the amusement park Reflecting the impending reopening of Dreamland is a new book which charts its history from the 1860s to the present day.

Dreamland Revived has been written by Whitstable author Nick Evans and made its debut in Margate over the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend.

The 128 page book contains nearly 250 photographs of the park’s best known rides including the Scenic Railway, the Looping Star, the Caterpillar, the Big Wheel, the Miniature Railway as well as the cinema, ballroom, bingo hall and squash courts.

He said: “I’m delighted, like so many people, to see real progress taking place at Dreamland and the title reflects that change in fortunes.

“Not only have I used photographs from my own sources but I have been very fortunate to have been loaned others, some of which haven’t appeared in print before or at least not for several decades. I uncovered a rarely seen mid 1960s John Hinde postcard of the park

24

Birchington Parish Council

at night and the publisher in Ireland kindly lent me a copy of the original transparency.

“Like Dreamland itself, the book will appeal to all tastes and ages. It’s full of nostalgia when times were perhaps simpler and holidays involved heady days at the seaside. Youth was never properly misspent without visiting Dreamland a few times.”

The majority of photographs come from the Bill Evans Collection, named after Nick’s late father who was press officer for Dreamland, and its sister operation, the Lido, Cliftonville, in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Nick added: “It’s thanks to him that many of the photographs survive as Bill intervened in 1981 when he realised they had been earmarked for the skip during a clear out to make way for the arrival of the Bemboms. It wasn’t just photographs but a lot of reference material which was saved as well.”

The story begins 150 years ago in the late Victorian era with the creation of the Hall By The Sea by circus showman ‘Lord’ George Sanger. The book outlines the building of Dreamland from 1920 by John Henry Iles and family, successive Birchington Parish Council

takeovers by Associated Leisure, the Bembom Brothers and the late Jimmy Godden and the site’s transfer into the hands of the Dreamland Trust.

The final chapter in the book discusses the Trust’s involvement and its plans for the future along with photos of the cinema building while closed to the public.

Dreamland Revived will be on sale not only at the Dreamland visitor and learning centre but at the tourism information centre at Margate’s Droit House; The Kitchen in Duke Street, Margate; The Shell Grotto, Grotto Hill, Margate; Waterstone’s and WH Smith stores at Westwood Cross and Margate; Lovely’s Art Gallery, Northdown Road, Cliftonville; Michaels Bookshop, Ramsgate, and Hidden Treasures, Minnis Bay, Birchington, priced £15.99.

ISBN 978-09566172-2-4

Further information from Nick Evans on 07743 704547 (day) or 01227 275157 (eves) or email nickevanscomms@sky.com

25

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Many Grannies of old had a magical book of anecdotes, recipes and remedies which are still used today. Memories persist of cod liver oil and malt, syrup of figs and many more remedies that have all stood the test of time.

People in bygone days believed that ‘mother knows best’ and is this still relevant today.

A gentleman named Culpepper published the Complete Herbal in 1826.

Did you know for instance, that the monks in the middle ages found a remedy for migraine called feverfew, a common plant in Thanet. On their daily walks around the grounds in their cloaks they kept bumping into one another therefore they had to find a remedy or kick the habit.

Did you know that lettuce is a remedy for insomnia? A couple of leaves with your drink and you’re away into dreamland… except when you wake up and wonder where the sheep have got to!

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26

Granny’s Book

Ramsgate 01843 592361

Birchington Parish Council

Broadstairs 01843 865261

Birchington Parish Council

Did you know that the onion family is famed for curing many ailments? If you eat enough garlic no one will come near you so you can’t catch anything!

Did you know that rosemary is good for memory? If you plant it in the garden, you’ll just have to remember where you put it.

Did you know that sage is the giver of long life? The chicken wasn’t keen on it when stuffed up its bottom!

A visit to the health shop is an interesting experience. You may feel well on entering the shop but this is about to change. By the time you have collected a basket of goodies (just in case), you have become an instant hypochondriac. The remedy for rheumatism is on the bottom shelf, you can’t bend. The remedy eye lotions are on the top shelf you have forgotten your glasses - you can’t win !

It’s thought 40% of medicines are still from a natural source so perhaps we ought to take an interest in Granny’s Book.

Les Lush

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Birchington Village Centre Association 1974-2014 This year the centre will have been open for use forty years. It was in the mid 1960s that the need for a Community Centre in Birchington became necessary, as it was announced that the old church house used for a meeting place for many local organisations was to be replaced with a new building to be used for mainly Church Activities.

A group of local people formed a hard working committee with the clear mission of finding a site and establishing a community centre owned and run buy the people of Birchington, for the use of any organisation, club, society and residents within the village.

A small fund of money left from 1953 Coronation celebrations was put to good use to start the fundraising. A huge amount of work was then put into raising sufficient funds to consider the Building of the Centre. From schemes like buy a brick, jumble sales, weekly collections special events organised by many people.

The biggest fundraiser being Quexpo, held over August Bank holiday weekend in the grounds of Quex Park ,this was then Kent’s largest outdoor event at the time attracting 40-50 thousand people each year. Under the direction of the Quexpo committee a large number of people including many teenagers worked

Picture shows Ted Tumber ,Operative Builders, Wally Wanstall Chairman BVCA and Mr. Christopher-Powell Cotton 28

Birchington Parish Council

FISH AND CHIPS MINNIS BAY

tirelessly to provide 3 days of wonderful entertainment for many years.

After much searching a site was found at the rear of the library owned by the then Margate Borough Council, a lease was negotiated, Plans drawn up, estimates sought, and after many meetings contracts were agreed to build the Centre. A local builder Operative Builders and Decorators was awarded the contract and where possible local sub-contractors used to carry out the work.

The foundation stone was laid in 1972. and the centre was completed in 1974.

It started to be used early that year with the official opening 0n 26 May 1974 by the Mayor of Margate Councillor John G. Jones. During his speech he congratulated all who had been involved in the project commenting on the wonderful achievement by the village. He also said “this is such a wonderful centre please use it well and do not abuse the building”.

Forty years on The Centre is owned by the Village centre Association Run by the Trustees with day to day management by the centre Manager.

The centre is well used and continues to provide a home for many organisations within the Village.

Over the years improvements have been made and the Trustees are committed to keeping a building of the highest possible standard.

The Trustees would welcome interest from anyone within the community who would like to join them in continuing the work of providing this outstanding facility, keeping it within the ownership of the people of Birchington.

Birchington Parish Council

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PHIL MISSEY

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Birchington-on-Sea Bowls Club Annual Co-op Bowls Tournament On 14th June 2014 Birchington Bowls Club held a successful Tournament involving 8 teams and sponsored by The Cooperative Funeral Care.

Bowling commenced at 1000 hrs and continued until 1500 hrs. The top 4 teams then fought out for the final positions.

The winners were a team named Birchminster, made up from member of Birchington and Minster Bowls Clubs, who beat a team from Victoria Park, Deal.

The scores being level after twelve ends a tense extra end was needed to decide the winners.

Another match took place between Broadstairs and another team from Birchington to decide the remaining placing’s. Again the Birchington team were winners.

A lot of work went into the tournament and with the fine weather all went well, both for the teams and spectators.

Jack Cohen, Chairman of Birchington PCC, Nulia O’Donoghue, from Co-op

Funeral Care and Les Lush President of Birchington Bowls Club were in attendance to present the prizes.

Mick Davis thanked all the bar and catering staff for their help in making the tournament such an enjoyable event.

For further information on bowling please contact Carol Fisher on 01843 842507 or carol.fisher@btinternet.com

Above: Dave Martin from the Birchminster team, with the winning last bowl; below: the winning team, Birchminster

Call us to discuss your needs 07860 470887 sjf-services@hotmail.co.uk 74 Park Lane, Birchington CT7 0AS STD MAP 84x120mm

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40471 MARG>MH>20.12.13

Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Parish Council

31

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Open 7 days a week for breakfast, coffee, cocktails, lunches & dinner Birchington Parish Council

33

Fancy windows really do pay off...

Charity shops don’t usually spend a lot of time on elaborate window displays – but the volunteers at Birchington’s Cancer Research UK shop here in Station Road think enticing potential customers into the shop by displaying their wares in an appealing way is an important part of the shop’s success.

Cat Tracy, the full time manager of this charity shop said “Having an attractive window display is as old as retailing itself.

It’s like a 24-hour advertisement, even when the shops are shut. It’s such a simple but effective way of leading a potential customer’s eye around the window space and hopefully enticing them into the shop. When it works well – it’s like magic.

And magic is just what some of our shopper’s seem to like when visiting our shopping area.”

Linda, a regular patron of the shop said “It’s lovely to see a bit of glamour on our high street – and this shop’s windows certainly don’t disappoint. We’ve had everything from a teddy bear’s picnic, to saucy Christmas lingerie, to a 007 spy themed Valentine’s day window - but my favourite was the Queen’s Diamond

Jubilee window, which recreated a traditional street party, decked out in red, white and blue. It was so good it won second prize in the village’s window display competition.”

“We really need to work hard to encourage shoppers into our shop and if they happen to be entertained along the way - then it’s all the better for us.

But it’s not easy - we have to work twice as hard as some other shops to give our products the allure of that ‘must-have’ item”, said Cat. Pearl Darvill, one of the volunteers who regularly helps to dress the shop’s windows said “It’s got to be exciting – and I do like a bit of theatre. I really don’t know where my ideas come from - books, magazines, off the telly - I just absorb it all like a sponge and never really know how it will all end up – but I get a real kick out of doing it and if it increases sales – then it’s definitely worth it”.

Sales are what it’s all about. “Anything we can do to increase sales and encourage donations is worth it - because every single penny counts in the fight against

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34

Birchington Parish Council

cancer”, said Cat. This approach certainly seems to be paying off – a quick glance at the shop’s sales records shows that investing in this shop’s kerb appeal really seems to be paying dividends.

But in order to make sales we need a regular supply of donations” said Cat “So if you’d like to drop off a donation we are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm every day except Sunday – but please don’t leave your donations on the door step overnight or at weekends – as this really does nothing for our shop’s – or the high street’s - environmental appeal.”

There are lots of others ways you can help this charity shop. Cancer Research UK are always on the lookout for new people to join their team of volunteers. It doesn’t matter what skills, experience or background you have, or how much time you can give.

If you’d like to join this friendly team of volunteers and help in the fight against cancer please contact Cat Tracy for more details on 01843 843908 (or call in the shop)

THE

LINE RANGERS

Monday afternoons & evenings at Birchington Tuesday evenings at Westgate Wednesday evenings at Monkton

01843 833643

LINE DANCING www.facebook.com/TheLineRangers Birchington Parish Council

Westgate & Birchington Golf Club

Founded 1893

176 Canterbury Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent CT8 8LT

Full membership at competitive rates Green fee visitors welcome Society packages available Golf coaching • Bar & restaurant Club house facilities available for hire Westgate and Birchington is a clifftop course of 4825 yards with stunning views over the sea.

It is suitable for players of all ages.

Green fees visitors & societies are welcome at very competitive rates for golf on the Kent coast.

www.westgate-and-birchington-golfclub.co.uk Telephone: 01843 831115 Email: office@wabgc.co.uk

To get FREE rounds of golf and other offers, just text WESTGATE to 67000 and download our new golfing app, available for both iPhone and Android Standard network message rates apply

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35

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON

Local Events, Groups & Clubs BIARA

Birchington Active Retirement Association

BIARA is a club for people who are 50 years old and active in mind and body. The club holds Sport Mornings on Wednesday & Friday from 9.30-12pm, price £2, at the Centre in Birchington for Table Tennis, Short Mat Bowls, Snooker & Pool Tables, Board Games and Darts only on Friday morning. There are Keep Fit classes held on Monday & Tuesday afternoons at the Scouts Hall for 1 hour each starts at 2.15 pm price £2.50 and there is a Craft class at the Centre on Monday afternoon at 2pm price £2.50 at which you do your own thing. On every second Tuesday afternoon in the month the Club holds a Table Tennis afternoon at 2pm price £2.50. During the year we have lunches, holidays and anything else we can think of. At the moment Membership Subscriptions are £7 per year.

Kent Connections

Pre-booked door to door airport transfer service at a time to suit you, with a unique welcome home grocery service

01227 363377 | 07754 554392 info@kent-connections.com

www.kent-connections.com 36

Probus Club

The purpose of the Club is to provide a regular meeting point for retired professional and business men who, in their retirement or semi-retirement, would value the opportunity of social contact with others in similar circumstances. We meet monthly for lunch in The Smugglers Restaurant in the village. Speakers are arranged three or four times per year and there is also a social programme involving partners If you are interested in joining our Club, contact the Secretary at dave. alker@btinternet.com or on 845783 for more info go to www.garlandja.wix.com/ birchington-probus

Activities in Acol

The Acol Horticultural Society’s Summer Flower Show in the marquee behind the Village Hall Saturday 26 July from 2–5pm Zumba Fitness Class Every Mon and Fri evening, 7-8.30pm Ballroom Dance Fitness Every Tuesday from 6–7pm (except 1st in the month)

Bowls

Birchington Bowls Club, Beach Avenue.

For further information contact the general secretary, Carol Fisher, on 01843 842507 Birchington Parish Council

Local Events, Groups & Clubs

Rhythm Express School of Dance Classes at the The Centre, Alpha Rd Tuesdays Musical Express – The Musical Theatre Department of Rhythm Express The Drivers – 5-5.30pm age 3-6 £3 The Guards 5-6.15pm age 7-11 £5 The Controllers 5.45-7pm age 11+ £5 The Inspectors 7.30-8.30pm age 18+ £4 Wednesdays Millennium troupe - open age group by audition only - 3.45-4.30pm £4.75 Class Skillicious (commercial street/ freestyle, show and exam class) 4.30-5.30pm age 11+ £4 Divine troupe - open age group by audition only - 5.30-6.30pm £5.50 Adult tap class – age 16 years and over 6.30-7.15pm £3.50 Saturdays Pre-Primary Ballet 9-9.30am age 3-5 approx, £3 Primary Ballet 9.30-10am age 5-7 approx, £3 Primary Tap 10-10.30am 5-7 approx, £3

Grade One Ballet 10.30-11am age 7-9 approx, £3 Grade One Tap 11-11.30am age 7-9 approx, £3 Rhythmex Crew open age group audition only 11.30am-12.30pm £5.50 Jazz Class 12.30-1.30pm age 7 and over £4 Contemporary Class 1.30-2.30pm age 7 and over £4 Urban Class 2.30-3.30pm age 7 and over £4 Classes held at Birchington Primary after school (commercial street/ freestyle, show and exam classes) KS1 - Tuesdays 3.30-4.40pm £4 KS2 year 3&4 Thursdays 3.30-4.30pm £4 Class Vibe Thurs 4.30-5.30pm age 11 and over £4 KS2 year 5&6 Fridays 3.30-4.30pm £4 Rhythm Machine troupe Open age group by audition only 4.30-5.30pm £5.50

rural broadband Fibre speeds Delivered wirelessly (not satellite) No phone line needed from No hidden charges £19.99 Freephone 0800 756 6577 www.clear-picture.co.uk

Birchington Parish Council

Building and Home Improvement Specialists t

Extensions t Loft Conversions t Renovations t Plastering t Rendering t Roofing Driveway & Patios t Heating & Plumbing Tiling t Kitchens t Bathrooms FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL

01843 823332 or 07973 123683 37

Worship

On the

lighter

All Saints, Birchington

side…

It was my last week before I retired, my Managing Director called me in and said that John our technical engineer was very ill and was unable to visit one the Companies customers up in Yorkshire could I go instead, naturally I agreed, as there was a big conference in York that week all the hotels were full so a bed and breakfast had been booked on a farm on the moors for me.

After a 3 hours drive I found the place, it was a charming little farm with a very friendly couple running it, after a quick cup of tea I drove over the top of the moors to the customers offices and spent a couple of hours sorting out the problem.

It was now well into the evening with the rain thunder and lightning making the drive back very difficult, I had just going round a bend when suddenly an old man with a patch over his eye and a dog with only 3 legs jumped out in front of me, how I missed them I still do not know! I wound the window down and he shouted

“there’s been a landslide you would have got yourself killed if you had driven any further” I thanked him profusely and said how do I get to Sheepdown farm? He said I live in the windmill just before you get there we can go over the old military road it’s a little longer but it’s a safe road, with that he sat in the passengers side and the dog jumped onto the back seat.

Within half an hour I dropped him off outside his windmill and Arrived back at the farm. At dinner that evening I explained to the owners what had happened their face went white, they went on and told me that old Joe the miller and his dog both died tragically in a fire when the windmill had burnt down over 10 years ago!

The next morning as I left for home I drove by the burnt out remains of the old windmill, the hairs on the back of my hand began to rise. ©Birchington Parish Council

Just a very nice place to be…

Function Suite, Ballroom & Bar

The Swan Fully air-conditioned

Sundays Parish Holy Communion 8am Sung Eucharist 10am Family Service first Sunday of the month 10am Junior Church in Church House 10am Evensong first Sunday of the month 6pm Weekdays Holy Communion Wednesday 10am St Mildred, Acol

Sunday Sung Eucharist first Sunday of the month 9.30am Morning Worship third Sunday 9.30am St Thomas, Minnis Bay

Sundays Sung Eucharist Morning Prayer second Sunday

11am 11am

Weekdays Holy Communion Thursday 10am Contacts

The Parish Office 01843 84077 Church House, Kent Gardens, Birchington CT7 9RS Open Monday-Friday 9.30 to 12.30 Parish Administrator: Sue Murphy

Tired Shed? Makeover Re-felt Re-stain Repair Replace FREE PHONE

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Vicar: Rev. Don Witts 01843 841117 | 07749 201947 The Vicarage, 15 Minnis Road, Birchington CT7 9SE

Ideal for wedding receptions and other special events Overlooking the West Bay at Westgate Noted for good food and quality wines 75 Sea Road, Westgate-On-Sea, Kent 01843 831401 www.theswanatwestgate.co.uk 38

COMMUNITY

To arrange a home visit from one of the clergy or pastoral team, call Margaret 840878 or Sue 840777.

Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Parish Council

39

Our first two outings of 2014 have been very successful. In April we had the traditional mystery tour. It was a beautiful day and we thoroughly enjoyed the drive which took us on a wide circular trip around Canterbury through blossoms and bluebells.We drove through Grove Ferry, out past Littlebourne and along Chartham Downs with its splendid views. We continued through Charing to Faversham and then took the sea road to Whitstable for tea at Whitstable Castle (pictured).

We were given a short tour of the castle and then took tea in the castle’s Mallandain Room which was elegantly set out for us. There was time for a short walk round the gardens, which were 40

looking lovely, before our return to Birchington.

In June it was Macarthur Glen shopping outlet at Ashford where some took good advantage of the retail bargains before continuing to Chilham for afternoon tea at Shelley’s Tea Rooms. The scones were delicious, but enormous and quite a few were grateful for the doggy bag we were given which enabled us to take one home to eat later.

Again the weather was kind to us and although it rained a little on the way, the rest of the day was dry. In June we have booked a visit to the Lullingstone Castle World Garden where we shall have lunch before touring the garden and indoor areas followed by a tour of the castle, we hope.

Our final trip in July will be a tour around the Deal/ Wingham areas, with a visit to the Salutation and tea bought individually in Sandwich or at The Salutation.

Our first evening meeting was on Thursday 24th and we were very pleased that over 50 members attended. The subject was “CRISAB” and told the story of the ten year struggle that The Residents’ Association and the Chamber of Commerce had to prevent Birchington Parish Council

the crazy plan of Margate Borough Engineer George Sewell to cut the village in half with a flyover and dual carriageway, demolishing 48 houses in the process. Our Chairman, Neville Hudson pictured) who

was involved at the time talked through the events with the help of Powerpoint slide show and there was a display of maps belonging to Peggy Mann whose husband was Chairman of the “CRISAB” committee.

Our next talk, The Fateful Year, presented

by Pat Orpwood, will be on Monday, August 4th and will look at the year 1914-15 with reference to the mood in Birchington and England at the time and the early war poets. We shall then be looking at booking the Christmas lunch on December 3rd.

The Summer Magazine will be out in July and is full of interesting articles. We take a non-political view of the village and try to cover all that has happened over the last quarter, but we are prepared to point out any problems we see as well as the good things. We hope you enjoy the latest issue. Our membership fees, which had remained the same for the last 16 years were finally increased from £1.50 to £2 per individual and £2 to £3 for households.

Membership had increased over the last two years and members are already renewing. In the old days Road Stewards would knock on doors and collect the subscriptions, but this is not the case now, largely because the stewards were not happy being out collecting subscriptions in the evenings when most people were at home. It is, however, very easy to renew your subscription, either by popping it, in an envelope (a used one will do) addressed to the Registrar, into Blends in Station Road or MeMe and Amy in Minnis Bay.

For further details contact Pat Orpwood on 847843

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Birchington Parish Council

41

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Birchington Parish Council

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