Birchington Parish Council Magazine

News and events from your Parish Council

Birchington Parish Council COMMUNIT Y MAGAZINE

Spring 2016

Her Majesty The Queen 90th Birthday Celebration Street Party at Dog Acre Birchington-on Sea from 12pm on Sunday 12th June 2016

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Birchington Parish Council

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Twinned with La Chapelle d’Armentieres

Welcome to the June edition of the Birchington Parish Council magazine.

My name is Ray Holland and I am the new editor. I would like to take this opportunity to say hello and tell you a little about myself.

I left school in 1972 and joined the Royal Air Force.

I served for 12 years and was fortunate to travel the world during that time. I represented the RAF at various levels in both hockey and cricket during my service and like to think that I learned much about sportsmanship and sharing both tribulation and joy during those years.

On leaving the forces I became a school teacher and have accumulated experience working in Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools, finally finishing my career teaching the teachers and Teaching Assistants of the future at East Kent College.

I am now retired and helping to explore the possibilities of enjoying and improving life in our village. I am currently involved with The Royal British Legion, The Twinning Association, and am also helping with the Parish Council Website working group.

I am enamoured with the way that most people living in the village are willing to get involved in all sorts of things which is reflected by the plethora of associations and clubs within the village. I am equally impressed by the self-help and improvement groups we have such as the anti-litter pickers and the Patient Participation Group.

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several ways in which we can share information within our community. One of them is this magazine, which I see as something to run alongside the modern trait for electronic news.

I will endeavour to do my best to include all and any news that people wish to share for the benefit of the village residents and hope that you will continue to read it and let me know your views and to keep the supply of articles and contributions coming.

My e-mail is rayh1945@live.com and my phone number is 07432 503409.

Please do contact me if there is anything with which I may be of assistance or to have something included in the magazine. I cannot promise to use all submissions but will always be pleased to receive them.

Ray Holland

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

Please support local businesses and mention the magazine when responding to advertisers.

To advertise please call Daniel on 01843 294187

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.

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Birchington Parish Council

What a load of rubbish!

To litter or not to litter. We all have a choice. From a cigarette end, to full on fly tipping, it is all anti-social.

Or is it? It seems that some of us feel that we have a right to litter and that it is the local council’s job to pick it up. I have heard the view expressed that if the council don’t supply sufficient refuse bins then “they” deserve to have litter.

The end result is that “we” see the results of littering and if “we” don’t litter then “we” certainly don’t deserve it.

Thank goodness for those unsung heroes who litter pick. Some pick daily and some less often. Some pick “their” patch, others pick anywhere. Just one piece of litter put in a bin is one less piece of litter.

So, if you see a person litter picking, may I suggest that you respect the fact that they are providing a valuable public service. They are making your area a better place to be, they are also saving you money, because if the council had to provide that service then you would be required to pay more in council tax.

Our Parish Council and our Thanet Council have provided support for a local litter picking group.

If you would like to get involved in helping clean up Birchington, either as a “solo” picker or on an organised litter pick then please make contact for help with rubbish sacks, equipment, advice and support.

Birchington Anti-litter Group (BAG) (on Facebook Email bagbirchington@gmail.com Phone 07926045370 We also post on Streetlife

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Birchington Parish Council

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Letter from the Chairman 2016 is a momentous year with us celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday.

We raised the Union Jack and lit our Beacon in appreciation and celebration for Her Majesty on the 21st of April and felt united with all, doing the same throughout the UK. Our Beacon burnt vigorously in a very stiff and cold NE wind and we were grateful for the hot drinks provided by the Sea Scouts from their very smart tent. The Silver Band played with gusto despite the somewhat inclement conditions. The volunteer ambulance looked extremely smart; fortunately its use was not required, though it was comforting to have it there.

Our next celebration will be for the Queen’s Official birthday on Sunday, 12th. June which will be accompanied by a Street Party near Dog Acre from noon onwards.

On Saturday, 8 October we have our Model Railway exhibition which will be, as usual, packed with displays and mouth-watering goods for sale.

It is wonderful value for money and a family can visit for so little and yet see so much.

The Fountain at Beresford Gap has been nicely restored by BPC and is no longer used as rubbish bin.

BPC has been energetically lobbying TDC for a positive policy to restore the sea front shelters but so far our efforts are unsuccessful, as TDC has no financial resources to allocate for their restoration.

Some are in quite bad shape and sadly the present TDC policy is to pull them down and level the site. Nevertheless, there is considerable public interest and concern and there is a movement aimed at forming a working group to save them.

Time will tell.

The two red telephone boxes in The Square look most dilapidated and I nearly succeeded in purchasing them from BT. Alas my efforts were rejected at the last moment. We are now tasking BT with restoring them.

6

Hopefully our BPC new web site will soon be up and running, in a more user friendly form.

There are also plans for BPC to run basic training classes in PC use.

Our allotments prosper and are all fully subscribed. BPC has also cleared away a considerable amount of weeds and the scrub along parts of the boundary.

Birchington Neighbourhood Watch (BNHW) has now risen like the Phoenix from the ashes and at present, I am the interim Chairman with Pat Bavin Secretary and Roger Walford Treasurer.

We recently had a meeting with improved attendance augmented by the presence of our Community Warden Peter Willows and our PCSO Liddie Colman. Shortly 40 new NHW signs will be replacing the old dilapidated ones.

The next NEM meeting is Wed 1st June 6:30 pm at Christ Church Hall, Westgate Bay Ave CT8 8SN. With reduction in Police numbers, public participation in NHW and NEM becomes all the more important and vital for our safety and security.

Cllr Julie Francis is our longest serving councillor, having served for 30 years and was here at the inception of BPC. To celebrate, Julie purchased a magnificent Commonwealth flag that was flown recently on Commonwealth day. Thank you Julie for your kind donation and congratulations on your long, diligent service to the community.

Successful enterprise runs through the fabric of Birchington for our Residents Association is now in its 60th year and the Guild of Players is in its 80th year.

I must thank Ray Holland for taking over the role as Editor of the magazine. He is a gentleman of many parts. Ray is not a parish councillor, but a willing and adept volunteer and I wish him every success.

Finally, this is the last time I will be writing in this magazine as your Chairman.

It was always my intention and previously agreed with BPC, that I would serve only for the first year of the new council, so the time has come for me to thank those that have given me this honour to serve the Birchington Community and wish you well.

Cllr Dr Jack Cohen MGDS LDS RCS Eng Birchington Parish Council

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Council Contacts BIRCHINGTON PARISH COUNCILLORS Chairman: Dr. Jack Cohen 2 Leslie Rd CT7 9HG q 01843 847421 E jackbernardcohen@gmail.com Vice Chairman: Neville Husdson 76 Quex View Road CT7 0DY q 01843 841900 n 07860 172546 E neville@grovefloral.co.uk Vanda Alexander 335 Canterbury Road CT7 9TY E vanda.alexander1@gmail.com Marian Evans 15 Berkeley Road CT7 9JR q 01843 841198 Philip Fellows 27 Grenham Road CT7 9JH q 01843 842519 n 07970 388870 E philipfellows@aol.com

John Hill 15 Hereward Avenue CT7 9LY q 01843 845729 Marcel Pooke 29 Spencer Road CT7 9EZ n 07973 551227 E marcel.pooke@gmail.com Robert Wright 27 Queen Bertha’s Ave CT7 9BH n 07971 401620 E robo47@live.com Linda Wright 90 Canterbury Road CT7 9BB q 07825 338999 E lindaw1310@hotmail.com

Julie Francis 7 Kent Gardens CT7 9RS q 01843 841796)

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

THANET DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Suzanne Brim 4 Alma Cottages, Off Station Road, Birchington, CT7 9DG E cllr-suzanne.brim@thanet.gov.uk

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

Glenn Coleman-Cooke 23 Grenville Gardens Birchington, CT7 9LA E cllr-glenn.coleman-cooke @thanet.gov.uk Keith Coleman-Cooke 23 Grenville Gardens Birchington, CT7 9LA n 07980 599560 E cllr-keith.coleman-cooke @thanet.gov.uk Simon Day 121 Sea Road, Westgate –on- Sea, CT8 8QE q 01843 831155 E simonday@clara.co.uk Alan Howes 52 King Edward Rd, Birchington, CT7 0EG E cllr-alan.howes@thanet.gov.uk

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KENT COUNTY COUNCILLOR Roger Latchford OBE 10 Sea View Road, Birchington, CT7 9LB q 01843 846458 n 07796 176605 E roger.latchford@btinternet.com BIRCHINGTON PCSO Liddie Terry q 101 BIRCHINGTON KCC WARDEN Peter Willows n 07969 583919 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CO-ORDINATOR Tanya Clark

MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Richard Ashworth MEP 5 Hazelgrove Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 3PH q 01444 474858 - UK office E richardjames.ashworth @europarl.europa.eu Janice Atkinson MEP 3 Walton Terrace, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 7QY q 00 322 284 5537 E janice.atkinson @europarl.europa.eu Catherine Bearder MEP Disraeli House, 27 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HU q 01865 249838 – UK office E catherine@bearder.eu Nirj Deva MEP 96 Vine Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0BE q 01895 479463 – UK office E office@nirjdeva.com Annaliese Dodds MEP 18 Nowell Road, Rose Hill, Oxford, OX4 4TA q 00 322 284 5273 E anneliesejdodds@gmail.com Nigel Farage MEP The Old Grain Store, Church Lane, Lyminster, West Sussex, BN17 7QJ q 01903 885573 – UK office E nigel.farage@europarl.europa.eu Ray Finch M.E.P q 00 322 284 5594 E ray.finch@europarl.europa.eu Daniel Hannan MEP P.O. Box 99, Hassocks, BN6 0DY q 0032 2284 5137 – EU office E daniel.hannan@europarl.europa.eu Diane James MEP q 00 322 284 5541 E diane.james@europarl.europa.eu Keith Taylor MEP Office of the Green MEPs, CAN Mezzanine, 49-51 East Road, London N1 6AH q 020 7250 8415 E keithtaylor@greenmeps.org.uk

Birchington Parish Council

Kent County Councillor’s Report As Easter has come and gone and we are fast approaching the half way point of the year, one can wonder where that year has gone.

Politically it has been a very busy period following another savage cut in Government Grant to KCC. We have just managed to balance the budget, but at an increased cost to all residents as, on top of the Council Tax, the Government have put an extra 2% levy on care of the elderly.

Pot holes seem to be the major talking point and years of under investment now mean that our infrastructure is sorely in need of money being spent, another major financial burden for KCC. We now have an Election coming up in June, the Referendum on Europe; I sincerely hope that you will all take these opportunities to vote.

As my elected division is Birchington and the Villages, I am happy to help in any way I can and my contact details are in this magazine, so I would like to close by thanking you all for your support.

Roger Latchford OBE

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Birchington Parish Council

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All Saints Church Flower Festival All Saints Church Flower Festival will take place on June 25th from 10am to 5pm & Sunday 12noon to 4pm.

In Church House there will be an all-day craft fair.

Also in Church House, during the morning tea / coffee home-made cake will be served, at lunch time we will be offering a ploughman’s lunch & in the afternoon a Cream Tea will be available. All reasonably priced.

During the day in Church, there will be music at intervals, something for everyone to listen to.

Birchington Silver Band will be playing on the green at Church House from 11am – 12noon.

If you, your organisation or business would like to participate in sponsoring, or producing a flower arrangement please let us know. The theme is “Our Landscape”, think of the sea, farmland, gardens, Churches, or something connected to your organisation, it’s an open book.

Please come & visit this lovely Church, see the window dedicated to Rossetti & his grave just outside the Church door also, the interesting Quex Chapel. Contact re flowers is Maureen Hudson, 841900, Mob: 07802 804134, email Maureen@grovefloral.co.uk

All Saints Parish Invite you to Participate in our

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25th & 26th June in All Saints Church Birchington Includes musical events during the day To enquire please contact: M. Hudson Tel: 01843 841900, 07802 804134 email: maureen@grovefloral.co.uk

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Gravestones Last month TDC were carrying out stability checks on gravestones in All Saints Church, some concerns were raised by a few residents that policy and procedure with regards to the testing process was not being adhered to. I visited All Saints church where I met with officers and Reverend Witts who assured me that process was being followed to the letter. At the time of my visit they were half way through testing and out of three hundred stones and memorials they had staked nine that were in need of extra support and three had failed the test completely as they were structurally unsound and posed an imminent risk to the public. Many of the memorials and gravestones in the cemetery are hundreds of years old and one in particular is undergoing restoration due to its heritage value.

Unfortunately the press covered this in rather a negative light due to it, understandably, being such an emotive issue. However all works were carried out as sensitively as possible and within strict accordance to government policy.

Cllr Suzanne Brimm Cabinet member of Operational Services.

Zara’s thank you Following on from their capture of first place in the Thanet Tourism pride Awards 2014, Liz Baldry and Patsy Bowers of Zara’s community café in Station Road, Birchington would like to say a big thank you to the customers who voted again, allowing them to retain first place in the 2015 Awards. A very big well done to them all and, I am sure you will all agree, it is so nice to see our village being recognised.

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Calendar of events June 2016 12th - Queen’s Birthday Party Birchington Centre - 12pm 20th - Veteran’s Flag Raising, The Square - 10am September 2016 17/18th Air Ambulance Food and Craft Market Quex Estate October 2016 1st - 100th Anniversary Battle of Somme Twinning trip to Thiepval November 2016 8th - Model railway Exhibition 11th - Remembrance day in France 13th - Remembrance Sunday Birchington Square

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Birchington Parish Council

13

Birchington Bowls Club April 2016 ushered in the new Bowls Season at Beach Avenue. Saturday 16th saw the opening of the bowls green with 36 bowlers participating despite the rain and cold wind.

The next outing was the annual President -vsCaptain’s match on Saturday 23rd April and despite the bad weather conditions, the match got underway. It was played in a friendly but spirited fashion with plenty of banter. The match was won by the Club Captains team in a closely fought contest 86 – 83.

The first friendly match of the season on 24th April is at home against Walpole Bay BC who always provide stiff but friendly opposition with a return fixture some four days later; let’s hope the weather is a bit better than when we started the season.

Matches then arrive thick and fast in May with the start of our defence of the Catherine Wheeler

Westgate & Birchington Golf Club 176 Canterbury Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent CT8 8LT

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Trophy which we won last year. Our first league match in this competition is at home on 4th against Boughton under Blean BC, followed three days later with a visit to Ramsgate BC for our second league match.

For those who are new to the area or looking for something different to do in retirement we are holding an Open Session on Saturday 14th May (09.30 – 12.30) for anyone, Ladies, Gents, Young or Old, of any level of ability, who would like to ‘have a go’. There will be a number of club members available to give words of encouragement and to answer any questions you might have. We are still looking for members both playing and social. Not only that tea, coffee, cakes and snacks plus a Brica-Brac stall in aid of the Pilgrims Hospice.

If you would prefer a little more action, then Tennis may be what you are looking for to get the heart pumping. We have a number of members who play regularly. There are two tennis courts which have been swept clear of loose gravel and debris with lines repainted and are now ready to be played on.

It is also being considered that the tennis courts area may be used/hired for other activities/events such as Table Top Sales, Save the Scouts activity day etc, however arrangements and dates have yet to be decided. Look out for further details or if you have an idea for an event contact us on the number below.

For those who wish to join either the Bowls or Tennis sections please obtain an Application Form from either the Club Secretary (Carol Fisher – 01843 842507) or just pop in to the club house and pick one up.

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

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Birchington Parish Council

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Raising the Commonwealth Flag in Birchington Members of Birchington Parish Council and Thanet District Council, representatives of local organisations, Birchington Primary School and King Ethelbert School, as well as members of the public all stood in Birchington Square on a crisp March morning for the raising of the Commonwealth Flag.

This is the third year that Commonwealth Day on March 14th has been celebrated by the raising of flags throughout the Commonwealth. It was expected that over 800 flags would be raised throughout the world at 10 am local time.

The Birchington flag was presented to the village

by Councillor Julie Francis who has served on Birchington Parish Council throughout its thirty years history. She organised the event and met the children taking part before the ceremony. She chose Paul Webster from Birchington, who is an active member of the Jubilee Sailing Club as well as being very involved with All Saints Church and a Governor of Birchington Primary School, to raise the flag on behalf of the village. Paul was assisted

by John Lewis who is responsible for raising the union flag on many civic occasions.

Commonwealth Affirmation, which emphasised the importance of The Commonwealth as a worldwide community where all members are valued equally, was then read out. The raising of the flag symbolises the ties of affinity and kinship which are shared by us all. The flag was then dedicated by the Vicar, the Reverend Don Witts.

Councillor Neville Hudson, Vice-Chairman of Birchington Parish Council, welcomed those attending and led the events. The

Following the event, Councillor Hudson invited all those present to the Church House for refreshments.

16

Birchington Parish Council

Royal British Legion Birchington Branch Following last year’s excellent result for the Poppy Appeal we are now working hard towards this year’s appeal and to that end we had a Fayre in Church house in April which raised a little over £500, we would like to thank all those who attended and supported us.

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We have a busy year’s programme ahead of us and apart from RBL events we will be supporting village organisations and the Parish Council at the Queen’s birthday event in the village.

As space in this edition is limited I will close with the sad news that Mr. Bert Slaughter has died aged 94. ‘Bert’ was a founder member of our Branch and president, he had a distinguished service record where he took part in Commando raids in Reykjavik winning medals for bravery. He was wounded in both legs with shrapnel which remained with him for life. After a lifetime of Service he will be long remembered.

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Birchington Parish Council

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Pedal Cycles Reduce the risk of theft • Security-mark your bike, making sure the mark is clearly visible and cannot be easily removed.

Consider forensically marking removable parts.

• Forensic solutions are invisible to the naked eye but contain a unique forensic code (ie a fingerprint) that remains on the marked item, clothes or skin, making it easier to trace stolen goods or offenders to specific crimes or locations.

• Record serial numbers and keep them somewhere safe.

• Photograph your bike - and remember to take new pictures if you add new colours or change accessories.

• Register your bike on a property database such as www.immobilise.com or www.bikeregister.com so police can return it to you if it is found.

• Get covered. Consider adding a standard bicycle to your home insurance or purchase separate insurance for higher specification bikes.

• Always buy bikes and accessories from legitimate suppliers. If you are approached about buying a bike and the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Out and about • Make sure you secure your bicycle, even if you only leave it for a few moments. Secure it by locking it to an immovable object and take any valuables with you.

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18

• Invest in a good lock. Using two made from different materials often deters thieves, as they will need to use different methods to cut through them.

• Using your locks, secure both wheels (if removable) and the frame to an immovable object, making sure the lock is off the floor so it cannot be smashed, and facing downwards to make it harder to pick.

• Make sure the immovable object does its job, for example a proper bike rack, ground anchor or street furniture. Remember that thieves can lift bikes off signposts and remove drainpipes easily.

• Choose carefully where you store your bike, making sure it is well-lit and in view of passers-by.

• Once you’ve secured your bike, remove any valuable accessories that could be stolen without the need for tools.

As the Birchington Community Warden I have been a high visibility presence in the village reporting abandoned cars where needed. I gave a presentation on scams to the NHW group at the Parish Offices. I still have a quantity of NHW ‘our watch’ booklets if anyone would like one which are full of home safety tips and ideas. I also still have some new ‘no cold caller stickers’ for your window or door so let me know if you want one including if you wish to set up a Neighbourhood Watch in your street.

Peter Willows Birchington KCC Warden can be contacted on 07969 583919 and PCSO Liddie Coleman via the Police 101 line.

We are here to help.

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Birchington Parish Council

Website Questionnaire Birchington Parish Council is redeveloping the BPC village website and we would like to invite you to register your interest in becoming a member of our website community.

The new website will be a portal into the Birchington community; accessible to visitors, local community, local organisations and commercial businesses. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved.

What can the website offer you?

• Unique access to the Birchington Website homepage, outlining BPC’s Activities, Responsibilities and Business

Birchington Parish Council, Community Website Project. Complete the form below to register your interest in becoming a member of the on-line community.

Name ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� Position in Organisation ����������������������������������������� Organisation ���������������������������������������������������������������� Email ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Telephone ���������������������������������������������������������������������

• Activities and events pages

Do you live (please tick)

• The website will be a network for the local community which will also provide nationwide exposure.

~ in Birchington ~ outside village Are you (please tick)

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Birchington Parish Council

SERVICING • RISE & RECLINERS • DAILY LIVING AIDS

STAIRLIFTS • WALKERS • SCOOTERS • WHEELCHAIRS

~ Individual ~ Community Organisation ~ Commercial Business Ideally an email to Project organiser, Cllr Marcel Pooke MBE would be the most efficient way to register, your interest. marcel.pooke@gmail.com . or you can send the form to : Birchington Parish Council, Offices. 2 Albion Road.

Birchington CT79DN.

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Minnis Community Hub Minnis Community Hub offers much more than just a Day Service for older people, there is a wide range of facilities and activities for you to enjoy.

You can find us at: 19 Minnis Road, Birchington, Kent, CT& 9SF Tel: 01843 844561 Minnis Community Hub offers a range of services to support, inform, advise and inspire older people in the Birchington area. We believe that age should be valued. We aim to promote health and wellbeing at work to make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Rotary Club President David visited the Bay United Reformed Church recently to present a cheque for £250 to the Reverend George Kalu. The central heating boiler at the church needed to be replaced and the Rotary Club was pleased to approve a grant to assist with the cost of the new boiler.

The Church and Halls are used by a number of community groups and the Rotary Club is keen to support local groups and charities. Local organisations are encouraged to approach the Rotary Club if they are planning a project which the Club could consider supporting financially.

For further information about the Rotary Club and contact details please visit our website: www. wb-rotary.co.uk

Our services include: • Personalised activities, group session and themed days • Information and advice zone • Therapy & Wellbeing Services for both men and women – including hairdressing, chiropody etc • Bathing service • Two course homemade lunch • Fully accessible kitchen • Refreshments throughout the day • Take away ‘supper boxes’ • On-site shop selling dry produce, sweets, snacks Minnis Community Hub is a KCC service which is open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm If you want to visit or want to discuss activities please contact the Team Leader on: Telephone number 01843 844561 Transport - we do not provide transport but can support you to organise appropriate transport

Coffee morning Come and join us for coffee and a cake – start at 10:30am on 21st June, 19th July, 16th August,20th September, 18th October, 15th November – 20th December is the Christmas Event

Summer Fayre Come and join us on Saturday 30th July 12:00 till 4:00 for table-top sale, cake stall BBQ, Raffle, & much more 20

Birchington Parish Council

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

Nicholas Harris Interiors Ltd Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms

call for further information tel: 01843 844800

Extensive showroom at St Nicholas at Wade Birchington Parish Council

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

21

G GoreBrothers Ltd

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Property, Grounds & Garden Maintenance Home visits, 24 hour personal attention Domestic & Commercial and pre-paid funeral plans

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Birchington Parish Council

The Birchington Medical Centre Patient Participation Group (BMC PPG) The BMC PPG is open to all registered patients and carers of registered patients. The group is non-political and non-sectarian, and will at all times respect diversity.

The main aim of the group is to facilitate good relations between the GP practice and patients and to work collaboratively and positively with the practice to improve services/patient experience.

may be an issue for working people and we are willing to setting up a virtual PPG that would run in parallel to the face-to-face group. Members of the virtual group would be kept informed via email and will be asked to express their views on specific topics.

Interested in getting involved either virtually or face to face?

Our email address is: bmc.ppg@nhs.net if you don’t have access to the internet you will find a form you can fill in in the PPG area at the surgery (by the lifts). Once you complete your details pop it into the comments box, the box is checked twice a month.

Would you like the PPG to work on a topic of patient interest or have a suggestion for the PPG?

During the year running from May 2015 to May 2016, the PPG has been extremely active. Work covered has included:

Please contact us via email or via the comments box (as above).

1 Analysing the data of the Patient Survey (April 2015) – the results were published at the surgery in September 2015. The data was also presented and discussed with the senior partners at the BMC in August 2015.

Should you have a specific complaint about your care please remember that your first point of contact is the surgery practice manager Hannah Price. Hannah Price can be contacted at the surgery or via email: birchingtonmcpm@nhs.net

2 Working with the BMC to improve the level of service by communicating patient experiences and providing feedback.

We look forward to hearing from all of you!

3 Reviewing historical PPG documentation and updating this as necessary.

4 Raising the PPG profile: a. online (Facebook and Streetlife), BMC website and via the BPC magazine

Individual complaints

Vanessa Vajana Chair on behalf of the PPG (April 2016)

To advertise please call Daniel on 01843 294187

b. engaging with outside groups such as the CCG, Ageless Thanet and Health Watch Kent 5 Engaging with new members.

Representing Birchington residents of all walks of life and ages To be able to represent Birchington’s diverse population the group is particularly interested in engaging with patients and or carers of registered patients between the ages of 18 and 55.

We understand that perhaps meeting attendance Birchington Parish Council

23

Granddaughter of Queen Victoria in Birchington Birchington has an interesting connection with an ancestor of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip. Queen Sophia of Greece came to stay in Birchington during the mid-1920s, when her youngest daughter Katherine was at school in Broadstairs. Queen Sophie was one of Queen Victoria’s 5 granddaughters, who all became Queens in Europe. As both our Queen and her husband are great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria, they are both related to Queen Sophie, who married King Constantine of Greece.

We were made aware of this connection when a book by Julia Gelardi was published entitled “Born to Rule”, in which the author spoke of her friendship with the Rev Royston Cole of Birchington. She went on to quote from some

of the Queen’s letters to the Rev Cole, which are now held in the University of Cambridge. In our research to uncover the full story of this local connection, we discovered that the Rev. R Cole’s younger son, was able to answer some of our queries. The Curate had kept all the Queen’s letters, but we were unable to trace any of his replies to her correspondence, though her replies gave us some very clear clues about his answers to her questions.

We have discovered that Queen Sophie stayed in the Beresford Hotel to begin with, but latterly she lodged with two elderly sisters who lived in a large Victorian villa in Station Road, now the site of ‘Tan ‘n Go’.

Sadly, the nearest our own Queen has come to Birchington is Margate – but you never know – miracles do happen.

NB. There is a booklet on this story in the Birchington Heritage Museum, entitled “The Curate & the Queen” with many more details of this interesting story.

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Birchington Parish Council

Sharing the bells with the Queen!

Since 2013, when Jennie Burgess, the local Archivist for the Parish Church and the Birchington Heritage Trust, was honoured by the Parish Council with the Freedom of Birchington, she has been ‘serenaded’ with a quarter-peal of bells from our Parish Church bell-ringers on her birthday each year. This year, however, to honour Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday, there is to be a special peel for her, so Jennie (tongue in cheek) has suggested that she would not mind sharing in the Queen’s honour! The dates of their two Birthday celebrations are very close together anyway.

In reality, the Ringers are planning to ring three peals – one for Jennie, one for Her Majesty and one for them both – what a “feast of bells” we have to look forward to!

The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie

Alfresco dining , stunning views of Minnis Bay, freshly brewed coffee & teas, locally sourced freshly prepared food, great selection of local ales, international lagers, wines and of course Ice cream!

The Parade, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9QP T: 01843 841844 - E: minnisbay@shepherd-neame.co.uk - W: www.theminnis.co.uk Birchington Parish Council

25

Our villag The members of the Birchington Heritage Trust and its Museum are constantly amazed at how much information about the history of the village flows in to us.

It comes from many sources. We recently had a visit from Dave Piggott from Tonbridge, who spent part of his childhood in the Spurgeon’s Homes in Birchington. He came to see if we could help with any photos or information, which we readily supplied, but he also shared his own memories with us. He also has a passion for the history of cycles – and by a coincidence, we had the first manufacturer of cycles specially designed for ladies, here in Birchington, trading under the name of ‘Seabreeze Cycles’. The factory still stands – now converted into Christies Wine Bar. So we were able to share this with him. He also told us he gives talks on his cycle interest, so we now have another topic for our members’ meetings.

Talking of cycles, on a visit to Dumfries in Scotland, I came across a small cycle Museum which claimed to have two examples of the earliest men’s cycles – no pedals or chains! The curator was most interested in our connection with the lady’s version.

Some of the information we receive comes via the granddaughter of our original Parish Archivist, Alfred Walker. As she comes across items from Alfred’s research, she kindly sends them to us. In a batch a little while ago, we read of a hole chiselled in a pillar in All Saints Church, made for the end of a large

26

Birchington Parish Council

ge ‘jigsaw’ beam that was to have supported an upper floor in a new tower, planned in 1343. The tower was begun, but not completed, because the village was ‘visited’ by the Black Death in 1348. The hole is still there, but none of us had ever noticed it!

Local people quite often remember something their parents or relatives told them in the distant past – or discover long forgotten photos when they come to sort out items after a bereavement.

These are so important in putting together our community’s story.

A visit to Quex Park a while ago brought a surprise - or two. On that occasion I was shown two portraits in Christopher Powell-Cotton’s office. He told me they were of Richard Busbridge and Gilbert Stringer. Both men have large gravestones at the east end of the churchyard. Gilbert Stringer’s gives fascinating details of his life. On his stone it states that he was Parish Officer for 37 years and at the same time he was Treasurer to the Workhouse (30 years) and Master of the Charity School (33 years) – a very busy man!

Richard Busbridge was not quite as active, but as Parish Clerk for 30 years, he gave great service to his fellow villagers. The portraits of these two stalwarts of our community suddenly make these men come alive.

So please keep sharing your treasures with us – each item adds another piece to the ‘jigsaw’ of our village’s story.

Birchington Parish Council

27

Birchington Residents’ Association Birchington Residents’ Association is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year and the latest edition of our magazine was a bumper Jubilee Issue. We began its programme of outings last Wednesday with its usual Mystery Tour. The route took us through Wingham and along a country route to Folkestone and Hythe ending up at Lathe Barn, Burmarsh on the Romney Marshes. On the way we were able to enjoy some early blossoms and this year’s abundant bluebells in the woodlands we passed.

We last visited Lathe Barn nearly ten years ago and the café has been extended and modernised since then. Their cream tea, however, was as good as we remembered it to be from our previous visit. After tea, we enjoyed looking round the small shops lining the courtyard and wandering round the small farm with its pigs, sheep chicken and goats. We were delighted that our 32 seater coach was completely full and everyone enjoyed the day. Our next visit, which is filling up well, is on May 18th and is a full-day trip to Greenwich.

This is followed on June 15th with an afternoon trip to Wings and the Scramble Experience

28

on June 15th and finally on July 20th, we are making a return trip to The Salutation Gardens at Sandwich, where we hope to have a guided tour. For further information, please phone Pat Orpwood on 847843.

Ex-pop star and Birchington resident, Tony Rocco gave a fascinating, illustrated talk in March, describing his harrowing experiences living under Japanese occupation on Borneo during the Second World War, followed by his success as a pop star in the 1960s. Events planned for this year include our afternoon tea at The Centre on June 12th where we are joined by Blend to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday. This is a ticket-only event and to reserve a place, phone Maureen on 841900. In July, we shall have our Strawberry Tea, but we are leaving our Jubilee celebrations until October when there is not too much on. Our Coffee Mornings on the second Wednesday of each month continue to be well-attended with over fifty members most months.

We acquired quite a few new members last year and we are pleased that many of them have renewed this year, taking us to over 500 members. Our membership Secretary, Trevor, is always happy to answer any questions about membership on 845807.

Pat Orpwood 847843

Birchington Parish Council

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29

Birchington Twinning Association Brief resume of recent events & functions September 2015 ‘Seaside Day ‘ and BBQ at Minnis Bay On a lovely day (sandwiched between some nasty wind and rain) we welcomed 55 guests from our twin town of La Chapelle d’Armentieres in northern France for this event at Minnis Bay. With various stalls to visit: a volleyball ‘challenge’ in the dip: a chance to ride bikes and chariots around the bay: the ebbing tide welcoming a stroll on the beach and allowing sandcastle making for the children, as well as the opportunity to explore the village, there was plenty for the French to do. All this in addition to the wonderful up-market ‘BBQ Plus’ provided by the Curiously Kentish caterers of Minnis Bay who served the food whilst the lively Bay Jazz Band entertained.

The whole day was designed to give the French - from landlocked La Chapelle – the chance to experience a ‘typical summer’s day at the English seaside‘ and the opportunity to meet with the residents of Birchington in a relaxed and convivial setting. Feedback from France was very positive and encouraging.

Special thanks to the Air Scouts for their day-long stewarding and invaluable ongoing site tidying and final ground clearance. Also to (now Parish councillor) Phil Fellows for his manhandling of furniture and over 20 bales of straw.

Our thanks go to the BPC for their financial assistance.

December 2015 Quiz Night at Church House A very successful evening in a full Church House.

Despite having to use grey matter, a lot of fun was had by all. The winners were The Humpty Dumpties. As a bonus attraction, interval entertainment was provided by the BLEND singing group.

30

Thanks to Ray Holland for being both question master and question setter. The next Quiz will be on June 4th, again at Church house.

December 2015 Trip to La Chapelle and Lille Coach trip arranged for existing ‘twinners’ and to give residents who had previously never visited La Chapelle a chance to see the town - with a special guided tour of the recently built Mandela Cultural Centre . A stunning complex designed to accommodate events such as musical recitals, drama productions, variety shows etc. Following a welcome drink on delayed arrival, we were shown all facets including well equipped performers’ dressing rooms and the outstanding concert hall itself.

The banks of over 230 beautifully upholstered fold down – fold up seats were very impressive.

We then moved on to a restaurant – in fact a very well appointed ‘canteen’- for what turned out to be a very good, if a little rushed, 3 course lunch with wine (pretty good for 15 euros!)

Onward then to Lille to visit the spectacular Christmas Market for some sightseeing and shopping. Unfortunately, again due to the adverse weather in the channel that day, arrival in France had been delayed and time in Lille had consequently to be foreshortened in order to get the boat we were booked on. However, that sailing home was also delayed but due to the stoicism of Birchington people, we still managed to have fun on the journey.

Why not join now and be part of the twinning association Only £2 a year subscription to cover regular newsletters and to get members discounted rates on the cost of trips and events Or join the 200 club for £10 a year –automatic subscription included – and be entered in 8 monthly draws with a bumper draw in december.

For more details please contact Membership Secretary Mrs Carla Latchford at roger.Latchford@btinternet.com

Birchington Parish Council

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Birchington Parish Council

31

Volunteers Fair Interested in how to be a horse whisperer or an emergency responder? What about visiting an isolated older person, helping children to read or taking part in a festival?

Thanet Volunteer Bureau invites you to a Volunteers Fair at Dreamland Margate on Tuesday June 7th - part of the national Volunteers’ Week celebrations.

Have a peek behind the scenes at this iconic venue, find out what’s going on in Thanet and speak directly to more than 60 Thanet organisations recruiting volunteers in everything from health and social care, criminal justice and advice and advocacy to culture, leisure, working with animals, children, disabilities, the environment, computers, foodbanks and much more.

Use existing skills, learn new ones, try new things, fill gaps in your CV, gain valuable work experience and qualifications or simply do something positive with your time, boost your confidence and meet new people – volunteering can bring lots of benefits.

There are opportunities for everyone. 87-yearold volunteer befriender Jeanne Webster, from Birchington, was matched by Royal Voluntary Service with a 95-year-old for telephone befriending as she finds it difficult to leave her house. She says: “The lady I telephone is bright as a button and we have a lot in common. We

talk about politics and set the world to rights.

Volunteering makes me feel like I’m giving something and not just taking.”

And it was when she suffered bereavement that fellow befriender Lyn Davies turned to volunteering to give her life some meaning. She said: “Befriending is not a job and it’s not a chore, I think it’s a blessing. I would encourage more people to give it a go. It can bring lonely people together and brighten their lives.”

Talk to people from organisations such as Thanet Citizens Advice, Isle of Thanet RSPCA, Citizens’ Rights for Older People, Age UK, Pie Factory Music, Looping the Loop Festival, The British Red Cross, Kent Police, Oasis Domestic Abuse, Victim Support, Motiv8 Sports, Rethink, Adult Education, Beanstalk, Girl Guides, National Citizens Service, HomeStart, People United, Kent Refugee Action Network, Town Teams, and many, many more.

Entry is FREE, there’s FREE giant raffle with everything from chocolates and wine to free tickets as prizes. There are refreshments, stalls and activities to try. The roller-disco, cafe and arcade machines will be open at Dreamland for you to enjoy.* Thanet Volunteers Fair on Tuesday, June 7th, is open from 11am-2pm and is free.

Watch out for posters and flyers to be distributed to a place near you soon or visit www.thanetvolunteersbureau.co.uk to find out more.

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Birchington Parish Council

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Birchington Parish Council

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Clubs & Groups Regular meetings at The Centre Check dates and times for changes.

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

Birchington 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. Membership £7 per year.

Birchington Residents’ Association Coffee morning on the second Wednesday each month - 10.30am.

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.

A ble Computer Solutions

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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 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 Twinning Association Third Tues evening each month at 7pm Birchington Village Centre Association Club for the over 60s. 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

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Birchington Horticultural Society Second Wednesday afternoon in January and February – 2.30pm Second Wednesday evening in March, June, July, Oct, Nov, Dec – 7.30pm

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Birchington Parish Council

BIRCHINGTON PAVING drives · paths · patios fencing · BricKWorK drainage · groundWorK

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Churches

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

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

Methodist Church Canterbury Road, opposite The Smugglers Restaurant Sundays 11am Songs of Praise 6.30pm on 21st June Sue Dalgliesh 01843 847312

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

St Thomas, Minnis Bay

Sundays Sung Eucharist Morning Prayer second Sunday

Bob Goode 01843 845400

11am 11am

Weekdays Holy Communion Thursday 10am

Weekday mass daily (Except Thursday) 10am Sunday only Canon David Caine 01843 841549

The Bay URC 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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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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Birchington Parish Council

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

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Birchington Parish Council

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