Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Spring 2015

Fountain at Beresford Gap see pages 20-21

bathroom savers All Items In Stock Minimalist Vanity

Vanity Units 410mm vanity unit

• Premier vanity • 600mm wide • High quality gloss finish

£59.00 + vat £70.80 inc vat

450mm vanity unit

£189 + vat

£69.00 + vat

£226.80 inc vat

£82.80 inc vat

Shower Bath

Square Shower Bath

£209 + vat

£259 + vat

• P shape shower bath • 1700mm x 700mm • 850mm at the bow • 1700mm side panel • 6mm curved glass screen

• Square shower bath • 1700mm x 700mm • 850mm at widest point • 1700mm side panel • 6mm glass screen

Add a 700mm end panel for £39 + vat

Add a 700mm end panel for £39 + vat

£250.80 inc vat

£310.80 inc vat

£46.80 inc vat

Contract Toilet • 1 x cistern (dual flush) • 1 x close coupled pan • 1 year warranty • Seat not included

£38.50 + vat £46.20 inc vat

£46.80 inc vat

Chrome Towel Rails Width

Length

Ex VAT

Inc VAT

400mm

800mm

£33.60

400mm

1100mm

500mm

800mm

500mm

1100mm

500mm

1600mm

600mm

800mm

600mm

1100mm

£28 £38 £31 £42 £69 £34 £45

600mm

1600mm

£75

£90.00

£45.60 £37.20 £50.40 £82.80 £40.80 £54.00

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

Welcome

…to the ninth edition of our Birchington Parish Council Community Magazine.

In this edition we have articles on Crispe Park, the re-opening of Dreamland in Margate and Birchington businesses under the spotlight.

We hope you find this edition as interesting and informative as ever and we would like to say thank you to all those who have contributed to publication.

As always we try to support local businesses, charities and organisations and you’ll also find listings for local events, groups and clubs.

Jamie Thompson Parish Clerk (acting editor)

Contents Crispe Park

8

Traffic Law

10

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

14

Birchington Business Under the Spotlight More Volunteers, Please!!

Twinned with La Chapelle d’Armentieres

13 16

New Speeding Laws

18

Fountain at Beresford Gap

20

Dreamland Margate

Model Railway Exhibition

26

High-quality design, planning, supply & installation

38

01843 613960 07716 743515

30

Local Events, Groups and Clubs

The Birchington Methodist Church

40

Free, no-obligation quotation and design www.kentishkitchensandbathrooms.co.uk

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

Birchington Parish Council Report for its 4 year Birchington Parish Council during its term beginning May 2011 to end in May 2015 has been very active including a number of significant historical events.

• Our celebration of the Jubilee was highlighted with a fine clock ,so clearly seen in Station Road and kindly donated by the co-op Funeral Services .

• We also installed an impressive Jubilee Beacon that is another permanent feature and a reminder of this great moment.

• The Olympic torch event, that we supported was outstanding and the Birchington Community turned out in vast numbers and fine style to be entertained by our kilted Piper.

• Recognition of the first train to Birchington 150 years ago was celebrated by a very comprehensive model railway exhibition held in October 2013 at the Village Centre that was packed to capacity and was so popular ,that by demand it has now become an annual event. It is already booked for October this year.

• BPC also organised a most enjoyable Coronation Celebration with a live band.

• Then in recognition and respect of Birchington’s wonderful archivist and historian, Jenni Burgess was given the freedom of Birchington in 2013 augmented with a fine antique key and the right to claim a peal of bells, when she wished, once every year.

• Our last Christmas event in 2014 was fun for all and was enhanced with the very fine show of additional snowflake lights supplied by BPC on our lamp-posts the length of Station Road. Also a delightful Christmas tree that we had this time to buy and decorate ourselves ,an eye catching silhouette of

4

the Nativity and improved most colourful lights in Dog Acre. This was backed by a kaleidoscope of entertainment with Santa Claus breaking all records.

• The hundredth anniversary of World War 1 was commemorated in August 2014 by the laying of a Memorial Stone in the Library Garden and was also in remembrance of the soldier poet Geoffrey Dearmer who lived to 103 and died in Birchington.

• On Remembrance Sunday 2014 ,after the Parade and Church Service, Your Parish Council arranged the usual excellent reception and refreshments at the Village Centre, that was open to all participants , guests and Villagers. The young participants showed their appreciation by really tucking in and enthusiastically sampling Pepsi Cola.

• BPC also arranged for a coach to visit La Chapelle on 11/11/2014 to pay our respects at the war graves to those that had given so much. It was a moving moment augmented with our Air Scout Group ,members of the Royal Army Medical Corps and the Queen Alexandra Nursing Corps bringing a fine display of standards to the event.

Our Community Warden and PCSO both attended in very smart uniforms and Birchington can be satisfied with our high standard of presentation and respect paid to our French Friends.

During our term BPC has targeted augmenting and improving our resources.

• We now have a very fine professionally produced quarterly Community Magazine.

The envy of many.

• Over the years we have installed a new CCTV system throughout Station Road that is of the highest quality, connected to the central monitoring hub at TDC and available for our Police and Warden. We can feel safer for its presence.

Birchington Parish Council

term from 2011 to 2015

24hr

• The War Memorial, Rosetti Memorial, our Fountain in the Square and the Flagpole have been refurbished.

• TDC handed over to us the allotments near Quex Park to administer them as they are ours and are doing well.

• Numerous donations have been made

by BPC to a variety of Birchington clubs and community enterprises. Without such support many would find it hard to continue.

24hr

Thanet Taxis Book By Text - 07890 33 33 33 Services include...

Call-Back & Text Back Airports/Distances Track your Taxi

• BPC has purchased hundreds of purse lanyards that are distributed by our Community Warden and warmly received .

• Possibly the biggest commitment of Birchington Parish Council has been to our youth and we have taken on a contract annually with the excellent provider of professional services for youth from the National organisation “Pipeline” that has been a great success in encouraging our youngsters to become more responsible and move in the right direction. They are our future and we should give them ever chance and opportunity.

BPC now has a number of ongoing projects

Personal and Business accounts are available. For full details or more information email:info@thanetcars.com Your trusted and established

MOBILITY SPECIALISTS Making life easier!

Regain your independence

RELAX - you’re in safe hands

• The “water fountain “ at Beresford gap is being assessed.

• Neighbourhood watch which is collapsing from lack of support is being given every attention to ensure it continues.

• BPC has ordered adult equipment to be installed in Crispe Park and we will be topping up the thousands of spring bulbs that we planted in Crispe Park last Autumn.

• We are upgrading our CCTV system with a new camera that will be installed to cover the Albion Road carpark giving additional security to the community and preventing fly tipping.

u

Birchington Parish Council

APPROVED SUPPLIER

01843 848208

www.safehandsmobility.co.uk Safe Hands Mobility 4 Albion Road, Birchington

5

COUNCIL • Plans for a Battle of Britain Commemoration event this September is well in hand under the care of an established working party.

• Much public concern is being expressed over the seafront shelters and their future.

They are being thoroughly assessed by TDC, that appear most willing to retain as many as possible and we are awaiting the engineers report that now exists but has as yet not been released as it has to go before a monitoring procedure. BPC has taken a strong initiative that ensures some financial reserves are available for the next financial year specifically to help in some of the repairs and a renovations. Nevertheless, it has a caused a rise in our Parish Precept which is still by far the lowest throughout Thanet.

Local Plan

Finally there is great concern over the Local Plan and the consultation figure of possibly 1000 houses being built around Birchington over the next 20 years.

We must now work hard and get our facts

right to support our case for a desired reduction. Nevertheless, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, 450 houses were built in Birchington during that very short period,whilst 275 have been built over the last 20 years despite periods of considerable financial depression causing the building industry to go into recession with new builds being very low. Concern for the threat of overspill from London is alarming the whole of East Kent. The threat is real, as politicians are trying to shift their housing problems in our direction making it all the more vital that Thanet has a robust Local Plan to resist this threat.

Your Parish Council is in the process of developing a working party that will roll over into the next administration after the local elections on 7 May 2015, its aim being to gauge public feeling and formulate a way forward ,that will stand up under the scrutiny of an Inspector , who will be considering the whole Thanet Local Plan within 18 months to 2 years in preparation for a recommendation to the then Minister of State.

Allan The Magic Man Magical Entertainer

Children’s Parties, Weddings, Close-Up Magic, Balloon Modelling 01843 846 846 | www.allanthemagicman.co.uk

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 6

MOTs · RepaiRs · seRvicing · BRake Discs · DiagnOsTics

K B ServiceS mobile mechanic covering the Thanet area 35 years of experience pickup service available

10%

DiscOunT fOR seniOR ciTizens

MOTs · RepaiRs · seRvicing · BRake Discs · DiagnOsTics

BaTTeRies · TyRes · exhausTs · spRings

Kent Connections

BaTTeRies · TyRes · exhausTs · spRings

u

Birchington Parish Council

Seagulls are a familiar sight in Britain’s coastal towns But as splendid as they look, they can carry a host of nasty organisms, making them a potential threat to our health: bird flu, salmonella, botulism and even the deadly e-coli bacteria.

But they are not only a threat to health, they can become aggresive when nesting and have been known to bombard people in their gardens and even in the street.

John said “All wildlife is protected by law, but as herring gulls and lesser black back gulls pose such a health and safety risk, the nest and eggs can be removed from a property by an authorised person.

We don’t hurt, trap or kill them, we just make it impossible for them to nest. All the products we use are completely harmless to birds.”

John Couzens of Gullbusters knows a lot about seagulls. In the 24 years he has been removing nests and eggs from residential and industrial buildings he has seen the enormous amount of damage they cause. Worst of all, if the gas flue is obstructed, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Prices start from as little as £25, so if you are troubled by seagulls on your property, call the experts at Gullbusters for a free quotation

07973 712152 | 01843 867486 | www.seagullproofers.co.uk

McAllisters INSTALLATIONS ESTABLISHED FOR NINE YEARS

Building Installations Electrical Installations Plastering Decorating

Drylining

OAP

NT DISCOU quote ton Birching PC Mag

Coving Tiling New Builds Extensions

For a FREE quote, please call Lawrence on

07841 204173 or 01843 843976

or email mcallistersinstallations@yahoo.co.uk Birchington Parish Council

7

NEWS

Crispe Park

A new children’s play area has been installed in Crispe Park alongside the older established play area and it has been noticed that local children and their parents appear to be enjoying these new facilities.

Birchington Parish Council worked closely with Thanet District Council in order to obtain this fantastic new equipment and is pleased that it has worked out so well.

The Parish Council has also funded some new adult fitness equipment for Crispe Park and we await its delivery in time for spring and the summer months to come.

The Parish Council has also arranged for the planting of a large number of spring bulbs and we are sure that the park will look very colourful.

So as the lighter evenings and hopefully the better weather come around please do pay a visit to Crispe Park and see what has been achieved.

Chairman Of Parks Birchington Parish Council

8

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Birchington Twinning Association

Warner

PLUMBING SERVICES

DO YOU NEED A GOOD LOCAL PLUMBER?  Professional with over 25 years of experience  Reliable & fair charges  Free detailed estimates  Fully insured & workmanship guaranteed

Call us now on 01843 868 795 or read our reviews

www.warnerplumbingservices.co.uk

The above Association held a joint meeting on 28th February with their French Counterparts from La Chapelle D’Armentieres to discuss how to liaise on joint ventures, ie band concerts, darts, football, etc. This was a very successful meeting with a lot of ideas discussed by both sides. Hopefully, this will involve local associations and youth movements to participate at each location. The Association Local Committee held a meeting in the Village Centre on Tuesday, 17th March when, after great discussion, we came up with ideas that we wish to take to our colleagues in France on 11th April, where hopefully we will come to some arrangements as to what we can do jointly. The village of La Chapelle is organising various events on 6th & 7th June. These will include a Flea Market.

If you are interested in visiting this quaint little town please contact Marilyn Mackintosh on 842159 for more information.

For further information on La Chapelle D’Armentieres you can watch La Chapelle WEB TV - go to www.youtube.com/user/lachapelletv

email us at warnerplumbingservices@gmail.com

BRANCHING OUT LocaL, FamiLy-Run Business Fencing, Decking, Patios, Pathways, Driveways & All Garden Work Fully qualified in all resin bound works So give your existing driveway or pathway A New LeAse Of LIfe with a unique resin finish in a design and colour of your choice Fully Insured • All Work GuArAnteed

call 01843 824030 or 07790 946968

D.S.M Plastering & Building Kitchens | Bathrooms Conversions | Extensions Renovations 07977 832159 | 01843 613524

Anyone wishing to join the Birchington branch of the Association should contact the secretary on 846458

Birchington Parish Council

9

NEWS

Traffic Laws

Motorists breaking traffic laws are clearly visible on pretty much every journey. You are likely to see other drivers using mobile phones or tucking into breakfast every day, if you spend a reasonable amount of time on the motorway or stuck at red lights.

In most cases, you would assume these drivers are well aware that they are breaking the law but have decided to take a chance. However, the RAC has conducted a survey that suggests a worrying number of motorists simply don’t know the rules of the road.

The RAC poll asked drivers which of a number of offences were against the law. The results saw only 88% of drivers conscious that texting on a mobile phone while driving is illegal, only 79% aware that checking social media while at the wheel is against the law, only 69% were aware of laws against tailgating, 65% for aggressive driving, 58% for middle lane hogging and only 55% were aware that it is illegal to drive with a crack in the windscreen.

However, what the survey did not reveal is if those questioned genuinely did not understand the regulations or if they simply believed they would not get caught. While

10

75% of survey participants claimed to have seen other drivers using mobile phones, only 8% said they would do so themselves.

This last figure, however, was nearly double among the 17-24 age group, who are the most attached to their mobiles.

A contributory factor appears to be the lack of police patrols on roads, which has left 42% of drivers feeling that they could break road rules, such as the ban on mobile use, without getting caught. Laws against tailgating and driving aggressively are relatively new, so it’s forgivable for a certain amount of motorists to claim ignorance, It would surely be reasonable to assume that most drivers know such behaviour is inadvisable.

There appears to be a contradiction, too, in the fact that while most drivers assume they are safe to break the rules due to the low risk of getting caught, surveys regularly claim that British motorists want to see higher numbers of police patrols for safer roads.

In the meantime, the fact remains that getting caught using a mobile phone while driving will cost you a ÂŁ100 fine and three licence penalty points. More than a million drivers have been punished for breaking this law since its introduction in 2003, suggesting that drivers are not deterred by this level of punishment.

Birchington Parish Council

www.coney-pest-control.co.uk

CONEY PEST CONTROL RATS BEES ANTS FLEAS FOXES MOLES

WASPS 01843 613275 RABBITS 07970 489040 PIGEONS Discreet BED BUGS Reliable SQUIRRELS Competitive COCKROACHES

FULL BIRD PROOFING SOLUTIONS

RJHbrickwork General Builders - Brickwork Specialists

01843 570309 07955 539162 Winner of the Town Pride Award 2011

rjhbrickwork@hotmail.co.uk

The perfect touches for your windows

Local family company for 15 years Home visits, no obligation All blinds & shutters made to measure Free installation by our own fitters

01304 372141

07748 306695

www.beautiful-blinds-direct.co.uk

To advertise

please call Calvin on 01843 292348 Birchington Parish Council

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

EHC

Emergency Hormonal Contraception

Courts Pharmacy

67 Station Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9RE

Prentis

Fruiterers& Greengrocers We are a family-based Greengrocers, founded in 1887, providing a huge variety of fruit and vegetables, sourced from both Local Producers and New Covent Garden Market, London.

We welcome all customers, whether retail, wholesale or catering establishments.

81 Station Rd, Birchington CT7 9RE 01843 446240 18 King St, Ramsgate CT11 8NW 01843 853704

11

Total Supplies Ltd. The Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies Centre

01843 223000 Only £69.50 +VAT

Compostable bin liners for new grey caddy bins roll of 50 only £5.95 Heavy duty black sacks

case of 200 only £15 Numatic Industrial Free delivery Vacuum Cleaner includes full accessory kit

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

A ble Computer Solutions

help@ablecomputer-solutions.co.uk

Westgate Tree Services If your tree is overhanging the garage, the hedge needs trimming or your woodland needs thinning, we can help Pruning Shaping Reductions Deadwood Stump Removal Hedge Trimming Felling Thinning 01843 832179 077731 56399 email ian@westgatetreeservices.co.uk

www.westgatetreeservices.co.uk

Free quotations • Fully insured • 24 hour call-out · Professional arboriculturist

Ploughman’s Choice

07582 655797

Farm Shop

home or office visits for

Nothing but the best locally grown or sourced produce

ESTABLISHED FOR 100 YEARS

• wired & wireless networks internet & email • virus removal • general computer maintenance •

www.ablecomputer-solutions.co.uk

erne Bay H Dentures

Ltd

Somali Farm FREE Park Road Birchington Kent CT7 0HA email liningtondavid@gmail.com

LOCAL DELIVERY

www.ploughmanschoice.co.uk

COFFEE SHOP open 7 days a week

01843 831077

01227 741712

1 hour denture repairs Valplast dentures Home visits available doverdenturesltd@btconnect.com

www.doverdentures.com

12

on orders over £10

We are a small, family-run business, first established in 1936 and located opposite Minster Abbey. Our aim is to maintain traditional values whilst keeping up-to-date with the latest vehicle service and repair requirements, including diagnostic equipment that covers 95% of all vehicles incuding light commercials.

T: 01843 821244 E: MinsterGarage@hotmail.com A: Minster Garage Bedlam Court Lane CT12 4HG

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Birchington business under the spotlight…

Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures in Minnis Bay are celebrating their first birthday in business.

If you haven’t already visited this shop, you will really find it worthwhile, if only to bring back those nostalgic memories of the times before mobile phones,the internet and wi-fi. A shop full of endearing memories.

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 Birchington Parish Council

CLEAN A BIN Leave the dirty work to us!

l your loca ✳ in

wheelie b

cleaner

✳

Environmentally friendly domestic and commercial

BIN CLEANING

01227 719507 07900 425684

www.cleanabincanterbury.co.uk 13

NEWS

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Please donate an hour of your time Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is organising a bucket collection in your area. Funds raised will help to care for and rehome the many dogs and cats that arrive at their doors in London, Brands Hatch and Windsor every day.

These events are only possible with the help of people like you. Please can you donate one hour of your time to collect for Battersea?

The collection will take place on Saturday 23rd May 2015 at Canterbury Chartham Garden Centre on Ashford Road from 11am until 3pm.

Volunteers will be briefed prior to the event, so all you need to do is arrange your collection time and then show up on the day and grab a bucket! The Home receives no government funding and this year needs to raise over £18m through voluntary donations, so your help will be much appreciated.

If you’d like to make a difference for animals in this fun and simple way, please contact Battersea’s Regional Community Fundraiser, Victoria Lawrence on 07590 173456 or at v.lawrence@battersea.org.uk Thank you.

COLLIS BRICKWORK

Specialists in extensions All aspects of the trade covered

0 1 8 4 3 83494 4 07 989 630268

14

Find us on

Where reputation matters

Geoff Stokes Plumbing General plumbing Complete bathroom fitting Kitchen installations Unblocking Tiling and re-tiling Taps and leaks Cylinders and tanks Bursts and repairs 01843 Water softeners No call-out charge 07740

448 515 198 906

geoffreystokes@hotmail.co.uk Birchington Parish Council

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

www.localleccy.co.uk

Highfield Residential Home

Small, friendly care home for up to 23 elderly people.

Privately owned. Close to local shops and public transport.

Community based activities. Respite care available.

51 Alpha Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9EG • 01843 842116 Birchington Parish Council

15

NEWS

ANTHONY GRAY CLOCKS Since 1975, our team of skilled craftsmen has been restoring and conserving fine 17th, 18th and 19th century clocks and barometers for discerning collectors and members of the trade in several countries.

Parsonage Farm Marshborough Kent CT13 0PG

0845 2601631

Restoration Services High Quality Watch Restoration Wheel and Pinion Cutting Dial Restoration Clock Hand Making Gilding · Engraving Case Restoration Valuations

info@anthonygrayclocks.com

www.anthonygrayclocks.com

More volunteers, Thanet Community Support Partnership is a central point of contact for a group of organisations who support older people in various ways.

The aim is to reduce isolation and boost their morale by way of recruiting volunteers to pop in on someone regularly for a cup of tea and a chat, help with shopping or maybe go for a drive just to break the day up.

Thanks to Amy, a volunteer Befriender, Margaret’s loneliness is an old memory

BRILLS DIY & HOME IMPROVEMENT

16-18 The Square, Birchington, Kent CT7 9AB

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

a

ch m u m d n

Plumbing Timber Household Housewares Hardware

o re Est 1965

01843 845133 MonTHly ProMoTionS & BroCHurES All yEAr rounD

16

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

, please!!

comments Here are some of the from our volunteers…

I look forward “It’s very rewarding and to each week” “I feel good about myself” active in my “I really enjoy being more s I have with on community. The interacti ble lua to me as my friend are just as va they are to her” , helping others, “It’s about meeting people feeling needed” from some of Here are the comments e:our people using our servic friends and “We have become great each other’s in le feel very comfortab company” , having a “As I don’t get out much ch more to volunteer has given me mu look forward to”

All Tree, Hedge & Garden Work Tree Stump Removal TPO Administration

Fully insured

www.brukstreesurgery.com 01227 402314 • 07595 169062 • 01843 847025

Unique Tree Stump Carvings Carving shop & viewing area

Carvings happily Corner of Manston Rd & Shottendane Rd created at your Birchington CT7 0HR site or at ours

info@brukstreesurgery.co.uk

www.brukstreecarving.com

Richard’s

TRADE TYRES AND REPAIRS SOLD AT TRADE PRICES

If you think you could help out in any of the ways above contact Lou or Fran on 01843 597115 or go to www.thanetcommunitysupport.org

Thanet Community Support Partnership is hosted by Thanet Volunteer Bureau

Birchington Parish Council

 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

17

NEWS

New speeding laws A new law is to be instated meaning that not only will British police be able to track down foreign registered cars caught speeding in the UK, but also that British cars caught speeding abroad can be traced

by European police.

At the moment, British drivers who are caught speeding by cameras while abroad usually escape punishment, unless they are stopped by police at the roadside, and the same applies to foreign registered cars caught breaking the speed limit in the UK. This is because of a lack of co-operation between European police forces and driving agencies, such as the DVLA, which have not worked together to share car registration and owner details.

However, the European Parliament has now passed legislation that allows member states to track down speeding drivers across international borders. The law was voted for by 915 of MEPs and is part of an initiative to halve road deaths and serious injuries in the EU by 40%, by the end of the decade.

Authorities will now be able to track foreign cars by their registration plate to issue penalty notices and even court summons at their home address. According to the French government, every year about half a million traffic offences are committed by English drivers in France.

18

However, transport and justice officials are concerned that the UK’s already overburdened justice system could struggle to cope with the new legislation, which would see other countries go through British courts to punish offenders.

The new law covers not only speeding but all traffic offences, including running red lights, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and using a mobile phone at the wheel. On the plus side, UK police forces will, in return, be able to track down foreign drivers caught committing traffic offences in the UK. The law is due to take effect this May, internationally, but British drivers have been given a grace period, as the DVLA has requested an exemption to sharing its driver data until 2017, claiming it needs the time to adapt its system.

The EU is expected to extend the legislation next year to homogenise Europe’s penalty points system, which could see drivers who commit traffic offences abroad not only fined but also at risk of losing their licence. An MP, however, claims that the UK is against this policy in the interests of protecting UK driver privacy.

Liam Doogan

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Kent Libraries

Using Kent Libraries to borrow books, CDs and DVDs will get even better from April when the reservation fee is removed.

Customers are currently charged a 35p fee if they order and reserve any item stocked within the county, but that service will be provided free of charge from 1 April.

Cabinet Member for Community Services Mike Hill said: “The abolition of the fee will not only save people money but will remove a barrier to a world of knowledge and entertainment that is open to everyone in Kent.”

SERVICE

CENTRE

car sales · servicing exhausts · MoTs

157 Hereson Rd, Ramsgate CT11 7EL (Next to Murco)

01843 852120

MoTs £35 MoTs

FREE RE-TEST

EstablishEd for 32 yEars and still going strong

All major credit/debit cards accepted

Full WorKshoP FaciliTies + WeldinG HERESON GARAGE CAR SALES LTD 01843 853900 Cars wanted for cash Part-exchange welcome

info@heresongarage.com

www.heresongarage.com

St D avid s

Rd CH SHO IP P

ROA D

Lucy Hegarty, Show Manager, said “We have been hoping to have this world-class attraction at the Show for a number of years but due to many factors we have not had the opportunity. This year we are delighted to announce that the team will be flying their distinctive Hawk jets over the Show. The exhilarating display of precision flying and agility will be a huge draw for the thousands of visitors, particularly the school children who usually attend on the first day”.

HERESON

ESO N

The star attraction on Friday 10 July will be RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows. One of the world’s premier display teams will be flying above the Kent Showground to the delight of visitors.

For all your vehicle needs

Bou n

HER

Kent County Show

dary

Rd

Mon te WYE fiore Av e VA CEN LE GAR TR D Muir E EN Rd

HERE SON

M PE URCO STATTROL ION

GROU

P

Victo

ria R d

ROSEDENE residential care home

A happy, healthy, caring home

The free reservation service is another way in which Kent Libraries are looking to help save customers’ money.

Last year it rolled out a courtesy email service for customers reminding them to return or renew borrowed items before incurring overdue fines.

Any reservations set before 1 April 2015 will be chargeable and some charges will still apply for requested items not held in KCC’s stock.

Birchington Parish Council

01843 220087 29-31 Westonville Avenue, Westbrook, Kent CT9 5DY rosedeneresidentialhome@yahoo.co.uk

www.rosedeneresidentialcare.co.uk

19

Fountain at B

Can you shine any light?

The Parish Council would like to tidy it up and cap it to stop rubbish being deposited in it. Currently, we cannot find any details of its installation in our archives. We know it originates from about 1920 but we do not know who installed it or when. Can you help?

If so please contact the Parish Clerk Jamie Thomson via email birchingtonparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk We will also be pleased to receive any information at the Birchington Heritage Trust Museum in Room 4 of the Village Centre.

20

Fountain in 1931 aerial survey of the North Thanet coast

Birchington Parish Council

Beresford Gap Whilst walking along the clifftop from Minnis Bay towards Westgate, you may have noticed an erstwhile water fountain at the top of Beresford Gap near to the Wild Air flats.

Sadly it is no longer a water fountain but has become a receptacle for rubbish‌ The fountain is not shown on a detailed map dated c. 1920, but it was clearly installed by 1931, when a series of aerial photos was taken along the north Thanet coast.

Bernard and Jean Beadle beside the fountain 1946 (above) and 1997

The panel on the south side of the structure reads:

For public use Please respect it It was suggested by Bernard Beadle that he thought he remembered there being some engraving round the insert in the top centre that gave indications for where each section of the north half of the plate was pointing - eg North Pole or London etc - but this need to be confirmed.

Fountain 1950

Birchington Parish Council

21

NP Plastering &

Venetian Plastering Kent NVQ, C&G plasterers covering all aspects of plastering

Qualified in K rend (Silicone render you never have to paint)

Venetian plastering (Italian Polished plaster) Can be applied anywhere including wet rooms and floors

Free estimates and advice call Nick on 07969 825 085 or Caroline on 07786503384 www.venetianplasteringkent.co.uk

CALLfor AID

01843 269939

www.callforaid.com

Emergency Home Assistance

Cats Protection

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, dedicated to helping cats through its network of 252 volunteer-run branches and 31 adoption centres. Our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

We have simple and clear objectives: • Homing Finding good homes for cats in need • Neutering Supporting and encouraging the neutering of cats • Education and information Improving people’s understanding of cats and their care At any one point in time, we have thousands of cats in our care. Through re-homing, reuniting and neutering, we directly helped over 194,000 cats during 2013 - that’s more than 500 cats a day on average.

We will look after you or your loved ones Call for Aid is a unique service now available in your area • Fully programmed phone included • Regular rounds checking on clients • Family or friends fast contact • Friendly service • Immediate assistance and response • Home maintenance team • Fully police checked and licensed

22

For a no-obligation visit by one of our friendly team, call 01843 269939 or email info@callforaid.com

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

St Thomas, Minnis Bay

Sundays Sung Eucharist 11am Morning Prayer second Sunday 11am

Baptist Church (Two church buildings) Sundays 10.30am at Station Road 6.30 pm at Crescent Road Bob Goode 01843 845400 Methodist Church Canterbury Road, opposite The Smugglers Restaurant Sundays 11am Songs of Praise 6.30pm on 19th April; 17th May and 21st June Sue Dalgliesh 01843 847312

Our Lady & St Benedict RC Church Sat 6pm Vigil Mass (for Sunday) Sunday 9.15am Mass & Children’s Liturgy Weekday Mass (not Thursdays) 9.15am Canon David Caine 01843 841549

The Bay URC Sundays 10.30am 1st Sunday in the month Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Service Revd George Kalu 01843 613819 Contacts

Weekdays Holy Communion Thursday 10am

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

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

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

Birchington Parish Council

23

Work done well

Just one of my many satisfied customers who have enjoyed the work I have done for them.

If you are looking for an ELECTRICIAN call me now: 01843 807847

SAVE MONEY…BUY PRE-OWNED WITH WARRANTY!

ManstonMobility.com PRE-OWNED MOBILITY SPECIALISTS

Mobility Goods · Sales · Service · Repairs · Hire & Batteries

Mobility scooters from £250 · Rise & recline chairs from £300 Electric beds from £300 · Free mobility advice · Free home demonstrations No-fix/no-fee repairs · Free battery fitting

Unit 3 Westwood Business Park, Strasbourg St, Nr Margate, Kent CT9 4JJ · 01843 598620 (7 days a week)

Hidden Treasures Old Toys & Games Nostalgia and les Cigaret te Cards Collectab Unique Glass & China Minnis Bay

07724 626073

137 Minnis Road · Birchington · CT7 9NS Open Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat 10am-4pm; Weds & Sun 11am-3pm Credit cards accepted | Cabinet & floorspace available to rent

minnisbayhiddentreasures

Kevin’s Airport Transfer AIRPORT SPECIALIST

Cruise to the airport in our luxury eight-seater!

Wedding Cars

Weddings y Christenings y Birthdays Anniversaries y Promotions y Special Occasions

www.weddingcarsthanet.co.uk

Three great reasons to travel with us…

Well-established, independent local business Reliable and courteous Excellent rates

01843 226942 07971 831032

weddingcarsthanet@btconnect.com

White Bentley

tel 01843 864350 | in-car phone 07711 835757

To advertise

please call Calvin on 01843 292348 24

Birchington Parish Council

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 5 September 2015 12 noon - 3pm

Battle of Britain 75th Celebration Lunch at The Centre Alpha Road with

Wartime menus Wartime songs around the piano We would like any additional ideas that you may have Further details will be in the next Parish Magazine

If you have any possible contribution to make please contact Jamie Thomson on 841107

or email birchingtonparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk

Birchington Parish Council

25

Dreamland Margate

The re-imagined Dreamland will be a world class UK visitor attraction, providing entertainment for everyone through truly re-inventing the famous seaside amusement park experience.

Working in partnership with Sands Heritage Limited and Thanet District Council award winning multi-disciplinary designers Hemingway Design led by Wayne Hemingway MBE, Gerardine Hemingway MBE and Jack Hemingway have been appointed to deliver the look, feel, smell, taste and sound of a reimagined Dreamland.

The UK’s original Pleasure Park has been reimagined, ready to welcome a new generation of fun-seeking visitors to an ‘old fashioned, yet oh-so-fashionable’ world of thrills, amusements and good times. Stylishly restored and retro-fitted with rides and amusements from the Golden Age of British seaside holidays, Dreamland is a world where vintage cool meets modern design.

With British comfort food favourites lovingly made from local Kent produce on

site, Dreamland will offer the full package, featuring a line up of unmissable events, celebrating the best of British Culture, as well as film screenings, roller disco, concerts and amazing installations too.

The Dreamland project plays a significant role in community engagement, education, training, sustainable employment and boosting the local economy. It is also a major component in the continued regeneration of Margate, spearheaded by Turner Contemporary in 2011.

The Dreamland site is owned by Thanet District Council. The council, working with The Dreamland Trust has secured a funding package of £18 million, which includes external funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Sea Change grant, to deliver the first phase of the project.

On the facing page are illustrations of some of the rides…

A WILTSHIRE & SONS BUILDERS

01843 842069 FREE ESTIMATES THE BIRCHINGTON BUILDER specialist New roofs in or repairs Garages and extensions

Patios Brick Walls Driveways in brick, slab or concrete

26

plus Drains

Painting & decorating All alterations

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

Counter Culture Caterpillar Coaster Helter Skelter

Scenic Railway

Chair-o-plane

Birchington Parish Council

27

CENTRAL CARS

01843

download our new app to book online

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

www.centralcarsthanet.co.uk

BOB MASKELL Carpenter & Joiner

bob.maskell@btinternet.com

07860 663789

NO JOB TOO SMALL, IF IT’S WOOD WE’LL DO IT

• Tablet, Kindle and phone repairs • PC/laptop repairs and ‘health-checks’ • Social media business set-up • Facebook business set-up & management • Web site support/design • Hosting and domains • Hardware and software support call

07869 282709 or email sophia@tinytech.biz

www.tinytech.biz

Drummond Hayes ProPerty Care Painting & Decorating

Domestic Electrician | NICEIC Registered Fault finding | extra lights and sockets Re-wires | Consumer unit replacement

07807 002680 craig@konectelectrical.co.uk

www.konectelectrical.co.uk

HARLEQUIN LOCKSMITHS LOCK & KEY SERVICE Police vetted and approved.

Lock outs. Key cutting. Lock fitting

www.harlequinlocksmiths.co.uk 01227 720328 / 07977 308082 steve@harlequinlocksmiths.co.uk

PJ Solley

Carpentry & Joinery Kitchens & bathrooms Interior & exterior decorating Plastering, plumbing & tiling

01843 844715 | 07798 697483

Over 25 years’ experience | Fully insured References available on request

info@drummondhayespropertycare.co.uk

pjsolley@hotmail.com

28

07970 816595

Birchington Parish Council

Claire is helping us.

‘My 21st birthday in 2001, when we knew dad had dementia.

Dad passed away in 2006, six years after he was diagnosed - he was 59.

But I felt like I’d lost my dad a long time before. Towards the end, he didn’t know me. Alzheimer’s society helped with the simple things that were so important, giving us emotional support as well as practical guidance.

Now Claire’s helping us look for the answers that could have saved her dad. We hope you’ll join her.

There are already over 850,000 people with dementia in the UK and, by 2021, that number will have risen to over one million. With one in three people over 65 ending their lives with dementia, we need all the support we can get.

We need your help, today.

Alzheimer’s Society, Devon House, 58 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LB. T 0845 3060898 E enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk Alzheimers.org.uk/gift Registered charity no. 296645. Alzheimer’s Society operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Birchington Parish Council

Alzheimer’s Society

Leading the fight against dementia

29

Building up steam for third Exhibitors and traders have been quick to sign up for the third Birchington Model Railway exhibition which will be held in the village on Saturday 10 October.

Organised by the East Kent Model Railway Society on behalf of Birchington Parish Council and to be held at The Centre in Alpha Road, the event promises an extravaganza of railways in miniature, ranging from tiny N gauge to the much larger O gauge. Outside, there will be rides on a garden railway operated by Frank Norton and a team of fellow enthusiasts.

If you’ve been searching for that vital addition to your model railway collection, need a spare part or get some ideas on how to start the hobby, then a selection of traders will be offering a wide variety of new and pre-loved items.

Birchington Heritage Trust will once again take the Centre’s stage for an in-depth display of the village’s historical connections with the full size railway since its opening in 1863.

The first model railway exhibition was held in Birchington in 2013 to mark the 150th anniversary of the line’s arrival in the village - which proved to be a milestone in its development, bringing people wanting to move out of London to live in newly built bungalows or simply to escape the city’s grime for lungfuls of healthy sea air.

EKMRS Chairman Nick Evans said: “This year’s exhibition promises plenty to entertain model railway fans of all ages and

30

Birchington Parish Council

d model railway exhibition

abilities. We’re hoping to have more than a dozen different layouts and a clutch of reputable traders taking part. The last two years have seen hundreds of people flock to the occasion and we’re hoping even more will take the chance to come along again this time.

“Exhibitors include local clubs and individuals as well as groups representing preserved lines and a railway museum.

“We’re delighted the parish council has been able to support the event once more. Its input ensures that admission prices are kept at an affordable level for everyone.”

Photos show scenes from the 2014 exhibition in Birchington

Birchington Parish Council Chairman said: “The exhibition has proved to be a great success for the village and has become a social event to be enjoyed by many - I hope that will continue again this year and urge residents to support it.”

For your diary, the Birchington Model Railway exhibition will be held at The Centre, Alpha Road, on Saturday 10 October between 10am and 4pm. Adult admission will be £2, children £1 and family tickets (2 adults + 3 children U-16) will be £5.

Further information from EKMRS Chairman Nick Evans on 07743 704547 or email nickevanscomms@sky.com

Birchington Parish Council

31

Copper Connect Plumbing Services

From a dripping tap to full renovations BPEC registered/qualified for Solar Thermal & Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems Leaks • Blockages Cleared • Power Flushing • Bathrooms • Tiling City & Guilds Qualified • 24 Years’ Experience • Fully Insured Free Estimates • Competitive Rates call Bill Chambers

01843 834112 · 07973 689295

www.copperconnect.co.uk email copperconnect@aol.com

BirchingtonCarpets Carpets | Vinyls | Laminates 39 Station Road Birchington Kent CT7 9DJ

01843 845085

birchingtoncarpets@hotmail.com Buy from us and win 2 free tiCkets for Dreamland’s opening day on 19 June 2015 Valid between 1 April and 1 June

TWIGGY’S TREE SURGERY

Trees felled, lopped and pruned Hedges trimmed Gardens cleared Contract work undertaken QUALIFIED & INSURED

email twiggy.info@gmail.com

Come and visit our showroom to view possibly the best selection of floor coverings in the South East.

Rugs, vinyls, laminates, solid wood and hundreds of remnants all with excellent value guaranteed!

FREE customer parking FREE estimates and no obligation home visits

Pickwick Carpets CANNON ROAD CARPET CENTRE

Person-Centred Care

11 Cannon Road, Ramsgate CT11 9SQ

Fully insured and CRB checked

01843 585888 We have a price for you…

SPECIAL OFFER!

After youʼve had your carpet laid, get your left-over carpet whipped into a rug or runner FREE of charge!

Applies to carpets supplied and laid

by Pickwick Carpets only

accounts@pickwickscarpets.com

www.pickwickcarpetskent.co.uk

07545 863193

07931 205505

Care & Domestic Services

Contact us to discuss your needs personcentredcare@yahoo.co.uk

01843 847567 07760 462732

BIRCHINGTON PAVING

~ consumer unit upgrades ~ rewires ~ new builds ~ fire alarms ~ landlords’ certificates ~additional sockets & lights

drives · paths · patios fencing · BricKWorK drainage · groundWorK

free quotation and 24hr callout

07862 700068 · 01843 842569

www.m-d-electrical.com

jflmarsh@googlemail.com 12 Rutland Gardens, Birchington CT7 9SN

All electrical work undertaken

32

Birchington Parish Council

Come to

BIRCHINGTON Model Railway Exhibition

Saturday 10th October at The Centre, Alpha Road, Birchington CT7 9EG 10am to 4pm Admission: Adults £2, Children £1, Families £5 (2+3 u-16)

Presented by East Kent Model Railway Society on behalf of Birchington Parish Council Follow EKMRS on Facebook and Twitter!

Birchington Parish Council

33

TAG Pet Rescue

TAG Pet Rescue is a registered charity, based in Birchington and Margate, that rescues and rehomes unwanted pets in Thanet. To rescue a pet from a rehoming centre knowing they had been abandoned, mistreated or simply given away, is so very very satisfying but the other thing to remember is that by rescuing one pet you are actually helping TWO!! The one you take will leave a space for another needy helpless soul to be admitted.

At present we have two white cats that desperately need good homes.

They have been with us for over a year now and are lovely cats who each deserve a break…

LOTTIE LUX Lottie Lux is a very pretty little 3 year old white cat. She was down on her luck as someone had just dumped her in Ramsgate. A kind local resident came along and took her to TAG who have cared for her since. TAG put out appeals for her owner to come forward but nobody did so now she is looking for someone who will love her forever this time so she can be their special little kitty. She can be a very loving kitty and would adore having someone to play with her and give her lots of strokes and cuddles.

One of our volunteers wrote this poem: My name is Lottie Lux, I’m a pretty white cat I have been at TAG for over a year and that is a long time to sit in a pen and wait for someone to choose me to be their mate.

A lot of white cats are deaf you see But I can hear properly when visitors talk about me I’m so sad when they say ‘Oh look at that kitten’ I wish it were me with whom they are smitten Please would you give me a chance in your home I’d love to play in a garden and roam A place in the warm with someone who cares Is something I dream of if only I dare.

CASSIE Cassie is a special, pretty little female white cat aged 7 years.

She is deaf so she needs a very special home that is really safe for her. Maybe in a cul de sac or an enclosed garden so that she can play which she loves to do. She really hates other cats so it would need to be somewhere without cats or dogs because they frighten her. She is a very affectionate little cat and has lots of love to give so she hopes you might love her too.One of our volunteers wrote this little poem: To sit in my pen makes me feel quite sad I know TAG love me so I shouldn’t feel bad But when everyone goes home, I am here all alone I’d love a warm home with family of my own If you need a smile watch my antics a while Please love me do and I will love you.

To see some of the animals looking for good homes go to www.tagpetrescue.org or email tagpet@btinternet.com for more information.

34

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

TIM ER VIC NOTH LECTRICAL A E M E BECO E S! AN DON’T RICAL FIRE E YOUR LIF T V C A E S L OF E RVEY CAN SU

NOW OPEN! Carpet Heaven

10% OFF your first order

VINYL • CARPETS REMNANTS • ACCESSORIES Free , no-obligation measuring & estimate service Special rates for multiple areas

Call now to book your Electrical Survey:

Full fitting service available

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

118-122 King Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8PA 9am-5pm Mon-Tues & Thu-Sat • 9am-1pm Weds

01843 807847

01843 597609

ROBERT TEALE CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYOR

FROSTY’S TREE SURGERY

• Building Surveys • Home Condition Reports • Building Alteration and Project Management • Party Wall Surveys • Dispute Resolution Professional, independent and friendly service

A Professional Tree Surgery Service covering all aspects Clearance • Pruning • Topping Thinning • Reduction • Hedge Trimming Specialist Oast House Cowl Painting Seasoned Logs • Fully Insured • NPTC

07855 366094 • 07761 345759 Quex Park, Birchington, Kent

www.frostystreesurgery.co.uk Birchington Parish Council

www.homesurvey.org

01843 847436

Robert Teale

MCIOB MRICS

6 Green Rd, Birchington CT7 9JY Covering East Kent

35 35

EdwardsGas

The Home Care Specialists

HEATING & GAS ENGINEER

NO CALL OUT CHARGE · FULLY INSURED

Plumbing · Boilers · Central Heating Cookers · Fires · Water Heaters Gas Safety Checks for Home Owners & Landlords

07980 949954 01843 842901

edwardsgas@gmail com

202254

REGISTER

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

Do you need a Helping Hand?

Our local care team has been providing award winning quality homecare since 1989.

We offer you a one-to-one 24 hour live in care service that enables you or your loved one to remain at home with compassion and dignity by assisting with: personal care, companionship, errands and housekeeping.

To find out how we can help, call: 0808 180 1016 or visit: www.helpinghands.co.uk

Re c Ca rui N rer ting ow s

SERVICE · REPAIR INSTALLATION

SERVICES PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS

Sonia Van Registered chiropodist Reg. No. Ch 19498

30 years of experience in dealing with all foot problems, including diabetics also iPL chromolite Laser Hair Removal For surgery appointments and home visits call

01843 223507 or 07769 656493

23 Westcliff Road, Westbrook, Margate ct950n

36

Specialists in all aspects of plumbing, domestic and commercial, tanks, taps, bathrooms and kitchens Call us to discuss your needs 07860 470887 sjf-services@hotmail.co.uk 74 Park Lane, Birchington CT7 0AS 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 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 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 at 2.30pm on the first Sunday afternoon each month except June, July and August Birchington Twinning Association Third Tues evening each month at 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 call 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

To advertise please call Calvin on 01843 292348 Domestic & Commercial

W.Brazil & Bros Skip Hire Services

Licensed waste transfer station

•3, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 16 yard skips •Road permits obtained •Topsoil & hardcore supplies •Open ended easy load skips available •Trade tipping welcome

W BRAZIL Tree Surgery Felling • Pruning & BROS Stump Grinding Site & Garden Clearances

Council approved contractor NPTC qualified & insured No job too small • Free estimates

Fast, reliable service to all areas

Thanet

01843 864162

The Lodge, Sacketts Hill, Dane Court Road, Broadstairs, Kent

Birchington Parish Council

Established over 60 years Local family firm

01843 864162 37

WHAT’S ON

Local Events, Groups & Clubs BIARA

Probus Club

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.

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

Birchington Active Retirement Association

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 38

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 was a European diplomat with All change at the EU: New leadership new challenges.

Birchington Silver Band

We are a well established and Friendly brass band with a membership of more than 20 plus.

The band gives regular concerts at the Birchington Village Centre on the Last Sunday of the month from September to May. In the summer months we also play at various Bandstands such as Broadstairs, Folkestone, Hythe as well as requests for quite a few local venues. we also have quite a few Social activities during the year which are open for any of the community to join in. If you play or have played a brass instrument, or want to learn, you will be most welcome to join us on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at King Ethelbert School Birchington.

Please contact Mrs Pat Miles (Band Secretary) on 01843 848660

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

ACCOUNTANCY MATTERS ACCOUNTANCY | TAXATION | BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

• Sole Trader & Partnership Accounts • Self Assessment Tax • Limited Company Accounts • Corporate & Personal Tax Planning • Business Consultancy

Family run boarding kennels For dogs and cats

01843 594666 | 07815 715770

Road 01843 823568 Manston Margate, CT9 4LS

31 Queen Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9DZ

manstonkennels@hotmail.co.uk www.manstonboardingkennelscattery.com

swren@accountancy–matters.co.uk Member firm of the ACCA

Birchington Parish Council

39

The Birchington Methodist Church Methodists have had a presence in the village since as early as 1778, initially meeting in each other’s homes. When it was felt that there were enough members to support a purposebuilt chapel, they set about raising funds. The Methodist Chapel was eventually built in 1830 and has been tended. and cared for ever since by a stalwart band of members.

At the opening of the Chapel on September 16th the Rev. John Jones and the Rev. William Naylor, both from London, preached in the ‘forenoon and afternoon respectively’. The amount of collections during those opening services was £75 10s, a huge sum for those days. Another £132 6s was subscribed towards the erection of the chapel. Mr Tomlin stood

surety for all the costs until he could be repaid without interest. In 1883 the Rev. Thomas Perfect, one of its Victorian ministers, owned Yew Tree House, just across the road from the Chapel. He also owned the little plot of land behind Evergreen (now The Smugglers) and built a terrace of five houses on it, now known as Perfect Cottages. During the 1930s the Pantony family were strong supporters of the chapel. They have lent us a collection of photos of the wonderful Harvest displays the ladies used to arrange, as well as other official and social events during that time.

This item originally appeared in the Birchington Heritage Trust magazine.

This photo shows it in c. 1960, before the whole building was painted white, while the drawing was made just over a hundred years later in 1933

Museum opening hours

The Birchington Heritage Trust Museum is situated on the first floor of Birchington Village Centre open on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (except bank holidays) from 9.30am to 12noon. Come along and see how much we have to offer to help you discover the past history of Birchington-on-Sea.

40

Birchington Parish Council

Westgate & Birchington

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

01843 836274

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

Please quote BP412 when calling

www.oandssheds.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

Right at Home provide quality care in the comfort of your own home.

Scratches and scuffs won’t dent your pocket Professional quality mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs l Quick l Convenient l Fully Guaranteed Bumper ScuffS

3

KerBed alloyS

3

paintworK ScratcheS

3

minor dentS

3

To arrange for your free estimate call

0800 0287878 07771 934413 www.chipsaway.co.uk or direct on

Birchington Parish Council

41

G GoreBrothers Ltd

Caring, helpful funeral directors since 1831

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

On the

lighter

side‌

01843 841835 Head Office

01843 223534

www.gorebrothers.co.uk

Brains of older people are slow because they know so much‌ People do not decline mentally with age, it just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information in their brains, scientists believe.

Much like a computer struggles as the hard drive gets filled up, so too do humans take longer to access information, it has been suggested.

Researchers say this slowing down is not the same as cognitive decline.

The human brain works slower in old age, said an eminent Doctor who has studied this over a period of years, but only because we have stored more information over time The brains of older people do not get weak.

On the contrary, they simply know more.

Also, older people often go to another room to get something and when they get there, they stand there wondering what they came for. It is NOT a memory problem, it is nature’s way of making older people do more exercise.

42

Birchington Parish Council

Looking to sell?

An agent in the know is one with a glow.

Call today for a FREE VALUATION Ramsgate Cliftonville

01843 570 500 01843 231 222

Birchington 01843 844 899 Broadstairs 01843 888 444

milesandbarr.co.uk