Birchington Parish Council

uk

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

SHOP PRICES ONLINE

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Winter Edition 2014

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Tel: 01843 842727 | Web: www.snh.co.uk SNH, The Store, Albion Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9DN Open Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm • Sat 9.00 - 12.00 noon

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Twinned with La Chapelle d’Armentieres

Welcome

to our second Winter magazine with its many articles and information which I hope you will find interesting.

This is our Community magazine and you or your club or organisation are welcome to submit items that you think will be of general interest to our readers.

Please e-mail these to me at bill.furness@waitrose.com May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The last date for contributions to the next magazine will be Friday 2nd January 2015.

Front cover picture: The Rossetti memorial stone in Rossetti Gardens, Sandles Road

Contents

Letter from the Chairman

4

Council Contacts

14

Nayland Boat Sea Angling

28

The Pole of Cold

24

Rossetti’s Birchington Connection

36

Sea Breeze Cycle Factory

38

What’s On

44

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

PEST CONTROL

Daniel 07515 368081 or 01843 299045

K C C Ltd

1hr

response

Rat & mouse treatments from £35

All pests covered

Kent Clearance Company Ltd

PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES 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

COUNCIL

Happy New Year 2015

Letter from the Chairman

This year is a hundred year old International milestone, marking the sombre event of the disastrous World War One being declared on 4th August 1914.

In recognition, your Parish Council installed a memorial stone, outside our library on Sunday, 3rd August 2014, marking the moment with a most touching ceremony recognising those that were lost and also a remarkable survivor “soldier poet” Geoffrey Dearmer, who lived in Birchington reaching 103 years.

We were honoured to have the Union Jack that covered the stone, unveiled

by his daughter the Reverend Juliette Woolcombe,who gave a most touching and interesting resume and The Stone was then sensitively consecrated by the Rev Don Witts. Geofery Dearmer’s great granddaughter Catherine was also present. Finally our trumpeter played the last post followed by two minutes silence and the ceremony completed by the playing of the reveille. Our thanks must go to Cllr Marion Evans who on the behalf of Birchington Parish Council, masterminded the event to reflect the depth of the moment.

The Birchington Parish Council Christmas event is being organised in tandem with the proactive youth group “Pipeline”. It will be held at the Village

Pictures left to right, Sir Roger Gale M.P. Cllr Bill Furness,Cllr Jack Cohen, The Reverend Juliette Woolcombe. Maureen Dunderdale ,David Hearnshaw Catherine Kennedy 4

Birchington Parish Council

from Birchington Parish Council

No more getting wet!

Plumbing & Heating Engineer 65 The Vale, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2DR

From a tap washer to full central heating One call does it all

01843 861605 07802 281344

jgplumbing@live.co.uk

Advanced installer

Birchington Parish Council

Thanet Cars

33 33 33

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J.G Finch

Thanks to County Councillor Roger Latchford OBE and funding from Kent County Council, it is hoped that a new cantilever bus shelter will be erected within the next few Months at the Sandles Road Bus stop by the Railway station.

01843

Centre and other village locations on Saturday, 29th November and promises something for all ages to enjoy.

A further 6 “snowflake” lights will be erected on lamp standards along Station Road and additional Xmas lighting will be erected on dog acre to enhance the extra ones put up last year.

On a different note, having been to a number of “ Community Safety Parternership” meetings at TDC and other locations, I can gladly report that Birchington continues to have one of the lowest crime rates. Much is due to the continual dedicated efforts of our Community Warden Liam Doogan and PCSO Shaun Riches.Credit must also be given to the Kent Police back up as well as our TDC staff that complete the “Community Safety Partnership” team of which Jessica Bailey is a most active TDC Officer. Finally, I must mention the Leader of the Thanet District Council, Cllr Iris Johnston, who works relentlessly and with conscientious application for the Community ,ensuring Thanet is a safer and better place for us all to live.

Cllr Jack Cohen Chairman, Birchington Parish Council

24 Hour Service

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NEWS

All change at Courts Pharmacy On the 1st October 2014, exciting changes took place at Courts Pharmacy in Station Road, when a new Pharmacist took up residence following the retirement of Robert Forrest. At the end of September, we said a sad farewell to Robert, who, after 26 years as our Pharmacist, finally handed over the reigns.

Having moved to Birchington from London in 1988 to take over the running of the Pharmacy with his business partner, he has been a constant presence, re-assurance and point of reference to Birchington residents in all things medical.

During his time, he has overseen some major changes to the business, including expansion and 2 major re-fits of the branch – all of which have been done to successfully drive the business on into the 21st century.

Whilst many people in Birchington have, over the years benefited from his pharmaceutical expertise and advice,

D.WEBB DIGITAL AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES 01843 832366 07976 737710

dwebbaerials@yahoo.co.uk

6

Aerial & Satellite Installation Aerial Servicing Communal Domestic Services

we are sure that you will join with us in wishing him a well earned rest and a happy retirement, and as he is not escaping the village altogether, he will, we’re sure, still be willing to give the “odd piece of advice” when any of you run into him!

For many readers, it will be a “blast from the past”, as Courts welcomes Mark Wilkinson back into the village.

Many of you will remember that Mark and Robert took over the pharmacy from Mark’s father, David Wilkinson and together continued to run it successfully.

Now, after several years’ absence from the village, Mark will once again be taking over the helm of the pharmacy and is looking forward to the challenge of delivering a first class service to Birchington’s residents.

To their customers of old, please feel free to call in and re-acquaint yourselves with Mark and to customers who do not know Mark yet, please do drop in and introduce yourselves.

Tad&CContracts All kinds of building work undertaken Call Tadeusz today on

07849 422 593 01843 295 833

or via email tcwiklik78@gmail.com

www.tadccontracts.co.uk

Birchington Parish Council

YOUR LOCAL FURNITURE STORE SAME DAY SOFAS & SAME DAY BEDS DINING & BEDROOM FURNITURE TOO High St. Margate & High St. Ramsgate

01843 299181/595858 www.thanetbedz.co.uk

NEWS

Birchington Medical Centre

Current staff are Drs Ghazi, Martin, Afridi, Finlay and Tasou, 2 Nurse Practitioners in Barbara Rennells and Sue Gassor. Nurse Carol Titmus is about to retire but Nurse Karen Hopkins is joining us full time. We are currently advertising for another GP. Once this person is in place, we will be looking to open for extended hours. We have consulted with the Patient Participation Group and via the

newsletter, and the suggested profile is to open earlier in the morning for blood tests - we are constrained by travelling time to the Pathology lab, so at the moment our latest appointments for blood tests is about 2.30pm. We are also looking to open later into the evening, perhaps to 8 or 8.30pm, and probably one day per week to start with and then review.

Patients can register for online services, that is booking appointments with specific doctors, ordering repeat prescriptions and letting us know of changed details. Contact the surgery for instructions on how to register.

Repeat prescriptions can be requested by email prescriptions.bmc@nhs.net The Patient Group can be emailed at bmc.ppg@nhs.net Keep up to date generally at www.birchingtonmc.nhs.uk or for a copy of the newsletter, email birchingtonmcpm@nhs.net

To advertise

please call Calvin on 01843 292348

RJHbrickwork General Builders - Brickwork Specialists

01843 570309 07955 539162 Winner of the Town Pride Award 2011

rjhbrickwork@hotmail.co.uk

8

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

New Parish Councillors Councillor David Darling

David moved to Birchington in 2012 after taking early retirement from a managerial career within both private companies and three local authorities including Sevenoaks District Council.

His background and experience comes from over 30 years working within the parking and highway enforcement fields along with some time spent working for the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard early in his career.

He was co-opted onto the parish council in July 2014 and hopes that his local authority experience will place him in a good position to help the local community over the next few years

Councillor John Hill

Birchington Parish council has just co-opted retired teacher John Hill to replace Amelia West who resigned last month.

John has lived in Birchington for over 35 years and before retiring was head of mathematics at Chatham House Grammar School,he is currently jointly responsible for the welfare of retired teachers both here in Thanet and throughout Kent.

His main hobby is Bridge where he has reached the national level of tournament master, followed by lawn bowls and attending his allotment.

Birchington Parish Council

Electrician Are you finding it difficult to find a reliable electrician?

I will assure you: • Professional Service • A Quick Response • Reasonably Priced Services • No Job Too Small • Satisfaction of Work Guaranteed • Your call will be answered

S? ECTRIC UR EL EXPERT! O Y H ING WIT LEMS T FIND PROB ED A FAUL E YOU N

Call Phil now for a quick response:

01843 807847

info@urbanwire.co.uk | urbanwire.co.uk

EdwardsGas HEATING & GAS ENGINEER

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12 Grenham Bay Ave, Birchington CT7 9NN Credit and debit cards accepted

9

NEWS

HERESON

SERVICE

CENTRE

For all your vehicle needs

car sales · servicing exhausts · MoTs

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01843 852120

sMall WorKshoP & sTore For renT - call for more info

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Full WorKshoP FaciliTies + WeldinG

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ESJ REMOVALS Man & Van

The Dartford-Thurro Soon there will be changes to the way you pay the charges to use the crossing

The Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing is a vital economic link. We are committed to delivering improvements that will help traffic flow at this crucial gateway, both now and in the future.

Eventually

• New remote payment arrangements will be introduced, known as Dart Charge, which will change the way you pay. You will no longer be able to pay the Dartford Crossing charge at the barriers.

• There will be several ways to pay the charge, including online, by text, at selected retail outlets or by phone.

N Local, national, European N Collections & deliveries N Including collection of ebay items N Part loads & single items N House moves & office moves N House clearances & domestic cleaning N Packing service available N CRB checked N Fully insured & licensed waste carrier

No fuss choose us - the reliable family business 07527 859124 | esj_removals@hotmail.co.uk

TRAdE, WAREHOuSE & PuBLiC

DL FuRniShingS F Antiques & second hand furniture bought & sold F Bric-a-brac F House clearances wanted F Open Saturdays Call for a time during the week visit us at 3 Cannon Road · Ramsgate · CT11 9SG 07920 896190 | d.l.furnishings@hotmail.co.uk

10

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

ock River Crossing • You can pay in advance of your journey or by midnight the following day.

• You can save up to one-third on every crossing by setting up an account and keeping it topped up.

• Drivers who don’t pay the charge will face a penalty.

• It will still be free to use the Crossing between 10pm and 6am.

• If you are an existing Dart-Tag account holder we will contact you before October to let you know if you need to do anything.

• There will also be changes to the road layout at the Crossing.

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For more information please visit www.gov.uk/highways/dartford

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TRADE TYRES AND REPAIRS SOLD AT TRADE PRICES

 Nexen, Prestivo & Maxxis all with lifetime guarantees  Puncture repairs while you wait  12v battery service  Wheel balancing  4 wheel laser tracking  Quality new tyres

call now for the best prices in town

01843 292460  07788 888352 we are opposite Kandoo’s Timber Yard All Saints Industrial Estate, Margate

Birchington Parish Council

11

NEWS

Manston Airport may have closed, but the Museums are still open

The history of the airfield from 1916 to its closure

Opening times and hours Nov-Feb: Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm

If something’s troubling you, then get in touch.

08457 90 90 90

We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

We help you talk things through We keep everything confidential We’re not a religious organisation

12

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Belgian chocolates arrive in Birchington A coffee house with a difference opens up in Birchington with the arrival of Sweet Caroline’s at the Square.

A chance to relax and enjoy a bite to eat, cup of coffee, tea or treat yourself to Belgian chocolates in these peaceful surroundings.

The Wantsum Morris Dancers Sainsbury’s

Contrary to rumours flying around our Village, Sainsbury’s are still planning to open their new “Local” Supermarket here in early February 2015, later than planned - no definite opening date as yet.

The Wantsum Morris Dancers will be dancing once again at the Square at 11 o’clock on Boxing Day. Why not come along and watch them?

Birchington is booming with 7 new businesses opening in the past few months, any empty shop is soon filled again.

The variety of shops and places to eat and drink make it a delightful place to live.

SC

OTT’S

French Polishing Antique restoration Modern finishes

Ercol, G-plan, Yew, Mahogany, Oak etc

Table tops · All furniture repairs A careful and professional service, established 1960 Call Steve Scott for a free quotation 07715 639302

www.frenchpolisherkent.co.uk Birchington Parish Council

Sweet Caroline’s Coffee & Chocolate House 8 The Square, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9AB T: 01843 846600 M: 07975 628884 sweetcarolines@btconnect.com www.sweetcarolines.org.uk

13

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

Councillor David Darling w 01843 448984 q davidd80@yahoo.com

Councillor John Hill

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 Other Contacts

Kent Highway Services w 08458 247800

Thanet District Council w 01843 577000

w 01843 845729

Birchington Medical Centre

Parish Clerk Jamie Thomson

Victim Support Kent

w 01843 841107 q birchingtonparishcouncil@yahoo. co.uk Your Birchington Kent County Councillor

Roger Latchford OBE

w 01843 846458 q roger.latchford@btinternet.com

14

Your Thanet District Councillors

w 01843 848818

w 01304 2111161

Police non-emergency w 101 for all your members of the European Parliament please refer to our website

www.birchington.org

Birchington Parish Council

Pipeline Hosting with Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Christmas Lights Switch On Sponsored by Cllr Jack Cohen

29th November 4:30 pm at Birchington Square Also: 1-4pm on Station Road, Birchington

Santa’s Sleigh • Inflatables • Choir Football Cage • Nativity Scene

Birchington Parish Council

15

COUNCIL

Kent County Councillor’s Report The KCC Transformation process is now well underway and at this time is proceeding to plan. The aim is simple we have had a significant cut in our Central Government Grant to provide all the necessary services and at the same time additional responsibilities are being placed on the council. KCC has to find a different way of working.

As the Leader of the Opposition in KCC, my UKIP Group lead in the scrutiny of all aspects of change and by working together with other Political opposition party’s we are able to challenge key decisions.

The current cut in the Community Grant by 50% means that we have less money to support community requests, I am currently waiting for the Parish Council to submit an Application in order that I can arrange full finance for a much needed bus shelter in Sandles Road. The yellow box section at the junction of Canterbury Road and Park Lane has been renovated.

Double yellow lines will be added in Lyell Rd to make exiting Bierce Court Car park safer. Brooks End a notorious Accident Black spot is getting a lowering of the speed on the dual carriageway from 60mph to 50mph and more speed monitoring is underway.

The Minnis Day Centre is undergoing renovation and I have given a grant to landscape the gardens so that they are disabled friendly.

Double yellow lines have been applied for, so that the exit from the car park is safer at St Marys lodge.

It will be seen that much is being done, an 16

application for Double Yellow lines on the corners of roads leading onto the parade at Minnis Bay have also been forwarded to the Joint Transport Board of which I am Chairman.

I am very pleased to say that I have also been able to finance some replacement trees.

Manston Airport is a currently a key issue and one which has had my full support, where I have been speaking at a number of Public engagements.

I know that there are still many issues and I am always available to assist where I can, and I would like to thank you for your support and confidence in me.

In the past year the one community project for our village of which I am most pleased is the new Zebra Crossing opposite the library and I hope that all residents have benefitted from this investment.

As this is the last edition before Christmas, can I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and every best wish for the New Year.

Roger Latchford OBE KCC Cllr Birchington and the Villages

ThanetStone

Your local monumental masons

Craftsmen in new memorials Additional inscriptions, cleaning & restorations Home visits available · Also open Saturday mornings

01843 822840

thanet.stone@hotmail.co.uk 116 Monkton Street, Monkton, Nr Ramsgate

Birchington Parish Council

COMMUNITY

Worship All Saints, Birchington

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

Prescription Collection

fREE and Delivery Service

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 STOP SMOKING SERVICE

Just phone us on

01843 841143 for details

Courts Pharmacy

67 Station Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9RE

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 Vicar: Rev. Don Witts 01843 841117 | 07749 201947 The Vicarage, 15 Minnis Road, Birchington CT7 9SE To arrange a home visit from one of the clergy or pastoral team, call Margaret 840878 or Sue 840777.

Birchington Parish Council

EHC

Emergency Hormonal Contraception

Stick this ad on your fuse board!

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ELECTRICIAN Fully qualified Friendly & approachable Expert fault finder & fixer No job too big or too small Excellent housekeeping

call Neil on…

07805 363814 01843 279782

17

COMMUNITY

New Road Tax Laws

18

offences incurred by the new owner, resulting in further fines and possible licence penalty points.

The DVLA is reminding car owners that it is the seller’s responsibility to return the V5C registration document complete with details of the sale, rather than relying on the new owner to do so, and owners who scrap their vehicles must be in receipt of a Certificate of Destruction, as given by an authorised facility. Until the documents are sent off, drivers are likely to be held liable for any transgressions committed by the car’s new owner.

Motoring organisations, however, are concerned that drivers will unwittingly break the law if they do not know or understand the new rules. The DVLA has produced a short film called ‘Goodbye to the tax disc’ to help car owners understand the new scheme.

Liam Doogan

CENTRAL CARS

download our new app to book online

01843

British car owners are being urged to make sure they are aware of the new road tax laws which took effect from October this year. One of the new rules prohibits sellers from passing on the outstanding period of road tax with the sale of a car.

The DVLA has been advising UK residents that paper tax discs, which have been in use since 1921, will become obsolete for the last couple of years, with their total removal to apply from 1 October 2014. From that date, drivers can choose to manage their road tax online, through the Post Office or with Direct Debit payments. Enforcement will be via DVLA and police cameras with number plate recognition technology, which can check automatically whether a vehicle is currently taxed or SORN, rather than checking that paper tax discs are affixed to windscreens.

The DVLA believes the new system will not only make it more difficult for drivers to get away with driving untaxed vehicles but also cut down on administration costs to an estimated £10 million annually. The DVLA produced 42.2 million paper tax discs, with a total weight over 72 tonnes more than a Challenger 2 tank.

Car owners must also be vigilant in ensuring that the DVLA is informed of any change of car ownerships, and any unused tax cannot be transferred with the vehicle. Drivers, instead, will need to claim a refund for the remaining taxation period. Sellers who fail to notify the DVLA that their vehicle has been sold risk a fine of £1,000, in addition to being on the end of any speeding or parking

Five offices covering Thanet · Uniformed Drivers Local and long distance · Airports · Contracts

www.centralcarsthanet.co.uk Birchington Parish Council

Bob’s Home Décor Painter & decorator Interior & exterior Discount for OAPs Free estimates Fully insured

Qualified

07885 519546 | 01843 221456 email rbentinck@hotmail.co.uk

31 JANUARY 2015

TAX DEADLINE

Are you worried about the approaching filing deadline for tax returns?

We can bring you peace of mind.

We are a well-established, friendly, professional, local firm specialising in personal tax.

Why not contact us for an initial meeting and find out what we can do for you.

LAKIN C H A R T E R E D

PHIL MISSEY

BUILDING SERVICES Ltd · Broadstairs

• New Builds • Extensions • Refurbishments • Flooring • Patios & Driveways • Plastering • Decorating • Tiling • Gas & Electric Work • Insurance work carried out Quality workmanship, punctual and reliable We are a family-run firm

For more information or to arrange a free, no-obligation quotation please call

01843 866467

philmissey@tiscali.co.uk www.philmisseybuildingservices.co.uk

G GoreBrothers Ltd

Caring, helpful funeral directors since 1831

Home visits, 24 hour personal attention and pre-paid funeral plans 18 Station Road, Birchington

01843 841835 Head Office

01843 223534

www.gorebrothers.co.uk

CLARK A C C O U N T A N T S

Offices in Birchington and Canterbury

01843 265844 | 01227 454861 tax@lakin-clark.co.uk Station House, Station Approach, Birchington CT7 9RF

Birchington Parish Council

19

COMMUNITY

Thanet Community Support Partnership A project run by Thanet Volunteer Bureau

PEOPLE OF BIRCHINGTON —WE NEED YOU!!

DO YOU HAVE SOME TIME TO SPARE? WHY NOT BECOME A VOLUNTEER & SUPPORT AN OLDER PERSON IN BIRCHINGTON? You can help with: 

BEFRIENDING



TRAVEL BUDDY



ASSISTED SHOPPING Just having someone to talk to can make all the difference to an older, isolated person If you can help, call LOUISE OR

FRANCES ON 01843 597115 Foresters Hall, Meeting Street, Ransgate, CT11 9RT

20

Birchington Parish Council

COMMUNITY

Thanet Community Support Partnership Linking together to support older people Who are we?

One point of contact (for ease of access) providing various services for older people. The partnership’s aim is to help older people remain independent in their own homes and reduce isolation.

What we help with

• Group social activities • Assisted shopping • Befriending • Handyman • Lawn cutting • Dog Walking • Loaning of wheelchairs and commodes • Information / Advocacy / Help & advice for Carers • Transport • Personal Care Some of these services may be chargeable

Web Directory

We also have an information directory website:- www.thanetsupport.co.uk which lists other local support available.

Volunteering

If you have some time to spare why not become a volunteer and visit someone weekly. Just having someone to talk to can make all the difference to an older isolated person.

Volunteers will have a police check.

All agencies provide training and have their own public liability insurance.

How do I get the help I need?

If you think that you need some of the help that we can offer then all you have to do is contact the coordinator 01843 597115. Further contact details below.

Open Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. Contact Louise Collins or Fran Lane on 01843 597115, visit www.thanetcommunitysupport.org or email tcspc@hotmail.co.uk

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21

Quex Wood Products Wood items from local timber

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.

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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.

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Come and see our wide range of blinds, curtains and nets – all made to measure · Vertical · Venetian · Rollers · Wood · Velux · Roman · Perfect Fit · Pleated · Vision rollers · Roof Blinds We have a large selection of curtain designs which can be made to measure in Pencil Pleat, Pinch Pleat, Ring Top and Tab Top All professionally made and fitted to a high standard.

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07860 470887 sjf-services@hotmail.co.uk 74 Park Lane, Birchington CT7 0AS Birchington Parish Council

Food for thought It can be said that a garden is another room - which just happens to be attached to your house .

To some the garden is a place for leisure with a backcloth of trees, shrubs and flowers, to others it can become a miniature scrap yard; an adventure playground in the making.

A more leisurely aspect could be a lone deckchair with dreams of places exotic - just one of the pleasures of the extra room.

However, to the grannies of old, the garden was an essential part of the food supply of fruit and vegetables, depending greatly on the skill and knowledge of the gardens.

The fancy explanation of what is good for us was not fully understood in bygone days. Anti-oxidants, free radicals and five-a-day would have confused past generations of cooks and gardeners.

To add to the confusion, growing organically is still the normal process of the natural world and not any invention

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Birchington Parish Council

of some scientist who wanted his name in print, so therefore, the benefits of herbs, fruit and vegetables are still the same as they were in the distant past.

The complications of fertilizers and chemicals are only a convenience for farmers and lazy gardeners.

The magic of the compost heap, the huge benefits of seaweed which gathers the trace elements and nutrients which flow from the hills of Thanet together with efforts of man’s best friend - the earthworm, spells fertility.

The influence of the media has prompted many viewers to establish a system of raised beds, which will fit in with a modern garden - the method is easily maintained and an excellent source of fresh food, thus having the best of both worlds.

There is no doubt whatsoever that there is a definite link between patient numbers in hospitals and the deficiencies of nutrients in the soil.

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The Pole of Col

The temperature was -51°C as the expedition arrived at the Pole of Cold. It had taken almost two months to get there from the UK, driving more than 20,000km in the expedition’s trusty red Land Rover Defender. On the way to this far northeastern corner of Russia, we’d travelled roads barely worthy of the name, including the infamous Kolyma Highway, the Road of Bones and frozen rivers transformed into ice highways. The last 35km stretch had taken us over an hour of tortuous progress, the normally robust Defender feeling as fragile as wafer in the plummeting temperatures that were cold enough to turn steel as brittle as plastic and reduce rubber to dust.

The Pole of Cold is the remote village of Oymyakon, which, having recorded a temperature of -71.2°C, is officially the coldest inhabited place in the world. As we arrived everything appeared idyllically tranquil. The dense cold air means that winters there are utterly still. Smoke rose in undisturbed puffs from dimly lit wooden houses and the few people we saw on the streets scurried from house to house well-wrapped in long fur coats and ample fur hats.

As we were welcomed into the home of our host in the village, our first (and 24

rather unsettling) discovery about life at the Pole of Cold was that none of the homes have central heating or running water – and all have outside toilets.

Traipsing through the snow to a small back-yard hut in the middle of the night at -50°C was a winter experience none of us relished.

As a physicist and meteorologist it was still astonishing to me just how radically the extreme cold changed the behaviour of what is familiar. Freeze-dried clothing could be folded like paper, boiling water evaporated instantly as steam when Birchington Parish Council

ld Expedition

by Felicity Aston thrown in the air, fuel turned to glue and cooked pasta became as hard as granite. Now that we have made our slow way homewards and have returned to grass-covered scenery and positive temperatures, my memories of the Pole of Cold seem so surreal that it feels as if we have visited another planet. Can it really be that I hammered a nail into a block of wood with a frozen carrot? Or saw cows wearing ‘bras’ of material to keep their udders warm? Or heard the rustle of my own breath freezing?

Travelling across the most northerly Birchington Parish Council

regions of Siberia, we had learned that for the local people winter was all about preparation. Small isolated communities with little or no services were expected to be highly self-sufficient throughout the winter and that meant a great deal of forethought.

It was also a very different attitude to the perspectives we had noted in the other cold places along our route. Already we’d travelled to the very north of Norway to regions within the Arctic Circle that experienced polar night. And yet we were told that winter did not mean darkness; 25

Pole of Cold continued but colour! The short winter days give rise to spectacular skyscapes caused by the low sun skimming the horizon, while the night brings skies striped with the green, red and purple of the northern lights.

In contrast, across the coldest regions of Finland we spent time with the Skolt Sami, for whom winter means reindeer.

Thousands of animals are gathered from the surrounding forest in the wintertime so that the herd can be managed. I stood in an enclosure crowded with countless reindeer and was amazed by how silent it was. The only noise was the extraordinary clicking sound of a tendon in the reindeers’ feet as they move. Using a small hand-held audio device we recorded the noise - which resembled the spit of frying fat.

But perhaps my favourite perspective on winter was expressed by the extraordinary character of Chyskhan, Lord Keeper of the Cold, who appeared – unexpected – at

26

the Pole of Cold monument in Oymyakon as we arrived. He wore a magnificent floor length coat of shimmering blue, trimmed with white fur and studded with colourful beading which tinkled like broken ice as he moved. He wore a tall headdress in the shape of entwined bull’s horns and carried a staff decorated with white horsehair.

Birchington Parish Council

Chyskhan is a figure in Yakutian mythology responsible for distributing winter across the globe. Every autumn a dozen or so of the twenty-five official ‘Santa Claus’ equivalents from cultures around the world gather in Oymyakon to collect the symbol of cold from Chyskhan - and then come again in springtime to return it.

‘People shouldn’t be afraid of the cold,’ Chyskhan told us. ‘Cold keeps the balance. The cold brings people together.

It binds communities. People should be smiling in the cold and taking cold as a friend not as an enemy.’

Photographs and sounds from the exhibition will be on show at the Turner Contemporary in Margate from 4th November 2014 until 1st February 2015. Felicity will be giving a talk at 3pm on the opening day of the exhibit. More information can be found on the expedition website at www.poleofcold.com Birchington Parish Council

27

Nayland Boat Sea Angling Society The Nayland Boat Sea Angling Society was formed in Birchington over 30 years ago with the aim of encouraging fishing boat owners to make use of the prolific waters off the Birchington coast. Its intention was to foster light-hearted competition in a safe environment. Small boat angling does have its dangers and if people work together it was felt that these dangers could be minimised as members going out in a group can always help out if difficulties arise.

The club initially met in the Navy Room at the Seaview Hotel at the sea end of Station Road but when there seemed to problems emerging with the threatened closure of the slipway at Minnis Bay an association was made with the Minnis Bay Sailing Club and the meetings were moved to the Sailing Club premises at Minnis car park. The closure did not happen but the association continues to this day.

The club considers itself very fortunate in having such an excellent beach for launching and retrieving our boats. The beach is wide, flat and mostly very firm with chalk under the covering of sand providing you do not go out too far. Go beyond the limits and you do get a sinking feeling as some people

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Birchington Parish Council

including the club have discovered to their cost.

The beach gives access to a wide range of fishing marks such as wrecks, channels, towers and sandbanks, so generally there is something to catch all year round.

To assist with the launching and retrieval of boats the club has over the years had tractors, some of which have met a dismal end but we have always managed to get another. It negates the need to take cars onto the sand stopping salt water getting to the vehicle.

At present the club has in excess of 60 members who own various sized boats that take part in up to 24 competitions each year, although many are cancelled because of difficulties with the weather.

Strong wind and big waves do not mix well with small boats.

Competitions used to be decided by the weight of fish caught but several years ago the rules were changed in line with a fish conservation policy. Too many unwanted fish were being brought to the scales dead and then discarded. The club decided to adopt a catch and release policy involving awarding points for the length of the fish

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caught. The length is the entered on a score sheet and if the fish is not required it can be returned alive. This does not mean that fish for the table cannot be brought in. This type of competition is obviously based on trust and therefore prizes for the competitions are minimal.

At the end of the year there a about 35 trophies awarded in various categories most of which have been presented to the club in memory of past members. The presentation evening is held in February and winners collect and retain the award for one year. Many pictures of this occasion are on the website.

The club now meets for an open meeting in the evening of the first Thursday of every month at the Minnis Bay Sailing Club at 8:00pm. Matters concerning the club are reported on and discussed, although far more seems to be discussed in the bar long after the meeting closes.

Fairly recently the club has acquired ground at the rear of the Minnis Restaurant which has been converted into a reasonably secure compound for the storage of boats for some members that do not have the facility to store at home.

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Nayland Boat continued A monthly donation to club funds is made to use this facility. This has been very useful to two owners who live in Essex and Northampton. At present there are 9 boats in the compound and a waiting list for places. The tractor is also kept within this compound.

Socially there have been two main events during the year, the summer BBQ and a winter dinner dance. At present the dinner dance is on hold as attendance has not been good. The BBQ is a well attended function as it is free to members and partners and a small charge is made for guests. The main feature besides the barbecued food is the infamous Harris curry which is very popular for the brave.

The club has a website at NBSAS.co.uk which contains lots of information about the club including photographs of catches and boats and reports of the competitions. A membership form is downloadable and can be sent direct to the membership secretary.

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Time’s Paces When as a child I laughed and wept, Time crept.

When as a youth I waxed more bold, Time strolled.

When I became a full grown man, Time ran.

When older still I daily grew, Time flew.

Soon I shall find, in passing on, Time gone.

O Christ ! wilt Thou have saved me then ?

Amen These lines appear on an old clock in Chester cathedral.

A poem by Canon Henry Twells, 18231900, who was an honorary canon of Peterborough, rector of Waltham on the wolds, Leics, and author of the hymn At Even, Ere the Sun Was Set’.

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Birchington Parish Council

Royal British Legion Birchington Branch

Your local Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) meets the fourth Thursday of every month in the Seaview Hotel at 7.30 pm, if you are an ex-serviceman or service woman, you are very welcome to join, please just come along or telephone the numbers below for more details.

The Birchington Branch is very active, supporting RBL events throughout the County and also every year take part in the Remembrance ceremonies in La Chapelle de Armentiere , visiting the cemeteries and also wreath laying ceremonies. This year will be even more poignant in view of the Centenary since the start of World War 1.

We will shortly start the Annual Poppy Launch on the 25th September, and helpers to sell poppies are always welcome, since 2006 the Poppy Appeal in Birchington has raised £75,951.47p .

On August 10th my Branch Standard was

at the Ceremony to unveil a plague at the Westgate War memorial where the name of Lt Lawrence, a helicopter Pilot who died in the Iraq War was honoured.

The Festival of Remembrance in The Wintergarden’s will be on the 24th October, there is still a chance to buy tickets and if you are interested then contact Mr White.

Our Branch holds regular Boot Fairs in Church House, please watch for posters and support our fundraising.

To all who have helped us throughout the year, a big thank you, our Service personnel both serving and retired need your support.

Roger Latchford OBE Chairman 01843 846458 Brian White Vice Chairman 01843 843334

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Birchington twinning association In 1988 Birchington parish council began to explore the idea of twinning – not a new idea of course – several other parts of Thanet had already established links with other countries. The council had a clear idea of what they were looking for: a town or village not too dissimilar to our own Mainly, it had to be accessible within a day to enable clubs and individuals to visit in just a day, thus keeping the costs down and appealing to a wide range of residents.

So the search began in earnest. Cllrs, Peter Brill and Vic Adams spent many hours researching possible candidate towns and one seemed to fit the criteria – a La Chapelle d’Armentiers in Northen France, who at the same time were actively looking for a twin town.

After making contact with their town council, it was decided to take a cross section of Birchington representatives on a coach to see the town and meet the people. The parish council were very aware that the whole village had to be in favour if this twinning was to work.

In mid January 1989 at a very early 4am the coach set off. The reception that we received was overwhelming! The French were so eager to meet us all and had planned a whole day of receptions and sight seeing around the local area to introduce us to their town.

After that trip, the enthusiasm for the project gained considerable momentum and one of the main backers for the plans was the residents association. It was reassuring that twinning was a viable option and with the parish council firmly at the forefront, a twinning committee was formed in order to assist the council 32

with the preparations for the official twinning ceremonies but eventually to take the reigns and drive this link forward and so Birchington twinning association was formed.

Such was the enthusiasm from Birchington people, it was decided that a date should be set for the official ceremony without delay and this was arranged for 25th June 1989 in Birchington, just one month after the celebrations had taken place in La Chapelle.

Over the years, many friendships have been made; families that were involved at the start have seen each others children grow, having children of their own, been invited to weddings, christenings, family parties or simply enjoying each others company. This was always how we hoped twinning would evolve.

Regular trips have been made to La Chappelle, for their carnival the selection of des mamselles, the summer event in June and the remembrance dedications and visits to the war cemeteries in November.

Many events have been organised here in the village which have bee thoroughly enjoyed. We should be grateful to the committee for all their hard work over the past 25 years.

Any enquiries regarding the association should be made to the chairman, Mrs Marilyn Macintosh on 843159 or the secretary Mrs Dot Raven on 842633.

For membership enquiries contact Mrs Carla Latchford on 846458 Birchington Parish Council

On the

lighter

side…

Three young boys were sitting on the newly constructed steps at Margate harbour talking about the recent Commonwealth Games and how fast Usain Bolt ran, Tom said “my Dad is very fast too, he can hit his golf ball with his number 3 iron and before it even reaches the hole he is there lifting the flag out so that his golf ball can drop in,” Well, Jack said, “ my Dad is even faster, he can drop his hat from the top of Arlington Tower, that tall building behind us, run down the stairs, go outside and catch it !”

Young Jim jumped to his feet and said “my Dad is even faster than that,” he went on and explained , “my Dad has worked for Thanet District Council for over 20 years and they finish work at 5.pm.all week and my Dad always arrives home before 3.p.m.every day!”

Westgate & Birchington Golf Club

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

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Birchington Parish Council

Founded 1893

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Birchington-on-Sea Bowls Club The club has had its most successful outdoor bowls season in recent years.

Success: Two members qualified to represent the County - Denis Winch and Geoff Wilson.

Success: A team of men have competed in 18 evening matches over the summer period and won the Premier League Trophy in the Isle Of Thanet Bowling Association. They beat nine other clubs in the Thanet area on a home and away basis.

Success: Another team of men have completed in 16 matches both home and away over the summer and won the Combination League in the Isle Of Thanet Bowling Association.

Success: Whilst completing in the above matches and many others Birchington retained the East Kent Mixed Triples League against seven clubs both home and away.

Success: Our Junior section reached the area County finals in both the Under 17s and Under 25s.

Success: Our Ladies Section managed to come second in the Thanet Ladies League. A fine performance.

Our club has been in Birchington since 1961 and about to enter another lease with Thanet District Council. We are always looking to recruit new bowling members Men, Ladies and Juniors.

The bowls season runs from Mid April to the end of September.

Bowls is a very social sport and a way to lose those extra pounds (on the waist) after the winter.

Why not come and give it a go?

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

Measuring for that vital point during the men’s handicap

34

Birchington Parish Council

Bowls 2014 Finals - Results RunneR up

WinneR

Men’s Yard Of Jack

Peter Adams

Dave Dignam

Ladies’ Yard Of Jack

Janet Kear

Pam Back

Mick Davis Ken Chesson

Ray Greenstreet Alan Back

Tom Blair

Alan Back

Diana Hughes Dave Martin

Ashley Nisbet Dave Dignam

Ray Greenstreet

Mike French

Ladies’ Never Won Cup

Tracey Bugsel

Sylvia Pritchard

Men’s Never Won Cup

Graham Winning

Jack Waters

Mick Davis

Dave Martin

Men’s Pairs

Alan Robinson Tony London

Ray Greenstreet Tom Blair

Open Triples

Pru Paget Maurice Paget Pat McAndrew

Janet Kear Chis Cowell Alan Robinson

Mary Brill

John Taylor

Alan Black

Over 75s

Tom Blair

Bill Furness

Ladies’ Championship

Diana Hughes

Sylvia Pritchard

Men’s Championship

Gary Clark

Dave Dignam

Open Pairs Men’s Consolation Family Pairs Men’s Handicap

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Rossetti and his Birchington Dante Gabriel Rossetti, as he preferred to be known in his latter years, was very ill by 1882, suffering from the affects of too much laudanum and alcohol and he had also had a stroke towards the end of 1881.

Because of this, his friends thought a stay at the seaside, where there was plenty of good clean air, might help to improve his health a little.

His friend John Seddon offered one of his early bungalows in Birchington and another close friend, Hall Caine, offered to make all the arrangements. He came to Birchington on February 4th 1882 – not exactly the best time to visit a place on the North-facing coast of Kent! In his letters to his friends in his home district of Cheyne Walk in London, he complained about the cold, the wind and the grey skies in wintry Birchington, though admitted that when the sun shone, it was good.

His mother and his sister, Christina, came down to stay with him some of the time.

His brother William visited when he could and many of his London friends also made the rail journey to the village during February and March. However, Rossetti’s health, but gradually deteriorated.

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connection - 1882 The Vicar, the Rev John Price Alcock, came to visit him, but Hall Caine turned him away. By the beginning of April, Dante realised that things were getting serious and he asked to see the Vicar, who came to visit him twice during the week leading up to Good Friday (7th). He died on Easter Sunday, 9th April 1882 and was buried in Birchington churchyard.

Christina helped her brother and the Vicar choose the site for his grave – near the South door of the old church. The monument above the grave was the gift of Christina and William and was designed by his old Pre-Raphaelite friend Ford Madox Brown.

The following year his mother’s pair of memorial windows was installed overlooking his grave. The pair was designed by another of his Pre-Raphaelite friends, Frederick Shield, and installed the following year. The left hand light was based on one of Rossetti’s own paintings.

Since then, many thousands of devotees have made the pilgrimage to Birchington to honour the man who was famous for both his poetry and his paintings, even in his own lifetime.

His sister wrote a short poem in his memory and published that year: In Birchington Churchyard

by Christina Rossetti A lowly hill which overlooks a flat, half sea, half country-side; a flat-shored sea of low-voiced creeping tide over a chalky, weedy mat.

A hill of hillocks, flowery and kept green, rounded crosses raised for hope, with many-tinted sunsets where the slope faces the lingering western sheen.

A lowly hope, a height that is but low, while time sets solemnly, while the tide rises for eternity, silent and neither swift nor slow.

In memoriam DGR: published in “Athenaeum”, 1882

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37

Seabreeze

Advert for a Seabreezes ladies’ bicycle c. 1880-85

38

George Cousins began manufacturing Ladies Bicycles in his workshop near Birchington Station in about 1880. His was the first model to be built specially for ladies to ride. He altered top of the triangular framework to a lower, curved bar, making it much easier for ladies to mount it. It later became known as the ‘step-through’ cycle.

He set about getting the patent for the invention of his design registered, but did not complete the process, thus opening the doors for other more commercially-minded developers to use his idea.

In one of his early adverts, he states that the lowered bar and the raised handlebars were to “eliminate the unsightly cyclists hump”. We have a photograph of two lady-cyclists in the village, one of whom is holding up a parasol as she rides towards Margate!

Cousins also began producing tandems for ladies - again, a most unusual form of transport at this early date - 1894.

When he found that other manufacturers were using his designs and that his patent was not valid, he gradually stopped making the cycles and branched out into selling land and houses. He built an

Birchington Parish Council

Cycle Factory extension onto his ‘factory’ and turned this into an Estate Agency.

When he first came to Birchington, he was listed in Kelly’s Directories as a “builder” and built all the five large houses at the top of Minnis Road, as well as the terrace of three flat-roofed properties next door.

George Cousins died in Birchington 19th August 1908 and is buried in All Saints churchyard. His wife Sarah had died just over a year earlier died. Their son George Sebastian died in 1935 and his wife (1950) were both buried with George (snr) and Sarah.

Ladies in Canterbury Road – c. 1890

Rossetti Gardens This plot of land was scrubland for many years, used for numerous temporary sheds and business ventures. In the lower photo on page 34, we can see the Cycle Factory as it looked in c. 1889. The plot of land beside it is filled with small wooden buildings, which included Smith, Bootmaker, Barrows, Shoe Repairer (1915-16) and Millen, the blind Basket Maker (1924).

In 1924, plans were submitted by Fairbrother to build a large bank on the site, but this idea was rejected on the grounds that there were inadequate services to provide for the needs of such a large development at this end of the village. As Sandles Road did not exist then, it would appear that the land on the west side of the present road was incorporated into the Gardens area and the road was planned to go along the far edge of the double plot.

The pieces of land on both sides of the footpath that later became Sandles Road were left untended, and mainly unused, until the Wine Bar was created (2001) and the house in Sandles Road was built (2003).

Jennie Burgess Birchington Parish Council

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Seabreeze Ladies’ Cycle Factory to Christies Wine Bar George Cousins built and opened his ‘Seabreeze Ladies’ Cycle Factory’ here in Birchington in the early 1870s, soon after the railway was opened here in 1863. The building could well have been built by George himself, as he is listed in the 18834 Kelly’s as a Builder at these premises.

In an advertisement for his new design of lady’s cycle, it states that he was the ‘patentee’ of the design, but unfortunately, he did not get the official patent registered correctly. The description of his design reads: The Seebreeze cycles are built on hygienic lines.

The Spring Frame obviates the need of pneumatic tyres.

The Fairy Seabreeze (rigid frame) an ideal lady’s bicycle.

The Diamond Frame. Preventative of the hideous bicycle hump.

Eventually, other manufacturers copied his design and had their brands fully patented. His trade was then too local to make it a viable business, although he continued to trade until the mid-1890s.

A number of photos of cyclists in and around Thanet during this period, include one of a group of ladies outside the Post Office at Upstreet and one of the ladies cycling along Canterbury Road beside Yew Tree House - a classic of its time.

Another of George Cousins’ ventures was building a three-wheeled motor-cycle.

The photograph of this shows him in the driver’s seat, behind his wife, who was riding as his passenger! On a seat at the rear sat his young mechanic, George 40

Walker, who was needed to sorted out any problems when the vehicle broke down along the way - he was facing backwards.

Walker later ran a thriving Cycle business in Station Road until after the 1970s.

In his earliest days in the village, Cousins built the first five ‘observatory’ houses in Minnis Road and lived in the first these for many years. During the late 1800s, Cousins’ local trade had slackened off, so he decided to build the triangular extension onto the end of his factory premises and open up an Estate Agent’s business. There was a thriving trade in selling and letting properties and land at this period, with the many visitors who came to spend holidays here and then liked it so much, they wanted to buy their own property. Cousins was still working in this capacity in 1906-7, but in August 1908 he died, aged 64 and the Estate Agency business was sold to Benefield and Cornford, who continued to run it for the next 80 years.

The ‘factory’ building was used for several businesses over the next 100 years Fasham’s ran it as a baker’s and general store: Bob Hales ran a second hand furniture store in it: etc. etc. Later it was the first home of the Mobility Centre in Birchington and finally was a stationery shop run by John Mann’s wife, Christine, before being incorporated into Christie’s Wine Bar in 2001. In 2002, the owners of the Bar won the Birchington Heritage Trust’s annual Award for its excellent and sympathetic conversion.

Jennie Burgess Birchington Parish Council

WHAT’S ON

Regular meetings at The Centre Birchington active retirement association (B.I.A.R.A) Over 55s indoor sports etc every Friday and Wednesday morning at 9.30am (except the second Weds in the month and a month’s break in august) Birchington Chess Club Weekly, every Friday evening 7.30pm Birchington Heritage Trust Museum Opening times: Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays – 9.30 to 12.30pm Closed bank holidays, entrance free but donations gratefully accepted Run entirely by volunteers, new members always welcome

Tel:01843 847 847 Email: christieswinebar @yahoo.co.uk

Christies

Web: www.christieswinebar. webs.com

W INE B AR & B ISTRO THE MEETING, GREETING & EATING PLACE

Birchington Horticultural Society Second Wednesday afternoon in January and Feburary – 2.30pm Second Wednesday evening in March, June, July, Oct, Nov, Dec – 7.30pm Birchington Residents’ Association Coffee morning on the second Wednesday each month – 10.30am Birchington Silver Band Concerts on the 1st Sunday afternoon each month except June, July and August – 2.30pm Birchington Twinning Association Third Tues evening each month – 7pm Birchington Village Centre Association Over 60’s club for tea and bingo on Friday afternoons – 1.45pm Birchington and Thanet Guild of Winemakers Third Thursday afternoon, Feb, April, June, August, Oct, Dec – 2.30pm Kent family history society Third Wednesday evening each month except august – 7.30pm Spiral Turn Dance Club Latin, ballroom tuition for children and adults – for times, phone 07733 015616 or 01227 363084 Check dates and times with the organisations concerned as programme plans may be changed.

The main hall, the bar lounge and smaller upstairs rooms may be hired for private functions. Contact Leon Cox on 01843 841787 9am to 2pm weekdays only

Birchington Parish Council

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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.

Drummond Hayes ProPerty Care

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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 on 27th November the guest speaker will be George Cunningham with All change at the EU: New leadership new challenges.

There is also a social programme involving partners. If you are interested in joining our club, please call 845783 or email dave.alker@btinternet.com. www.garlandja.wix.com/birchington-probus

Activities in Acol

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

To advertise call Calvin on 01843 292348 Birchington Parish Council

WHAT’S ON

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

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Birchington Residents’ Association The Residents’ Association enjoyed a very pleasant trip to Lullingstone Castle and World Garden in June. Again we had good weather and the gardens in their summer glory were looking very different from when we were planning the outing back in March. As we were looking round the World Garden, we were approached by the designer, Tim Hart-Dyke, son of the owner, and he led us on a really interesting guided tour. Following a tasty and substantial lunch in the marquee, we had the opportunity for a guided tour of the castle and a final walk in the grounds. Unfortunately, the day before our planned trip to The Salutation, the coach company informed us the coach had broken down and so there followed a hectic ringing round to tell people. We are, however, hoping to do the outing on September 17th. We are currently looking at our outings programme and have asked members for their views so do let us know if you have any ideas about whether they should continue, where we should go and the form they should take.

Much of July was spent helping BPC with the World War One preparation.

Maureen and her team arranged the catering for the August 3rd event and the hall looked beautiful with its cream tablecloths and bunch of poppies in the middle. Sandwiches, scones and drinks were served in the interval and much appreciated. For our August talk Pat gave a presentation entitled “One Fateful Year”. This looked at how men were encouraged to enlist, propaganda and how the truth began to emerge by 1915.

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We had a rather low turnout, probably following the events of the previous day, but it was well-received. Our next talk will be later in the year so look out for posters.

Coffee mornings have been generally well-attended and the short talks have been a success. Again we are asking members for their ideas for the future. We are looking forward to our Christmas Lunch on December 3rd at St Augustine’s and are waiting for the draft menu to be sent. The Manager then allows us to adjust it to meet the preferences of our members. We are also thinking of organising a lunch later in the year.

This is an exciting time for The Association. Membership is still growing and we are looking carefully on how to develop in the future so please let us know your views. Membership is £2 per individual and £3 per household.

For further details contact Pat Orpwood on 847843

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Birchington Parish Council

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Birchington Parish Council

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