Frindsbury Extra Parish Council Magazine, Spring 2016

Spring 2016

communitymagazine

News and events from your Parish Council

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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

Peter’s Decking is always the right choice Peter’s Decking of Medway…more than a decking company u Handrail extensions

Welcome to the eighth edition of the Frindsbury Extra Parish Council Magazine, with its many articles and information which we hope you will find interesting.

This is your Community magazine and we would love to hear your views and thoughts on any issue relating to Frindsbury Extra Parish Community and its residents, past, present and future.

Please send all contributions to Roxana Brammer, via email to clerk@frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk or call 01474 874343.

PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

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

Please mention Frindsbury Extra Parish Magazine when responding to advertisers

To advertise please call Lucy on 01843 292658

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 Frindsbury Extra 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 Frindsbury Extra 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.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

u Decking extensions

u Creating and designing timber

decking for all the family

u Decking repairs and painting u Pergolas u Trellising

Family anD CHilD FrienDly ProDuCT

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NO CHIMNEY? NO PROBLEM! Traditional and contemporary designs Multifuel and woodburning stoves All types of chimney liners installed Prepacked coal and logs Chimney Sweep Service

over 70 stoves on display

Full installation Free surveys 43 Skinner Street Gillingham Kent ME7 1LG

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Council Contacts Please make contact via the Clerk Roxana Brammer 01474 874343 clerk@frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk or roxana@madasafish.com

Parish Brief Your Councillors in action

Over the past year, we have been called upon to represent you in various ways.

Chairman David Coomber Vice-chairman Geoffrey Moore Medway Councillor for Strood Rural Peter Hicks Trevor Archer | Val Archer Gary Etheridge | Peter Hicks Peter Martin | Ope Onimole Chris Buckwell | Fatima Mitchell Chris Sparks | John Williams Medway Council Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR Tel: 01634 306000 Fax: 01634 333188 Minicom: 01634 333111 TextRelay 18001 01634 333333 Email info@medway.gov.uk Web www.medway.gov.uk Frindsbury Extra Website www.frindsburyextra-pc.gov.uk The webmaster is Clive Stanley, Clive Stanley Associates, 29 Oak Drive, Higham ME3 7BD 01474 822676 stanley.clive@gmail.com

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We’ve put forward your views and objections to various planning proposals, ensured that the road safety team have investigated your concerns and reports on speeding drivers and those guilty of inconsiderate parking. In addition, we are currently installing a new pedestrian refuge crossing in Hollywood Lane. For those of you whose children attend Wainscott Primary School, you will have noticed the new road layout, pavement installation and general improvement, allowing your children to get into school more safely.

We have also recently had meetings with the Highways Department and the newly appointed Project Manager for the proposed new improvement road scheme from the Medway Tunnel, up to Four Elms Hill. It is well known that Medway City Estate has become a victim of its own success. The traffic generated by both those trying to leave the estate in the evening, combined with other

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE commuters coming through the tunnel have let to frustration and delays. Once more detailed plans are available, local residents and business communities will have the opportunity to view the scheme prior to the submission of the Planning Application. This scheme will ensure the continued success of the City Estate and we can continue to see not only the existing businesses grow, but welcome new business like BATTLE SECTOR X, a new leisure facility that will be up and running by Easter of this year.

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SALMON WINDOWS INSTALLERS OF QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR 30 YEARS Conservatories designed and built Upgrades to existing roofs Misted units replaced

Energy efficient ‘A’ rated uPVC windows & doors

uPVC soffit, fascia & guttering replacement

Family run independent company For advice and a very competitive quote call

01634 363881 Registered Company

www.salmonwindows.co.uk Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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Step and Learn Charity Step and Learn offers free Conductive Education sessions for children with Cerebral Palsy and associated motor difficulties, from birth to 11 years.

Our aim, like Andras Peto, the Hungarian founder of Conductive Education, is to view the child holistically, believing in the theory that motor disabled children learn in the same way as their peers. We teach our children how to control their physical movements, educating and motivating them through play to become active participants throughout their daily lives.

The ‘education’ in Conductive Education

stretches out to include every aspect of a child’s life, such as communication skills, motor skills, self-help skills and every aspect of a child’s development, which in turn helps our children to become as independent as possible.

Who might benefit?

Step and Learn’s educational programme can meet the needs of children with:

• Cerebral Palsy or other motor disorders • Global Developmental Delay

• Genetic disorders resulting in motor impairment • Motor impairment that results from head injury

Our groups are age and ability based.

Step and Learn is open Tuesdays to Fridays for pre-school children 0-5 years. Children attend with their parent or carer for sessions that last for one hour, once or twice a week.

The sessions are led by a Conductor – a specially trained teacher in the principles 6

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

of Conductive Education. Throughout our sessions the parents / carers gain a greater understanding of developmental delay and how it affects their child and learn how they can also help their child to reach their goals.

On Saturdays we hold sessions for school aged children. The groups are age and ability based with sessions lasting between one to two and a half hours.

To attend our sessions at Step and Learn please contact our team on 01634 787951 to book an assessment which will enable the team to determine the appropriate programmes needed to help your child to reach their full potential.

Learn

to

Swim

SMALL CLASS SIZES

Small group and private lessons for all ages and abilities starting from 4 months.

Our classes are conducted at a range of modern Private well-equipped pools

nwkent@angelasswimschool.co.uk

07432 530104 Medway Towns Cobham Hall Longfield Istead Rise Gravesend

angelasswimschool.co.uk

Support us

Step and Learn supports children from all over Kent and Medway and we rely on donations and fundraising events to allow us to offer free sessions for our children. Go to www.stepandlearn.org to find out about our regular Quiz nights, Rock ‘n’ Roll tribute nights and many more. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Fundraising Team on 01634 787951 or send an email to us to info@stepandlearn. org. Please help us to continue to transform these children’s lives.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

A fusion of functionality, good taste and style…

We have been providing homes across the Hoo Peninsular with bespoke kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms for over 30 years. We take care of the whole process - from creating a design that you will love, to all the preparation and building work, electrics, plumbing, tiling and fitting. We pride ourselves on our quality workmanship and exceptional attention to detail.

Call us for a free design consultation on 01634 222 327 or 07889 028 889, or email us at info@beautifulkitchens.co.uk

www.beautifulkitchens.co.uk 7

Put the freeze on winter fires

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is reminding people to heat their homes safely following a fire in a caravan in Canal Road, Strood on 3rd February.

Two fire engines were sent to the property at 2.45am arriving within minutes of receiving the 999 call from the resident, who had woken to the smell of smoke.

He discovered radiated heat from a metal keg that he was using to burn coal and wood for heating had set light to a surrounding cupboard.

Crews used a hose reel to put the fire out and a thermal imaging camera to check for fire spread.

Strood Crew Manager, Ian Collins, said: “This man had a really lucky escape in waking when he did. People often don’t realise how quickly a fire can

spread and that the heat and smoke can be more dangerous than flames. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disorientated and drowsy and may make you fall into a deeper sleep.

“Working smoke alarms can make the difference between life and death but thankfully, in this case, the resident wasn’t hurt and we were able to save most of the caravan.”

Between January and December 2015 KFRS attended 189 chimney fires and 36 fires in people’s homes caused by heating equipment (such as heaters/fires, patio equipment, central heating / hot water equipment, other heating equipment, separate water heating, non-cooking food warming equipment, and power source).

Ian ended: “Open fires and portable heaters bring extra warmth during the colder months but can also bring extra risk as seen by this incident. The best way to fight fire is to reduce the risk of it happening in the first place. Following simple precautions will keep you warm and safe.”

• Make sure heaters work properly

• Portable heaters should be dust-free and kept well away from anything that could catch fire • Heaters with a safety cut-off features are a good idea

• When operating heaters, ensure there is enough ventilation for any gases, such as carbon monoxide to escape from • Don’t dry clothes on or right next to a heater

For more information about Kent Fire and Rescue Service, please visit their website at www.kent.fire-uk.org £30 per treatment session

Rochester

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01634 290370

& Sports Injury Clinic

rochesterphysio@aol.com

Back and neck pain · All sports injuries Acupuncture · Sprains and strains Soft tissue and joint injuries · Home visits Private health insurance accepted Evening and weekend appointments available

www.rochesterphysiotherapy.co.uk St Mary’s Medical Centre, Vicarage Road, Strood ME2 4DG

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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

If you are looking for an alternative to residential care or extra support for those everyday tasks that are becoming difficult for you or a loved one – then we’re here to help - from 30 minutes per week to full time Live-in Care.

To find out how we can help, call: 01622 528 397 or visit: www.helpinghands.co.uk 9

The City of Rochester Society

The City of Rochester Society was formed in 1967 following the success of a campaign by local residents against a proposal to build a relief road round the southern side of Rochester’s city centre. If built, the road would have had a devastating effect on the area around King Edward Road, St Margaret’s Street and the Esplanade. As a result of this campaign, the scheme which emerged instead was the widening of Corporation Street to a dual carriageway and, ultimately, the removal of most through traffic from the High Street.

From a highly focused pressure group, the organisation has developed into a large and highly respected civic society. Now with over 500 members, the Society engages in a wide range of activities with the underlying aims of protecting and promoting Rochester. The Society’s ‘patch’ is the area administered by Rochester City Council before it was subsumed into the Medway District in 1974 - in other words, Rochester itself and the urban area of Strood.

The Society’s activities include:

• Examining and commenting on planning applications.

• Conducting walking tours of the historic city centre for the general public and for pre-booked groups.

Please include the telephone number – Email:-

• Publishing books and leaflets about aspects of Rochester and the surrounding area.

• Giving financial support to projects which further the aims and objectives of the Society, e.g. for the conservation of historic buildings or projects which enhance their value to the community; most recently financial support has been given to the repair and restoration of the ship weathervane on the Guildhall.

• Running a craft fair in the Castle Gardens during the twice-yearly Dickens Festivals.

• Monthly meetings for members, with guest speakers, and visits to places of interest.

• Publishing a quarterly journal for members: The Newsletter

The Society has in recent months also been heavily involved in supporting a campaign by local residents to establish a town council for Rochester. A long-term aim is to recover Rochester’s lost city status.

The Society is a member of the Kent Federation of Amenity Societies and of Civic Voice, the national umbrella organisation for civic societies; locally it is also a member of the Medway Tourism Association.

Membership is open to everyone who is interested in Rochester, and costs £10.00 per adult member, £5.00 for those under 16 years of age, £100.00 for life membership and £30.00 for corporate membership.

The Society’s website is at www.city-of-rochester.org.uk

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St Mary’s Medical Centre, Vicarage Road, Strood ME2 4DG

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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

Carers First

There are seven million unpaid carers in the UK and over the next 30 years this number is expected to increase by 3.4 million (almost 60%) with three in five of us becoming a carer at some point in our lives.

Carers FIRST is a charity supporting adult and young Carers across the districts of South and North West Kent and Medway.

A Carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a loved one. Carers can be of any age and may be looking after a relative including husband or wife, friend or neighbour.

The very nature of caring - of being there for a loved one facing ill health or disability - means too often people don’t at first, or sometimes ever, identify themselves as carers and, therefore, miss out on support.

Without the right help and support caring can have a devastating impact – carers can quickly become socially isolated with their physical and emotional health, work and finances all hit hard.

Our trained staff work in the community supporting Carers, ensuring we respond to their needs locally. We provide emotional and practical support, advice, information and guidance. We offer opportunities for Carers to access training, social groups, short break respite, activities, trips and more.

For more information or to register with Carers FIRST ring 0300 303 1555

Seahorse School of Swimming

Est 15 years

Highly regarded independent swim school with qualified ASA/RLSS teacher/coaches with DBS and lifesaving Hilltop School, Frindsbury, Rochester Kings School, Rochester Arethusa, Lower Upnor, Rochester Oaklands School, Walderslade EASTER & SUMMER INTENSIVES

Children from 12 months Non-swimmers • Beginners Improvers • Club level Advanced • Adults Max 8 pupils per class Assistants in the water with non-swimmers Private 1-1 and 1-2 lessons Contact Lynda on 07931 581125

seahorseschoolofswimming@hotmail.com

www.seahorseschoolofswimming.co.uk

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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The Annual Dockyard Reunion The Dockyard closed in 1984 and since then there has been a Shipwrights reunion every year except one. For the past six years the reunion has been organised by John De Rose, himself a former shipwright.

Due to time, age and health have been a contributory factor to the reduced number of shipwrights, therefore the event now welcomes all ex-dockyard employees.

2016 starting at 1900hrs. All ex dockyard employees, and family members if they wish to come, are welcome. It is an opportunity for everyone to have a chat with colleagues and remember the old days.

There is an admission charge of £5, payable at the door, to cover the cost of hiring the venue and the small buffet. Any profits (there isn’t much!) go to next year’s event.

Since 2014, the 30 year anniversary of closure, the reunion has been held in the Commissioner’s House in the Historic Dockyard, and 2016 will be no exception.

The next reunion will be on 6th May

Creases Ironed Away s Washing & ironing services s Sports kits, uniforms, duvets s Curtains, bed linen & clothing s Domestic & commercial

Prompt & professional service 3c Holborough Road Snodland Kent ME6 5NH

07926 084228 12

We have old friends from Rosyth and Devonport who regularly attend, and there are plenty of places to stay in the dockyard and in the local vicinity. The historic dockyard is an excellent place to visit if you want to extend your stay.

John welcomes contact for further information at johnderose@blueyonder. co.uk. Emails are preferable but his telephone number is 01634 361125 or 07788428282.

CLEANER PONDS Keeping your pond crystal clear

cleaning · clearance · service · maintenance Pond Builds & shut Downs · system Upgrades · Filters & Pumps Pond & aquatic equipment · Water Features Koi carp · Fountains · Pond Fish & Plants

Free estimates, aDvice anD consUltation

07715 661491 • 01795 668734 www.cleanerponds.co.uk Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

Strood Academy is a “good school” Ofsted June 2013

“This is a thriving and rapidly improving academy. The Principal and her senior team are ambitious with a strong moral purpose. They are rightly proud of the improvements they have made to the academy and they are passionate about ensuring that all students are cared for and achieve well from good teaching. Students feel secure because their teachers have established orderly routines and made their high expectations clear.”

64% top grades at Level 3 in 2015

a 21st century facility with traditional values

01634 717121 • info@stroodacademy.org • www.stroodacademy.org

Useful Numbers Animal Welfare

Cinemas & Theatres

Cliffe Boarding Cattery Ltd The Old School, Cooling St, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7UB 01634 220169 Cliffe Boarding Cattery Ltd The Old School, Cooling St, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7UB 01634 220169 Petsearch UK 10 Chancery Rd, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7TL 01634 220109

Banks Halifax 79 High Street, Rochester, ME2 4AH 01634 497803 NatWest Bank 56 High Street Rochester, ME2 4AG 0345 788 8444 Nationwide 4, Friary Precinct, Strood, Kent, ME2 4AR 0845 266 0886 Lloyds TSB plc 129-131 High Street, Rochester, ME2 4TW 0845 300 0000

Cineworld Rochester Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Strood, ME2 2SS 0871 200 2000

Clubs Frindsbury Cricket Club Frogs Island, Long Meadow, Upnor Road, Frindsbury, ME2 4UX 01634 716543 Upnor Sailing Club 1-3 Upnor Road, Lower Upnor, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4UY 01634 718043 Darnley School of Dancing 5 Sole Street Farm, Lower Rochester Road, Frindsbury, Kent, ME3 8EH 01634 714139 Frindsbury Lawn Tennis Club Upnor Road, Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4UX 01634 814695

Dentists

Barclays 86 High Street, Rochester, ME2 4AT

Thakray Dental Practice 11 Central Road, Strood, Kent, ME2 3HF 01634 716840

HSBC Bank plc 104 High Street, Rochester, ME2 1BY 0845 740 4404

Louise Lunness-Barnes Dental Clinic 4A Allington Drive, Strood, Kent, ME2 3ST 01634 713422

Kent Reliance Michael Gill Building, Tolgate Lane, Rochester, ME2 4TG 01634 717374

The Rochester Orthodontic Centre Cypress House, 227 Frindsbury Hill, Wainscott, Rochester, ME2 4JS 01634 710105

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㠀 ㌀㌀ 㔀㔀 Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

FOUR ELMS

Doctors Wainscott Surgery The Parks Medical Practice, Miller Way, Wainscott, Rochester, Kent ME2 4LP 01634 717450

Pharmacies Medi Pharmacy Ltd 63 Miller Way, Wainscott, Rochester ME2 4LP 01634 297580

TREE SERVICES LIMITED Tree Surgery Hedge Cutting Clearance Work Tree Stump Removal

07868 564286 fourelmstreeservicesltd@yahoo.co.uk

Marshlands Pharmacy Ltd 63 Miller Way, Wainscott, Rochester, ME2 4LP 01634 297580

National Helplines Age UK

0800 169 6565

Alcoholics Anonymous

0845 769 7555

Alzheimer’s Research UK 0300 111 5555 Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 477 9400 Deafblind UK

01733 358 100

Debt Line

08000 919 991

Disabled Living Foundation 0300 999 0004 Domestic Violence

0808 2000 247

GamCare

020 7801 7000

Men’s Advice Line

0808 801 0327

Mind Infoline

020 8519 2122

Parentline

0808 800 2222

www.fourelmstreeservices.co.uk

www.shawswood.co.uk 01634 721053

Shaws Wood Residential Care Home Shaws Wood is a Residential Care Home that specialises in care for older people living with dementia or with physical frailties. At Shaws Wood we have a Christian ethos and are committed to providing compassion and companionship as well as care. We are proud of our warm, friendly and homely service; where we place an emphasis on enabling people to remain as active as possible. We are able to take regular trips out into the community in our own transport and have an on site hair salon, secure dementia garden and an excellent chef that provides wonderful home cooking. We provide both long term and respite care. CQC rating - Good.

Shaws Wood Day Care Centre Shaws Wood has a small, dedicated day care centre that provides a homely and relaxed environment for those that wish to enjoy some companionship during the day. Shaws Wood is located at the head of Mill Road (corner of Everest Lane), off the A228 Frindsbury Road in Strood, Medway.

A & E Locks & Property Maintenance Lock Fitting · Repairs · Upgrades 24/7 emergency lock and door opening Most building maintenance work taken on call John on 07910 044188

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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What’s on at The Huguenot Museum The Huguenot Museum is the first and only museum of Huguenot history in Britain. It tells an important story of Britain’s first refugees, the crafts, trades and skills they brought with them and the impact their contribution has had on the development of our country.

If you’d like to get involved in any of the events, get in touch with the Huguenot Museum to book your place. Full details of all events can be found at www.huguenotmuseum.org.

Fabergé Eggs 10:30, 12:30 & 2:30pm 31st March, 1st, 7th & 8th April £4 per child The famous Fabergé family were Huguenot descendants, so join us this Easter to make your own Huguenot inspired Fabergé egg.

Museums At Night 14th May 5:00-8:00pm £7.50/£5 Discover the Museum after hours and join Rochester Film Society for a screening of Suite Française.

Tracing Your Huguenot Ancestors 16th April 2:30-4:00pm £10 Join genealogical historian and author Dr Kathy Chater, for an insightful talk on how to trace your Huguenot ancestry.

Could you be a Huguenot?

Lee Ault- The Art of Dress 21st May 2:30-4:00pm £10 Textile historian and costume collector Lee Ault will tell the story of dress, starting with her own silk dress made by Huguenot weavers in 1724.

The Memorial Hall The Memorial Hall, Holly Road, Wainscott, may be hired for your special occasion, event, group or club.

To book and check availability, please call Freda on 01634 719426 £12:50 Per Hour; Sat 8am-midnight £250; Sat 4:30pm-midnight £125; deposit required Frindsbury Extra Women’s Institute An active WI meets at 7.30pm on the 2nd Monday monthly. For more information, please telephone Mrs Janet Jarvis on 01634 719116. New members and visitors welcome!

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Mondays 9am-1pm Sure start Kids 7pm-8pm Aerobics 7pm-9pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesdays 7pm-9pm Girl Guides

Wednesdays 9am-3pm Sure Start For Kids 4.45pm-5.45pm Rainbows 6pm-7pm Brownies

Thursdays 1.30pm-3pm Pensioners’ Bingo 6pm-7:30pm Brownies 7:30pm-9pm Keep Fit Fridays 9am-11am Weight Watchers 4:30-5:30 Children’s Karate

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

v · e · white & co

Solicitors

A friendly and professional firm, with offices situated in Strood and Rainham, Kent, offering an efficient legal service in your local area and specialising in: w Residential and commercial conveyancing w Landlord and tenant matters w Re-mortgages and transfer of equities w Equity release w Wills and probate w Lasting powers of attorney w Matrimonial and children issues

w Pre-marital agreements w Declaration of trusts w Divorce and separation w Employment law w Property disputes w Change of name deeds w Deputyship applications

Strood office 01634 739195 w Rainham office 01634 376555 enquiries@vewhitesolicitors.co.uk

w w w. v e w h i t e s o l i c i to rs . c o . u k

BATHING A PROBLEM? WE CAN HELP • Slip-resistant safety flooring FREE • Product & labour guarantee BASIN & TOILET • Walk-in showers with any walk-in shower order • Wet rooms • Walk-in baths Until 30/6/16 • Waterproof wall panelling • Grabrails, shower seats & raised toilets • Grants & council work • Discounts for OAPs, WI members, ex-service personnel, SSAFA & British Legion members NO PRESSURE TO BUY ON THE DAY

Call for a free survey and quote

01634 649035 01622 738204

www.ahminstallations.co.uk

Unit 11, Newnham Shopping Village, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 5LH Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-5pm • Friendly, family-run business

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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Remembering a loved one at Ranscombe

Tribute plaques in memory of your loved one By supporting Ranscombe Farm Reserve in memory of a loved one, you’re helping to conserve and save more wild flowers for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

Your place in the Poppies:

Join us at this special place to enjoy your cherished memories and moments spent with your loved one. Our memory board provides a place for supporters to come along and remember their loved ones. The Poppies are particularly beautiful in early summer, when they show themselves off at their best.

Help us ensure Ranscombe’s exceptional wild poppies can exist for future generations, by dedicating a Poppy today. A perfect and beautiful way to celebrate someone’s life.

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Small Poppy field plaque minimum donation of £150+VAT. This includes up to 15 words engraved on a beautiful small 10cm x 10cm brass plaque.

Large Poppy field plaque minimum donation of £300 +VAT. This includes up to 25 words engraved on a large 20cm x 10cm beautiful brass plaque.

(Please note your plaque will be mounted onto our poppy lectern for a minimum of 3 years after which they may be moved within the site if the lectern is full) Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

Will Writing for Ranscombe Farm

Kent based solicitors Thomson Snell and Passmore have announced that they will be offering a free will writing promotion offering to write basic wills – free of charge – during the months of March and April in support Plantlife International.

In return for this complimentary service for clients who mention ‘Plantlife’ at the time of enquiry or instruction, you will be asked to make a donation to help with our incredible conservation work at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve in Kent (managed and run by Plantlife staff and volunteers). The local Solicitors will also help our UK wide supporters who would like to take advantage of this promotion and offer the opportunity to organize your will via email / letter.

Around 60% of adults do not have a Will, but making a Will is very easy and lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death, providing certainty for your family’s future.

You do not need to leave a legacy to Plantlife to use this Will making offer.

Leaving a legacy to Plantlife after you have remembered your family and friends is, however, one of the most significant ways you can help secure a future for the UK’s wild plants. Thomson Snell and Passmore will also be able to advise you on how remembering your favourite causes could help reduce the taxable value of your estate.

Clients eligible for this offer will be asked for a ‘suggested’ donation of £120 per single will and £150 per double will with donations being made directly to Plantlife International.

To take advantage of this free willwriting offer, please call 01892 510 000 or email info@ts-p.co.uk or visit them at Thomson Snell and Passmore and mention ‘Plantlife’.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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Pigeon Racing as a Hobby

Just retired or part time? Have some spare time on your hands?

Have an interest in wildlife and nature and would like a new hobby?

Why not join the likes of Her Majesty the Queen, Mike Tyson, Gerry Francis and approximately 30,000 to 40,000 other people from all walks of life who race pigeons in the UK?

Within the Medway area there are several clubs who are members of a bigger organisations that compete from midApril to mid-September in races on Saturdays from distances ranging from 80 miles to 500 miles. This fascinating and absorbing hobby has been enjoyed by thousands of fanciers for decades. It is common knowledge of the role that these gallant birds performed during the war, being responsible for carrying important messages from behind enemy lines resulting in many lives being saved.

The racing pigeon’s ability to home from great distance at ever increasing speed never fails to amaze both long standing 20

fanciers and the many people who are fascinated by their clever skills. During my 45 years in the sport, I along with many other fanciers are constantly asked by friends and associates about the sport.

Most people on listening to our many stories and exploits become fascinated.

Indeed, that probably, is the best word for our hobby: Fascinating.

Sadly, due to the many distractions available to the youngsters today i.e. computers, television, etc, not many enter the sport. Like any hobby it need not be a financial burden and most fanciers would be only too willing to both assist and encourage new members. One of the other great attractions is that it is a hobby that is enjoyed from home.

If anybody finds the above of interest, please do not hesitate to contact me (Dave Jenkins) by emailing me at djenkins999@hotmail.co.uk or calling me on 07714252394.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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MedwayTri MedwayTri is a Triathlon club welcoming members of all ages and abilities, whether you are a complete beginner or pushing for a podium, our coaching, encouragement and support will help you enjoy the sport of Triathlon and reach your goals. MedwayTri is more than just a club. We will support, advise and supply you with all the skills and equipment needed to enhance your enjoyment of triathlon and develop your performance in the sport.

If you are an athlete that cannot regularly attend our club sessions, you can still join our club and get all the session plans, training advice and coaching you need to become a successful Triathlete.

We have created a challenging, competitive, fun and friendly environment where senior triathletes can thrive with shared experiences and knowledge of our sport and where we can also develop talent at the grass roots level. We have a vision to both have fun whilst producing elite

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athletes and becoming recognised as the number one triathlon club in England. ‘An Elite club, but not Elitist!’

We run a regular schedule of junior and age group coached sessions from locations around the Medway area and welcome all to come and join us. For those members that have difficultly attending regular set sessions, we will provide the coaching support required to achieve your goals in your own time and still race as part of MedwayTri.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

As well as organising our own programme of events, MedwayTri are keen to establish a strong club presence at multi-sport and single discipline races from small local events to age-group representation at international level.

Our junior section is where we are hoping that our talented and fast improving youngsters will excel locally and nationally.

One area we are particularly hopeful in is the South East Junior IRC Series events, in which our juniors can gain points to compete at national level against the best junior triathletes in the country.

MedwayTri also host a number of their own events throughout the year, where we welcome other clubs from around the surrounding area and nationally to come and race with us in a friendly and competitive atmosphere. Our races are suitable for experienced athletes to complete novices and you can always be assured a great day out.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

On the 9th July 2016 MedwayTri will be returning to Kent’s premier cycling facility, Gravesend Cyclopark, for the third edition of our duathlon (run-bike-run). There are races for all junior age groups from 8 to 19, as well as seniors (20+). We’re delighted to announce for 2016 that the race has been selected as part of the Junior Race Series for both the London and South East Triathlon England regions. The event is designed to be a fun introduction to newcomers, as well as catering for more experienced athletes. We have exclusive use of the main race circuit offering safe, traffic-free run and bike courses. There is also plenty of room for spectators to shout their encouragement. All competitors will receive a finisher’s medal, and the top three male and female finishers in each race will receive an award/trophy.

Please check out our website for more information www.medwaytri.com

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COOKING Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 50-60 minutes Difficulty: easy

Heat intensity: mild

Ingredients

50g butter 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion (chopped) 2 cloves of garlic (chopped) 1 green pepper (chopped) 200g button mushrooms (halved) Handful of fresh coriander 1½ litres vegetable stock 1 tbsp turmeric 1 tbsp ground cumin ½ tbsp paprika 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 tin chopped tomatoes 1 tin potatoes (345g drained weight) Basmati rice Poppadoms

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Mild Vegetable

Curry

Method

In a large pan over a low heat, sweat down the onion, garlic and mushrooms in the oil and butter.

After about 10-15 minutes, add the green pepper and fresh coriander, and cook for another 5 minutes.

In a jug, add the vegetable stock, turmeric, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper and sugar, and stir well, before adding to the pan.

Increase the heat, then add the tin of tomatoes and potatoes, and allow to reduce down by around two-thirds (this should take around half an hour).

Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve with basmati rice and a poppadom.

Garnish with fresh coriander.

Large Breed Dog Rescue The Large Breed Dog Rescue is a small charity that takes in and re-homes large breed dogs and large cross breeds. We are entirely run by volunteers, and we rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the big dogs that many rescues put to sleep. We are based in Gillingham and are always looking for volunteers, adopters and fund raisers.

Without the help and unwavering support of volunteers, our charity would not exist, and we would not be able to help the gorgeous dogs that come into our care; together we all make up the Large Breed Dog Rescue, and we are very much a team. We all work on a voluntary basis, and all donations are put back into the rescue so that we can continue to help dogs in need. We are currently looking for new volunteers, fund raisers and adopters, so if you can help the Large Breed Dog Rescue, please get in touch with us today through our website. www.largebreeddogrescue.co.uk Registered Charity Number 1154504

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Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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Clean for the Queen Cllrs. Gary Etheridge and John Williams were pleased to attend a Clean For The Queen event in Upnor, organized by the Medway Council’s Community Engagement Team. The morning was spent, not only throughout the village of Lower Upnor, but also along the foreshore past Upnor Sailing Club.

“Clean For The Queen” is a campaign to clear up Britain in time for Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in June 2016. The campaign was launched by Country Life magazine in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy in a bid to rally volunteers across the country to clean up their local areas.

When The Queen came to the throne, litter was not the problem that it is today. Food packaging, plastic bottles, takeaway meals

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and cigarette butts have all contributed to a growing menace that affects our wildlife, streets, countryside and sense of pride.

With the full backing of Keep Britain Tidy, the campaign already has the support of well-known national organisations with a total membership in excess of 1.5 million, as well as individual ambassadors.

How much litter is there?

About 2.25 million pieces of litter are dropped on the streets of the UK every day.

Thirty million tons of rubbish are collected from England’s streets each year. That’s enough to fill Wembley Stadium four times over. The Highways Agency clears about 180,000 sacks of litter from motorways and ‘A’ roads alone. In 2013/14, local authorities dealt with 852,000 fly- tipping incidents in England and Wales; these cost roughly £45 million to clear up.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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The RSPCA receives 7,000 calls a year about animals injured by litter, and the amount of litter on UK beaches has almost doubled over the past 15 years. Taxpayers are already paying £1 billion every year to fight litter. According to a 2014 Keep Britain Tidy report, if we recycled 50% of items littered in England, it would have an economic value of at least £14.8 million.

How long does it take to biodegrade?

Paper bags - up to one month

Orange peel - up to two years

Banana skins - up to two years

Plastic bags - up to 10–20 years.

Cigarette butts - up to 12 years

Plastic bottles - up to 450 years

Glass bottles and chewing gum are not biodegradable.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

Medway Memorials We supply and install all types of memorials to Kent and the surrounding area We have a large selection of memorials suitable for cemeteries and churchyards in a variety of stones, marbles and polished granites.

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www.medwaymemorials.co.uk 27

“Go outside. Remain” Nick Offerman

A wise man once said go outdoors and remain there.

There might still be a chill in the air but days are getting longer and the galanthus are in bloom – it’s the perfect time to prep the garden. Here are some beginner tips to get you started at this time of year.

One: Get your tools in order

Everyone needs the tools of their trade. My big five for the garden are fork, spade, hoe, rake, and trowel. A good pair of gloves are a must and a decent pair of secateurs will be at home in your pocket.

A wheelbarrow completes the rock star look.

Two: Compost

One of the first things you want to establish is a compost heap. This can begin as simply a sunny corner in the garden where you put your vegetable scraps but you’ll soon want a container of sorts. There are numerous ones available on the market but it’s an easy job (and fun) to construct one from scrap timber or pallets, old tyres, bricks or wire mesh.

A quick search online will yield countless tutorials; ignore them all and make up your own design. Avoid placing the heap on concrete, patio slabs or tarmac. You want a site on bare soil so worms and other creatures can colonise, they help mix the compost.

When adding ingredients include a healthy mix of green (vegetable peelings, fruit waste, tea bags, plant prunings, grass cuttings etc.) and brown (cardboard egg boxes, scrunched up paper, small twigs etc.) waste. Do not add meat or cooked food waste, this attracts rats, and avoid citrus. Some egg shells provide good minerals though!

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Three: Prepare the ground

In other words: weeding. Dig out tired old shrubs and weeds, especially perennials (thistle, nettle, bindweed etc.) Try to remove all parts of the roots, but don’t be over hasty. My grandfather would tell me a garden would only ever be finished if there was nothing left to take out. Use a fork to turn the soil over, hoe and then rake. Then bask in satisfaction. At this time of year if you’re not going to plant anything for another week or two then it helps to lay some old carpet over your freshly turned soil. This prevents new weeds from getting any sunlight and helps warm the ground.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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Four: Sow

A simple way to start planting is sow some herb seeds in small pots with fresh compost and sit them inside by a window with plenty of light. Water regularly but don’t drown them. Basil, parsley and thyme are all pretty easy to look after and don’t take long to grow. If you also grow tomatoes this year some basil will taste great with them.

Five: Sit

Another tip from my grandfather: when the work is complete don’t forget to sit in the garden; it’s important to enjoy the space you’ve created. If the nights are a little chilly, grab some blankets, get a fire pit on the go, cuddle up and crack open a bottle of the parsley wine you’ve had brewing in the shed since last year.

You didn’t think we were sowing herbs for a salad now did you!

By Stewart McClelland

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

Our qualified and highly experienced dance teachers take great pride in offering fun yet professional classes.

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All Saints Church, Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden

The parish church of Frindsbury is one of the oldest Anglican churches, having first been established 900 years ago. The church is set on top of a cliff and overlooks the River Medway, Rochester castle and cathedral.

The Parish of Frindsbury has 3 church buildings in Church Green Frindsbury, Upnor and Chattenden. We currently are awaiting a new vicar, but have a pioneer

curate Sue Vallente-Kerr who works with us, as well as across the other churches in Strood, working on community engagement and mission.

As well as offering you, our community, the usual church services we also run toddler groups in Frindsbury (Tuesdays 1.15-2.45pm) and Upnor (Wednesdays 10-11.30am), a Kidschurch in Chattenden (Saturday 10-11.30am) and a Drop In cafĂŠ in Frindsbury Parish Hall (Wednesday 10.30am-12pm).

We have also just started a new experience for families called Sundays@4 where we aim to enagage with people of all ages together in craft, music and food; this is also based in Chattenden church.

As the Church of England we are here to help and serve you - our parish.

Do get in touch or pop along and see us sometime.

Our usual pattern of Sunday worship is as follows: All Saints 8.00am 10.30am

All Sundays 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday 4th Sunday

St Philip & St James 9.00am 2nd & 4th Sunday

1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday Bishop Gundulph 4.00pm 1st Sunday

Holy Communion BCP Holy Communion Fourth Sunday Worship Holy Communion Morning Worship Sunday @ 4

More information about the churches can be found on our website www.allsaintsfrindsbury.co.uk You can contact the Parish Office on 01634 296050 or email pa@allsaintsfrindsbury.co.uk All Saints Vicarage, Parsonage Lane, Frindsbury, Rochester ME2 4UR 30

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council

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