Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Autumn 2015

Special edition

v In loving memory of our late Editor and Birchington Parish Councillor,

Mr Bill Furness v

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Birchington Parish Council COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Welcome

Contents

To the eleventh edition of the Birchington Parish Council Magazine.

This is a special edition and a tribute to our late Editor who sadly passed away on the 2nd September 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 Submissions of copy to be received by the last week of December Please send you copy to Jack Cohen (Acting Editor) via email to: jackbernard.cohen@gmail.com or to the Birchington Parish Council Offices, 2 Albion Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9DN.

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Letter from the Chairman ���������������������4 In Memoriam: Bill Furness �������������������6 Kent County Councillor’s Report ���������8 Council Contacts �������������������������������� 10 New Councillor: Marcel Pooke ���������� 11 Thanet Neighbourhood Watch �������� 15 Birchington Medical Centre �������������� 16 Churchyard Work �������������������������������� 18 The “Other BBC” ��������������������������������� 20 All Saints Birchington �������������������������� 23 Royal British Legion ���������������������������� 25 Birchington Bowls Club ���������������������� 27 Birchington Residents’ Association �� 30 What’s On ���������������������������������������33-35 Worship ������������������������������������������������ 36

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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

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COUNCIL

Wishing everyone a good Christmas Letter from the Chairman

The sudden sad loss of Cllr Bill Furness has been a great shock to the Birchington community. He was one of natures gentleman, conscientious, caring, kind and diligent. He was dedicated to the wellbeing of our community and his no longer being with us will leave a great vacuum. Amongst his many successes the Birchington Parish Council Community Magazine must be considered one of the best.

My deepest condolences go to his ever caring companion Pat Duncan and his family with their very sad loss.

To move on to general TDC issues, the last few months have been filled with activities and events.

BPC has offered the Village Centre a formidable improvement grant.

15-8-2015 The Birchington Branch of the Royal British Legion had its VJ Day Buffet Lunch sponsored by BPC and it was a pleasure and an honour to see our veterans enjoying themselves.

The Beacon was also lit that evening.

Recently, the Birchington Twinning Association had financial assistance from BPC

towards its local Twinning event attended by a coach-load from La Chapelle.

5-9-2015 Birchington Parish Council honoured “The Battle of Britain” in fine style with an excellent replica war time menu lunch accompanied by delightful contemporary music.

The event was a sell out whilst Cllr John Hill Chairman of the targeted BPC working party brought us a really slick event that did us proud.

10-10-2015 we had our annual very well attended Model Railway Exhibition run by the East Kent Model Railway Society with Nick Evans ,a former Birchington boy at the helm.

It was packed with wonderful displays whilst the traders presented an Aladdin’s Cave of fantastic model rail equipment. We have already had a host of compliments.

8-11-2015 our next event is Remembrance Sunday. The Birchington Branch of the Royal British Legion are organizing the Parade and Church Service whilst BPC will be providing the usual excellent buffet at the Village Centre.

BPC will again have the honour and pleasure of youth carrying our standard and this year it will be 1st Birchington Air Scouts Patrol Leader Luke Addington .

28-11-2015 from 2pm to 4pm, Birchington’s Christmas Event is being presented by BPC and “Pipeline”.There will be something for everyone but particularly a Santa and an

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Birchington Parish Council

and a Happy New Year abundance of fun for the youngsters. The entertainments will run from the Village Centre, Dog Acre,Station Road ending in the Square. It should be really super.

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

The Local Plan is of major concern to all of Thanet with considerable opposition to any new build associated with Birchington. Your Parish Council has employed professional advice as well as arranging a meeting with Adrian Verrall the Senior TDC Officer in charge of the Local Plan. It is not an easy situation and without strong supportive evidence the Inspector can easily override objections. We now hear that over three and a half thousand additional houses should be built in Thanet ,that means existing allocations may be increased. A glum situation to say the least.

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Our Seafront Shelters are a cause for concern as they appear badly in need of maintenance.

I and our Clerk Jamie Thomson have been in contact with TDC for over a year awaiting the promised maintenance report and having recently received it , all appear savable although two are in quite a bad way.

BPC is still waiting for the TDC Capital Asset Management Group to meet and decide the way forward but I have stressed that Birchington has very strong views for retention with appropriate maintenance.

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Finally, we have a new volunteer dynamic action group, targeted at controlling our litter known as Birchington Antilitter Group, BAG. They have got off to a great start already having 36 members and have taken out third party public liability insurance and have already made impressive collections. email contact: bagbirchington@gmail.com BPC looks forward to close liaison with BAG in a common cause to keep Birchington looking smarter and litter free.

Cllr Dr Jack Cohen Chairman, Birchington Parish Council.

Birchington Parish Council

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In Memoriam

Bill Furness The month of September saw the passing of William ‘Bill’ Furness a popular local figure in the village. Excerpts from his eulogy as read at his funeral on 24th September 2015 and a history of Bill’s life are portrayed in the obituary below.

Bill was born in Twyford, just outside Winchester in the Winchester Barracks on 8 May 1939, the son of Esther and Charles, Bill shared his early childhood with his brother Edward.

Bill’s early education took place in Winchester before he moved on to further education at Southampton Technical College, before going on to study Parliamentary and political procedures through Ruskin College, Oxford.

Bill undertook national service in the Royal Observer Corps in Winchester during a three year period which saw him serve in some of the most secret underground installations at the time.

On finishing his education Bill’s first job was as an Archaeologist, working for Winchester museum, but when the funding run out he took up an apprenticeship for British Rail engineering.

As a young man funds were quite tight, so Bill also worked some evenings and

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weekends as a chef in a Winchester hotel and also as an advertising model.

Having completed his apprenticeship Bill worked for Chivers construction on the old Winchester barracks, where he was elected shop steward for the site. In 1964 he was offered a job as a salesman selling office supplies becoming the sales manager after just a short time. This led to work on a local newspaper called the Southern Sentinel, as sales director and political editor.

After another brief stint in sales, Bill ran his own company for five years which he went on to sell and in semi-retirement moved to Scotland to an old bakery which needed extensive work to which Bill fully applied himself.

Bill’s interest in politics began in 1955 when he was 16 years old. He quickly realised that he wanted to help make people’s quality of life better and fairer and in the 1980s he was elected a town councillor for Whitchurch and then a Liberal Democrat

Birchington Parish Council

borough councillor in Eastleigh for 10 years.

When Bill finally moved to Birchington, he was elected to the Parish Council where he worked tirelessly representing the village, he has been described by locals as a pillar of the community.

One of Bill’s passions was the Parish Council Magazine which he edited and produced from home, promoting the village with thought-provoking and informative articles.

Among Bill’s many passionate causes in Birchington, was speaking out against the councils’ Local Plan and despite his latter ill-health, his commitment remained unwavered to the causes that he represented, including protecting the Green fields from being turned to concrete.

Away from politics Bill was a keen sportsman, playing football from a young

age along with golf, archery and bowls where he played regularly in Birchington.

It was on moving to Thanet that Bill met his partner of 28 years, Pat, and together they were actively involved with the Liberal Democrats and loved the village life here in Birchington.

Bill and Pat also stood in the local elections in Birchington north as Lib Dem candidates. Bill would always have a smile on his face and with Pat by his side he organised many a successful event particularly the VJ Day celebrations in Birchington.

Bill leaves behind a loving family who will miss him greatly in his son Roger, daughter Angela and her partner Kevin, along with Stephen, Sue and Jeff and young grandson Archie he will be missed more than words can possibly express.

Bill’s partner Pat and all the family would like to thank everyone for all the kind thoughts and tributes they have received in memory of Bill who sadly passed away on 2nd September.

Birchington Parish Council

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Kent County Councillor’s Report I wish to start this my Report by paying tribute to Cllr Bill Furness who recently passed away, Bill loved Birchington and always involved himself in all aspects of Village life, as a Cllr his primary interest was always doing his best for all Residents. I offer my condolences to Pat and his family.

There are number of village issues, I am pleased to be able to report that I have had the Bus shelter by the Health Centre repaired, with metal plates instead of glass, hopefully it is now vandal proof.

For a year now I have been concerned about the Cliff Top Pavilions and as no progress had been made, I decided to visit TDC and speak with the Property asset manager and have been advised that a Report was prepared nearly a year ago, the manager has agreed that she will now put this on the Agenda for the next TDC Asset Committee, I am concerned at such a long period of inactivity within the Parish, however I am assured action will now be taken. I will be monitoring this issue.

August has been a quiet period in KCC however Operation Stack was a major issue and Central Government have decided that Manston should be used as a holding point for Dover traffic. Fortunately it has not been required, however Central Government

have now placed an Order “Town and Country Planning (Operation Stack) Special Development order 2015” on the site. This Order prohibits any development of the site which is not specific to Operation Stack.

I have had a site meeting reference some more tree planting in Birchington which will be funded from my Community Grant and hope to be able to plant more trees in November.

The Minnis Day Centre has benefited by a further grant from my Community Fund to provide additional facilities for all those who use it, I would like to congratulate all those who work so hard to provide such a welcome and excellent facility for the elderly .

The final issue is that as the KCC Cllr for Birchington and the Villages, the Draft Local Plan put forward earlier this year is being revisited by the new Council in TDC, there is a working party looking at the issues from a Parish perspective, I ask you please to attend the Parish Council meetings, the last Monday of every month and have your say meetings start at 7.30pm. If you are unable to attend visit birchingtonlocalplan@gmail.com and give Craig Solly your comments, he is independent of the Parish Council and will represent your views.

Roger Latchford OBE

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Birchington Parish Council

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COUNCIL

Council Contacts BIRCHINGTON PARISH COUNCILLORS Chairman: Dr. Jack Cohen 2 Leslie Rd, Birchington, CT7 9HG Tel: 01843 847421 jackbernardcohen@gmail.com Vanda Alexander 335, Canterbury Rd, Birchington, CT7 9TY vanda.alexander1@gmail.com Marian Evans 15 Berkeley Rd, Birchington CT7 9JR Tel: 01843 841198 Julie Francis 7 Kent Gardens, Birchington CT7 9RS (Tel: 01843 841796) John Hill 15 Hereward Avenue, Birchington CT7 9LY Tel:01843 845729

THANET DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Suzanne Brim 4 Alma Cottages, Off Station Road, Birchington, CT7 9DG cllr-suzanne.brim@thanet.gov.uk Glenn Coleman-Cooke 23 Grenville Gardens, Birchington, CT7 9LA cllr-glenn.coleman-cooke @thanet.gov.uk Keith Coleman-Cooke 23 Grenville Gardens, Birchington, CT7 9LA Tel: 07980 599560 cllr-keith.coleman-cooke @thanet.gov.uk

Simon Day 121 Sea Road, Westgate –on- Sea, CT8 8QE Tel: 01843 831155 simonday@clara.co.uk

Alan Howes 52 King Edward Rd, Birchington, CT7 0EG cllr-alan.howes@thanet.gov.uk

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Marcel Pooke marcel.pooke@gmail.com Tel: 07973 551227

Robert Wright 27 Queen Bertha’s Avenue, Birchington, CT7 9BH Tel: 07971 401620 robo47@live.com Linda Wright 90 Canterbury Road, Birchington CT7 9BB Tel: 07825 338999 lindaw1310@hotmail.com

Clerk to the Parish Council: Jamie Thomson Parish Office, 2 Albion Road, Birchington, CT7 9DN Tel: 01843 841107 birchingtonparishcouncil @yahoo.co.uk

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Sir Roger Gale MP c/o The Old Forge, 215a Canterbury Road, Birchington, CT7 9AH Tel: For surgery – 01843 848588

KENT COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Roger Latchford OBE 10 Sea View Road, Birchington, CT7 9LB Tel: 01843 846458 Mob: 07796 176605 roger.latchford@btinternet.com

BIRCHINGTON PCSO Liddie Terry

NEIGHBOUR HOOD WATCH CO-ORDINATOR Tanya Clark

MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Richard Ashworth MEP 5 Hazelgrove Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 3PH Tel: 01444 474858 - UK office richardjames.ashworth @europarl.europa.eu

Janice Atkinson MEP 3 Walton Terrace, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 7QY Tel: 00 322 284 5537 janice.atkinson @europarl.europa.eu Catherine Bearder MEP Disraeli House, 27 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HU Tel: 01865 249838 – UK office catherine@bearder.eu Nirj Deva MEP 96 Vine Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0BE Tel: 01895 479463 – UK office office@nirjdeva.com Annaliese Dodds MEP 18 Nowell Road, Rose Hill, Oxford, OX4 4TA Tel: 00 322 284 5273 anneliesejdodds@gmail.com

Nigel Farage MEP The Old Grain Store, Church Lane, Lyminster, West Sussex, BN17 7QJ Tel: 01903 885573 – UK office nigel.farage@europarl.europa.eu Ray Finch M.E.P Tel: 00 322 284 5594 ray.finch@europarl.europa.eu

Daniel Hannan MEP P.O. Box 99, Hassocks, BN6 0DY Tel: 0032 2284 5137 – EU office daniel.hannan@europarl.europa.eu Diane James MEP Tel: 00 322 284 5541 diane.james@europarl.europa.eu Keith Taylor MEP Office of the Green MEPs, CAN Mezzanine, 49-51 East Road, London N1 6AH Tel: 020 7250 8415 keithtaylor@greenmeps.org.uk

Birchington Parish Council

COUNCIL

New Councillor

Marcel Pooke MBE, MSc, DpodM

Marcel is new to Birchington. A father to five daughters, he and his family have been living in Kent for the last four years.

A father to five daughters, one son and grandfather to four grandchildren, he finds they all contribute to his busy family life. In his retirement he has moved to Birchington-on-Sea. Marcel worked in Healthcare all of his professional life. Starting as a State Registered Podiatrist and rising to a NHS Executive Director of a Primary Care Trust.

Marcel was appointed the position of Professional advisor to the Dept of Health and Health Ministers.

In his final years of work Marcel became a Management Consultant; his work involved developing management strategies for organisations as well as introducing modern information technology to improve the efficiency of the services provided. Marcel states his proudest moment was in 2009, where he was awarded an MBE for his services to Health Care and Clinical Informatics.

Marcel now wants to use his knowledge and experiences to benefit the community.

He hopes to encompass the values of Birchington Parishioners; Leadership, Community, Compassion and action to protect and promote the interest of the Community we serve.

Birchington Parish Council

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COUNCIL

Birchington Parish Council Calendar of Meetings 2015/2016 2015

2016

NOVEMBER Tues 10 Mon 30

Ppp/planning Full Council

DECEMBER Tues 8 Mon 14

Ppp/planning Full Council

JANUARY

APRIL

FEBRUARY

MAY

Tues 12 Tues 19 Mon 25 Tues 9 Mon 29

MARCH Tues 8 Mon 28

Ppp/planning Finance Full Council Ppp/planning Full Council

Tues 12 Tues 19 Mon 25 Mon 16 Tues 10 Mon 23

Ppp/planning Finance Full Council Parish Assembly Ppp/planning Annual Meeting

Ppp/planning Full Council

Meeting Times • Full council meetings start at 1900hrs • Ppp meetings usually start at 1830hrs • Planning meetings usually start at 1930hrs • Finance meetings usually start at 1830hrs

• Please note that start times for ppp, planning and finance meetings have to occasionally be altered details can be found on the parish council notice boards • Parish assembly starts at 1900hrs • Annual meeting starts at 1900hrs

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Birchington Parish Council

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Birchington Parish Council

Birchington Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 28th November 4:30pm at Birchington Square Birchington has the privilege of welcoming a very special guest who wears red and white and his name is Santa Claus! He will be arriving in style at 1:30pm and touring the village before settling into his grotto at Birchington Baptist Church at 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

So, start the festive season with lots of things happening throughout Birchington High Street, from face painting, hair braiding, a bouncy castle and much more in our tented village at Dog Acre or join in with a choir or two and street entertainment between 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

Ending with the switching on of the Christmas lights at 4:30pm by Santa Claus, up at Birchington Square!

So come along and bring your festive cheer!

Remembrance Sunday

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to be traffic marshals on the day Sunday 8th November 10am - 12:30pm Please contact Steve Simonini on 01843 846856

The Rotary Club

of Westgate & Birchington We meet on Tuesday evenings, 6pm, at St Augustine’s, Westgate

Who are Rotarians and what do they do?

Men and women of all ages, sharing their time, energy and skills to help charities and good causes in the communities in which they live.

Our club enjoys excellent fellowship, participates in a wide variety of fund-raising projects, supports civic and community events, and holds many interesting and fun social activities.

For more information contact Christine Laming on 07876 592123 or take a look at our website to see what we do: www.wb-rotary.co.uk 14

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Thanet Neighbourhood Watch NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEETING

Important meeting to decide the future of Birchington Neighbourhood Watch Thursday 26th November, 11am at Birchington Parish Council Offices, 2 Albion Road Birchington CT7 9DN Your attendance can be vital to your safety and those around us and the environment in which we live. Please try and attend.

NEXT NEM (NEIGHBOURHOOD ENGAGEMENT MEETING)

Wednesday 11th November, 6.30pm at Garlinge Primary School, Westfield entrance.

Report from our Birchington KCC Community Warden Peter Willows

Financial Fraud Action UK are warning consumers to be even more alert for suspicious phone calls, texts and emails from fraudsters claiming to be from their bank, the police or utility or telecoms companies.

The warning follows a number of recently publicized high-profile data breaches.

Fraudsters use these as opportunities to make their attempts more credible, and play on the fears of their victims. The scam communications often claim that there has been fraud on a customer’s account and try to panic people into acting quickly to safeguard funds. The fraudster will then persuade their victim into divulging personal or financial information or even into transferring money directly into a so-

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Birchington Parish Council

called ‘safe account’. All consumers are reminded that banks or the police will never contact you asking for your on-line banking password or for you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.

Littering and flytipping has become an issue recently. I disposed of a black bag of plastic rubbish off the Minnis Road and members of the public have made reports to me. I have been in contact with Thanet Council where needed .

If you have witnessed illegal dumping and have information regarding the offender please contact Thanet District Council on 01843577115 or email streetscene. enforcement@thanet.gov.uk.

Peter Willows KCC Warden can be contacted on 07969583919 and PCSO Liddy Terry can be contacted via the Police 101 line. We are here to help.

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NEWS

Birchington Medical Centre The elected members currently working on your behalf (since June 2015) are: Vanessa Vajana (Chairperson) Roderick Milbourne (Cice Chairperson Peter wells (Secretary) Roger Walford (PPG elected member)

Birchington Medical Centre (BMC) Patient Participation Group (PPG) The PPG is made up of volunteer patients of the Birchington Medical Centre whose aim is to: • To represent the wider views of patients of the practice and to promote their general health and well being; • To ensure the achievements of national standards and safety as set out by the care quality commission; • To represent the views of patients in the decision making activities of the Thanet Clinical Commissioning Group and the east kent University Hospital Trust.

Margaret Coombs (Minute Secretary) Davina Walter (Minute Secretary) All patients of the BMC are invited to attend the meeting held at the BMC every other month. A list of future meeting dates is available on the notice board at the BMC and online at www.birchingtonmc.nhs.uk To be able to represent all age groups, the PPG is currently looking for volunteer patients aged between 17 and 55 who would like to take an active role in helping to: • Contribute to the continuous improvement of services and quality of care and • Foster improved communication between the practice and patients.

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Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

For further information, to provide suggestions, or to be kept up to date by email, please do not hesitate to contact the PPG at bmc.ppg@nhs.net.

Alternatively, you may post your suggestions in the box available in the surgery which is currently placed on the table with the magazines. The box is checked a couple of times a month.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the patients who took part in the patient survey in April 2015. The response was overwhelming! Please look out for further information which will be available at the BMC from the end of September.

We look forward to providing you regular updates over the coming year and we really look forward to hearing from you!

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Volunteers needed Remembrance Parade

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Volunteers are needed to be traffic marshals on Remembrance Sunday from 10am - 12.30pm on 8th November 2015.

If you would like to help, please contact Steve Simonini on 01843 846856.

The Parish of the Holy Family, Thanet Cannon David Caine has advised us that Our Lady and St Benedict has been merged with St Peter’s Westgate. See page 36 for services.

Birchington Parish Council

17

NEWS

Churchyard work Over the two days of Thursday and Friday 20th and 21st of September a group of volunteer Air Training Corps cadets and their officers and civilian staff from 438 Sqdn worked on tidying the entrance area from the Square and around the memorial both inside and outside the wall.

The grass was cut and tidied and several unwanted trees were removed with others being trimmed. the Rose Garden area was completely renovated and several graves were weeded and tidied thoroughly. We spent some of the churches money on weed retardant and gravel for the graves that we dug out with permission from Chris Gunn (Monuments) of the TDC. The TDC also, through Rowan Harris (Parks), gave us a great amount of help by providing tools for the work.

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Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

We were also fortunate to be given access to electricity by the new owner of the Powell Arms. The Church allowed the cadets to use the committee room for breaks and to leave their coats and lunches which was just as well as the Friday was exceptionally hot and we needed a few breaks from the sun.

The nine cadets worked very hard and are keen to return at a later date to do more - Whilst the adult support was perhaps expected, I feel that the voluntary basis of the work of a group of cadets aged between 14 and 18 is noteworthy. More often than not nowadays the comments we hear about ‘the youth of today’ are nearly always negative and therefore I feel that we should broadcast this type of occasion from the rooftops.

Ray Holland Project Organizer

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Birchington Parish Council

Person-Centred Care Care & Domestic Services

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01843 847567 07760 462732 19

NEWS

Interesting times at ‘the other BBC’ It’s easy to miss the double doors set back between Miles and Barr, and what used to be a shoe shop, but the building nestling behind them has been serving Birchington for over a century.

At the end of the 19th century, plans were drawn up for a new public hall for Birchington, which opened on April 2nd 1902 and with a ‘capital concert’. In 1910 the village embraced new technology, and the public hall cinema was started. Between 1918 and 1958 it had various names, closing in 1961 as ‘the Regal’. From then it had various uses – nightclubs and snooker hall, until in 2000 Cornerstone church took it on. When they closed in 2008, they generously handed it on to the Birchington Baptist church (BBC). You may know the Baptist church building in Crescent road, and we now use both premises, for church and other community activities.

We moved into the Station Road building on the 13th June 2010 having discovered the founders of the Baptist church had held their services there in 1923. This was as they made plans for the church in Crescent Rd. We had come full circle. As well as the key to our life as a church – worship services on a Sunday – we host a busy parent and toddler group, and meet some mornings for a cuppa and a chat – why not drop in? we’ve held afternoon teas, hosted pantomimes, films and events for the jubilee, as well as opening the doors during the turning on of the village lights at Christmas.

A few years ago some of our folk felt it right to explore the need for a food bank

in Birchington, we wondered if there would be a need, so resolved to run it and see, with an initial catchment of Birchington and Westgate. From a slow start, what we call ‘Storehouse’ has recently been helping individuals and families (from across Thanet), with up to thirty bags of food and provisions… every week. Everyone comes by referral from a group or agency (school, social worker, doctor etc.), and everyone’s situation is different. Some are short term, some longer, and we are happy to help where we can, as a practical expression of our Christian faith and the love of God. We are really grateful to local traders for helping us with a voucher scheme for meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. You can imagine that the stocks can dwindle quite fast, and we have no national government funding for this, just local donations. The generous support of local schools and churches, including our own Birchington churches, is greatly appreciated, and everything we can use, is used. If you think you could help, or indeed if we might be able to help you, please call our storehouse organiser, Maddie on 0790 8184618.

These last few years have been exciting, and though we are not sure what the future holds, we have some ideas! Birchington Baptist church will continue to do what its always tried to do, serve Birchington in the name of Jesus Christ. You would be very welcome to join us anytime, and you can find out a bit more at www.birchingtonbaptist,org Rev Bob Goode Minister at ‘BBC’

To advertise

please call Daniel on 01843 294187 20

Birchington Parish Council

NEWS

Queen of the ‘Castle’ Or Beresford fountain ‘tail-piece’ Ann Betts has shared a childhood photo with us. It’s that Beresford Gap fountain again, this time in 1948. I hope no-one presses the starter button while she is perched on it!

SCAM WARNING

With Christmas fast approaching, Royal Mail and the Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam…

A card is posted through the door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that they need to collect them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number).

If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will have already been billed £315 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail fraud 020 7239 6655.

There appears to be a raised section just behind Ann, which is no longer there – any suggestions for its purpose?

The carving on the rim looks very clearly defined and fairly new still. Our guess at an installation date of about 1930 seems fairly accurate.

I have checked the notes taken at the East Kent archives in about 2003, regarding our original parish council. This council was shut down by the orders of Margate Borough Council in 1935 when they swallowed us up into the expansion of their borough. We hoped to find a reference to the installing of the Beresford / Grenham bay fountain, but so far, nothing has come to notice.

Jennie Burgess

Birchington Parish Council

For more information, see the crime stoppers website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please be aware that the premium rate number may change but nevertheless please do not call any other number stated on the card from PDS. Please can you make all your family, friends and neighbours aware of this.

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Birchington Parish Council

All Saints Birchington

Open Church 10am-12noon every Saturday Why not visit Birchington’s oldest building?

As residents of Birchington, you will be aware of All Saints church which stands prominently next to the square in the centre of the village.

Rebuilt and enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries on the site of earlier churches dating back to Saxon times, this imposing example of church architecture has a striking tower to which a spire was added some time in the 15th century which is lit up at night. But have you ever been through the churchyard or into the building itself ? The church contains a number of interesting architectural features, the most memorable of which is the pair of windows in memory of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who died in Birchington in 1882. The left is a reproduction of one of his own paintings, while the right was designed by Frank Shields.

Inside there is a wealth of other features from every century since the church was built. You could start off in the Quex chapel, which was built by the owners of Quex Park in about 1250 and still remains in their ownership.

This contains interesting examples of busts, monuments and tombs from around 1350 onwards as well as fragments of a medieval wall painting which was only uncovered in

Birchington Parish Council

the 1960s. In the chancel there is a brass memorial to John Heynys, vicar of Monkton, Birchington and Woodchurch who asked to be buried here rather than in the mother church at Monkton. Outside is Rossetti’s grave, which stands just outside the south porch, and which was designed by his friend Ford Maddox Brown - although we claim him as our own in fact he only lived in the village for a few months before he passed away. Other graves include a smuggler, a Riding officer, two Excise men and three unknown sailors from WWI. Interestingly the exterior flint walls were refaced in 1863 which is why the church looks in such good condition So why not take a break from the shopping and pop into the church. All Saints church is open from 10am-12noon every Saturday morning (volunteers permitting) and parking is available in at Church House, Kent Gardens, Birchington, CT7 9RS. Entry is free and you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the history and architecture of this fascinating building and its surroundings.

See www.allsaintsbirchington.com for more info.

This article was based on booklets produced and edited by Jennie Burgess whom we thank for access to her material

23

SERVICES PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS

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24

Birchington Parish Council

Royal British Legion The Birchington Branch has continued to meet in the Seaview each month and since the last Parish magazine was issued there has been a period of much activity, with celebrations for VE Day, VJ Day and the Battle of Britain, our thoughts go back to all those who served during those dark days and made the ultimate sacrifice.

My thanks go to all those who played their part in organising the events and for all those who took part. I am grateful to the Parish Council for their support.

Our fund raising has continued through our regular Boot Fairs in the Church Hall , this event is increasingly popular and if you have any “bric-a-brac” or are clearing a house we are always looking for contributions, just contact one of our members we will collect items.

A special mention to the Air Cadets who have spent a number of days clearing and tidying up All Saints Cemetery under the organisation of Ray Holland well done and a big thank you.

The Flag Pole in the Square although a Parish Council responsibility needs to be replaced, this cannot be financed by the Royal British Legion, but could be financed by my KCC Community Grant, an offer I made at the last Parish Councils, I hope that we will see the replacement shortly I am as I have already stated prepared to help in its replacement.

If you are interested in the Royal British Legion, Please contact Mr Brian White our President or me.

Thank you.

Lt Col (Retd) Roger Latchford OBE Chairman Birchington Branch RBL

Birchington Parish Council

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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

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25

Westgate & Birchington

Need clear out?

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Golf Club

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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.

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

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26

Birchington Parish Council

Birchington~on~Sea Bowls Club Birchington Bowls Club has occupied a site in Beach Avenue since 1961. We are coming to the end of one of our most successful seasons with 3 of our members becoming County Champions.

Improvements to our buildings have started by fitting double glazing to keep us snug for our Winter activities: Quizzes, Bingo etc. We are hoping to obtain grants to extend the pavilion to provide more useable space.

We have recently lost two long-standing members of our club, our president Bert Hulford and Bill Furness, both of whom have spent many an extra hour or day doing maintenance for the benefit of the members.

Bert Hulford and his wife Marjorie enjoyed playing Bowls and attended all our events.

Bert I am told held most of the officer posts in his time with Birchington Bowls Club.

He introduced our winter Friday afternoon sessions and was our fist caller.

Bill Furness who enjoyed his bowling together with his partner Pat, until his health declined, held many posts in the club and was our Press Officer. This meant he was very active with his camera at our events and produced endless photos. Bill also attended our winter events including the Bingo, but was never still, he was a doodler on his bingo cards.

Both members will be greatly missed.

Nicholas Harris Interiors Ltd Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms

call for further information tel: 01843 844800

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www.n-harrisinteriors.co.uk St Nicholas Court, Court Road, St Nicholas at Wade CT7 0PT

27

J.G Finch

Plumbing & Heating Engineer 65 The Vale, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2DR Domestic Electrician | NICEIC Registered Fault finding | extra lights and sockets Re-wires | Consumer unit replacement

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Family run boarding kennels For dogs and cats

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Birchington Parish Council

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Birchington Parish Council

29

Birchington

Residents’ Association Birchington Residents’ Association’s enjoyed lovely weather for their last two outings of the season. In June, we visited Chiddingstone Castle near Edenbridge. The castle has had a fascinating history since Henry Streatfeild, the then Squire, turned a modest mansion into a fantasy castle in 1851. However, by 1955 it was in a very poor state and was bought by an avid collector who specialised in Ancient Egyptian antiquities, Japanese artefacts along with memorabilia of the Stuart and Jacobite period.

On his death in 1977, he left it to the nation and it is now run in his name by a charitable trust called the Denis Eyre Bower Trust after him. So there was plenty to see both within the castle with its various exhibitions and in the extensive landscaped grounds with its beautiful lake whilst others enjoyed a light lunch or tea in the tea room situated in the old buttery of the castle.

For our last outing, we drove to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum on the site of the Battle of Britain airfield at Hawkinge. We travelled along the Alkham Valley, stopping for lunch at Kearsney Abbey Gardens on the way. The excellent museum is run by a group of volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain it in pristine condition as well as restoring newly-acquired exhibits. With details of all the airmen who died during those months in 1940, it is almost too comprehensive and it was impossible to take it all in. Many members, however, were moved by the biographical details of the young men who had died. There are parts and full replicas of many World war Two aircraft, both English and German, mostly used in the film, The Battle of Britain.

For further information, please contact Pat Orpwood on 01843 847843

30

Birchington Parish Council

Then there are uniforms, weapons and items from daily life at the time. All in all it was amazingly comprehensive and well worth a visit. The residents enjoyed their cream tea and browsing in the well-stocked shop before some of them had their photograph taken in front of a replica Hurricane. It only remains now to begin the planning for our 2016 season.

We have already booked our Christmas Lunch at St Augustine’s for December 2nd.

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www.brukstreecarving.com Birchington Parish Council Council

31

NP Plastering &

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

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

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

01843 447123 or 07903 645787

Robinson Allfree Est. 1897

s

o

l

i

c

i

t

o

r

s

Robinson Allfree Solicitors offer legal services to individuals and businesses – family and children law, divorce, conveyancing, wills & probate and business matters.

Our services are: • Wills • Trusts and Probate • Family and Relationships • Property • Business

www.robinson-allfree.co.uk Expert Legal HELP on your doorstep Ramsgate Office 17 - 25 Cavendish Street Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9AL Tel: (01843) 592361 Email: ramsgate@robinson-allfree.co.uk

32

Broadstairs Office 142 High Street Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1JD Tel: (01843) 865261 Email: broadstairs@robinson-allfree.co.uk

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.

We also provide an excellent after care service for any query you may have.

Also available, a wide selection of nets, voiles, panels, tracks poles, home accessories, gifts and soft furnishings.

FREE MEASURING and ESTIMATING SERVICE FREE DELIVERY Open six days a week 9.00am to 4.30pm

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Telephone: 01843 847171

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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 Daniel on 01843 294187

TWIGGY’S TREE SURGERY

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

email twiggy.info@gmail.com

Drummond Hayes ProPerty Care Painting & Decorating 01843 844715 | 07798 697483 info@drummondhayespropertycare.co.uk

Birchington Parish Council

33

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.

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 34

Probus Club

The Men’s Probus Club of Birchington & District is an opportunity for retired men to meet up monthly for lunch and fellowship.

Membership is open to anyone who is retired and it costs a miserly £10 to join (plus lunches of course!). We meet at the Smugglers restaurant in Birchington on the last Thursday for a two course meal with coffee. We also hold coffee mornings and other functions, including a coach trip to a local attraction (last month we spent a very pleasant day at Chatham Historic Dockyard), to which partners and guests are invited. If you are interested in the possibility of joining our Club contact Secretary Dave Alker on 01843 845783 or dave.alker@btinternet.com

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, except June, July and August. All concerts start at 2.30pm with free admission. 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

BirchingtonCarpets Carpets | Vinyls | Laminates

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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Worship

COMMUNITY

Baptist Church

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

9.30am 9.30am

St Thomas, Minnis Bay

Sundays Sung Eucharist 11am Morning Prayer second Sunday 11am Weekdays Holy Communion Thursday 10am

Vicar: Rev. Don Witts 01843 841117 | 07749 201947 The Vicarage, 15 Minnis Road, Birchington CT7 9SE The Parish Office 01843 84077 Church House, Kent Gardens, Birchington CT7 9RS Open Monday-Friday 9.30 to 12.30 Parish Administrator: Sue Murphy

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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

St Mildred, Acol

Sunday Sung Eucharist first Sunday of the month Morning Worship third Sunday

(Two church buildings) Sundays 10.30am at Station Road 6.30 pm at Crescent Road

Cannon David Caine has advised the Birchington Parish Council that Our Lady and St Benedict has been merged with St Peters Westgate.

The Parish of the Holy Family - Thanet Birchington and Westgate Services Saturday 6pm Vigil Mass (for Sunday) at Birchington Sunday 9.15am Mass and Children’s Liturgy at Birchington Weekday mass daily (Except Thursday) 10am Sunday only 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 To arrange a home visit from one of the clergy or pastoral team, call Margaret 840878 or Sue 840777

Birchington Parish Council

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