It's The Biz issue 3

it’s the

EE FR

KEEP THE BELLS RINGING See pages 10-11

Help raise £100,000!

The local biz for Rochester | Issue 3

BELLS, OFFICES, CROCHET, WEDDINGS & THE MOON…

See page 25

See pages 12-14

LAUREN’S LITTL

LOCKDOWN HOME OFFICE

EM

WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE IN THE

AK

ES

SOS ENTERTAINMENT offer top of the range mobile discos, photo booths, LED dance floors, sweet carts, Ferrero Rocher stands, disco domes and much more for any event including: weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, anniversaries and Christmas parties.

Covering Kent and the South East, we can help whether it’s a party in a small venue or a massive marquee.

If you’re looking for the best disco you can get, our excellent set-up will impress your guests. We offer state of the art lighting including lasers, a massive collection of music (new and old) that is mixed professionally by real DJs, not computers, and one of the best sound systems you can get at a mobile disco.

2

A bit later than planned, it’s back to business with It’s The Biz.

it’s the

After many weeks of lockdown we are starting to see signs of a return to a less confined way of life, with non-essential shops open once more and the gradual easing of restrictions on social gathering. By the time you are reading this, pubs and hairdressers may well be about to start trading again.

This magazine is designed to promote local businesses, so please support them if you can. Local high streets have faced tough times and the pandemic has only made things more perilous for local economies. Thanks to everyone who has advertised and supported this publishing venture. Happy reading!

eil

N Advertise your business! Email neil@itsthebiz.net for rates.

Promote non-profit community activities for free (see pages 20-24)

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Page 6 Museum of the Moon | Page 9 Reflexology | Page 10 Cathedral Bells Page 12 The Office | Page 15 Spicy Noodle Recipe | Page 16 Wedding Planning Page 18 Musical Bumps | Page 25 Lauren’s Little Makes

9

10

6

12 15 16

PLUS

18

25

Page 4 Kick-off | Page 8 Puzzles | Pages 20-24 Community Zone Page 7 Leaflets We’re saying a big thank you to Kent Leaflet Distribution

Copyright © 2020 It’s The Biz Limited. 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ. Edited and designed in Rochester by Neil Hutchings. No material may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. To advertise, email neil@itsthebiz.net, call 01634 470281, or visit www.itsthebiz.net. The publisher gives no recommendation or endorsement of any products or services advertised, nor is it liable for loss or damage arising from any omission or inaccuracy contained within. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. The bells! The bells!

3

kick-off

Open for business With shops having re-opened on 15 June, Medway Council have announced the following measures to keep town centres safe.

The council’s car parks are open and offer a cashless payment option provided

by RingGo to reduce risk of infection. Payment machines will be cleaned regularly for those choosing to pay by coins.

An enhanced cleaning of all high streets was carried out before opening, and a highlevel cleansing standard is being maintained.

Rochester High Street is closed for traffic between 10.30am and 3pm (Sunday to Friday) for the safety of our visitors. The Saturday closure will remain between 10am to 4pm. Cyclists are not currently permitted during all road closures.

Medway Greeters will initially be present in town

centres, helping visitors and businesses remain safe.

Medway’s public toilets will be cleaned regularly throughout the day and hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed. Bins will be emptied and sanitised regularly and litter picks will be carried out to keep the streets clean.

Some benches will be taped off to help comply with social distancing measures.

Social distancing and directional signage is being installed to remind all visitors to social distance.

Regular social media updates will be shared assuring visitors and detailing the measures we’ve taken to ensure our high streets are a safe place to visit.

H Visit www.medway.gov for further info and updates 4

DID YOU KNOW? You can borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks from the comfort of your home with your library card.

No need to spend money with commercial suppliers when your local library can provide a wide selection of books, ebooks, newspapers, magazines and comics which can be read on a tablet or phone.

You’ll need a library membership card and a PIN which you can obtain from a librarian* (ID is required). It’s then simply a case of downloading apps for the various publication types and logging in with your details.

For more details, search for eBooks at www.medway.gov.uk. *At the time of writing, all Medway libraries are closed due to social distancing regulations, but it is possible to register online and obtain a temporary PIN.

Pulped fiction About 2,500,000 Mills & Boon romantic novels were acquired during the construction of the M6 Toll. The novels were pulped at a recycling firm in south Wales and used in the preparation of the top layer of the West Midlands motorway, according to building materials suppliers Tarmac. The pulp which helps hold the Tarmac and asphalt in place also acts as a sound absorber and is vital in the construction of roads.

.net

Events planned to celebrate Dickens 150 were unable to go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, a number of virtual activities were held to mark the anniversary.

Dickens spent much of his life in Medway and many of his novels and characters were inspired by his experiences of living here. Eastgate House in Rochester features in The Pickwick Papers and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. The Grade 1 listed Elizabethan mansion, which was built in 1590, was also used as a Victorian school.

The council’s Heritage Team education officer, Dr Jeremy Clarke, has created videos to illustrate Dickens’ association with Medway and how it influenced his work as well as glimpses into Dickens’ private and public lives. The novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood can be downloaded from Medway’s library service and readers can join in virtual discussions about the novel on the Reading Drood blog each month until October.

If you’re not already a member of Medway libraries you can join online and borrow eBooks immediately.

A member of the Medway Libraries team will also read an extract from The Uncommercial Traveller on their YouTube channel, Medway Digital.

H www.readingdrood.wordpress.com H www.medway.gov.uk/dickens150

Life in lockdown for…

Bees Knees Plumbing Jon Cooper of Bees Knees Plumbing tells us how things have been during lockdown, and the measures he takes to ensure the safety of his customers.

I do all general plumbing, so that’s taps, leaks, blockages, radiators and cylinders, first and second fix and other general plumbing problems as well as emergency work (such as the nightmare scenario of water flooding through the ceiling!)

Working during lockdown has been quite strange. I ask my customers to remain as far away from me as possible, using side and back entrances where possible.

I clean surfaces that I have touched and I advise the customer to wipe down the whole area including handrails, handles, doors etc.

While I try to avoid anyone vulnerable, emergencies still happen, so those at risk of Covid-19 must stay in another room while I deal with another member of the household.

I use masks but I take my distancing and hand sanitising very seriously. I don’t want the disease or to spread it unwittingly.

Aside from that, it’s business as usual: I’m happy to be there for my customers where possible. Pandemic or not, water is no less destructive or problematic…

E beeskneesplumbing@outlook.com f @ beeskneesplumbing q07914 259908 it’s the

150th anniversary of the death of Charles Dickens marked virtually

BEES KNEES

PLUMBING

Taps, leaks & blockages Radiators & cylinders First & second fix General plumbing

Jon Cooper

Get in touch - call 07914 259908 Email beeskneesplumbing@outlook.com Facebook @beeskneesplumbing See examples of previous work and customer reviews

5

Museum of the Moon

MOON FACTS

This giant replica of the moon was on display in Rochester Cathedral for three weeks in February and March. Suspended dramatically in the Nave, this is the first time the installation has been displayed in Kent.

Created by UK artist Luke Jerram, Museum of the Moon measures seven metres in diameter and features NASA imagery of the lunar surface, with each centimetre representing 6

5km of the moon’s surface. It is accompanied by a fusion of lunar imagery and a surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.

The artwork has been presented in a number of locations across the world including several UK Cathedrals and Museums. As it travels, it gathers new musical compositions and an ongoing collection of personal responses and stories, as well as highlighting the latest moon science.

For more info and future tour dates, go to www.my-moon.org

12 PEOPLE have walked on the surface of the moon – Neil Armstrong was the first, in 1969.

YOUR WEIGHT would be much less if you stood on the moon – about one-sixth of your earthly weight.

3.8cm is the distance that the moon drifts away from the earth each year.

MOONQUAKES are caused by the earth’s gravitational pull, resulting in ruptures and cracks.

.net

GETTING THROUGH THE

LETTERBOX It’s The Biz has teamed up with Kent Leaflet Distribution to bring this edition to your door. They use their own, fully supervised, staff to undertake deliveries, which you can be certain are carried out with care and consideration, and never delivered to those properties displaying “no circulars” or similar messages.

Although some people don’t like unsolicited mail or advertising, it’s still an effective method of marketing for businesses seeking to reach out to potential customers. Now, more than ever, we need to cherish and support our local businesses in high streets that were already struggling even before the Covid-19 pandemic crisis gripped us all.

Now that social media platforms are ever present on smartphone, tablets and laptops, those using them can be subjected to a bewildering array of advertising messages which in many cases are visible only briefly and quickly forgotten. A printed advert or flyer has the potential to be saved, pinned up, passed on and, in the case of a magazine like this, hopefully read by more than one

person in a household.

For businesses seeking to attract more custom, getting a well-designed and printed message through local letterboxes is a valuable weapon in its marketing armoury, resulting not only in sales but also local brand reinforcement – making sure the business name is a known and functioning entity – especially important in these uncertain times.

Here at It’s The Biz we obviously

hope the magazine is picked up and browsed in as many homes as possible, so that the various local companies, charities and community activities get the recognition they deserve and attract the attention they are seeking. And next time a flyer drops through your door, take a moment to cast your eye over it and spare a thought for the livelihoods dependent on the business it may generate.

Then pop it in the recycling bin.

WHY USE PRINTED AVERTISING? Printed advertising gives your customer something tangible

4AFFORDABLE

More affordable than newspaper advertising or billboards

4TARGETED

Make sure the right people see your ad with targeted delivery

Kent Leaflet Distribution H kentleafletdistribution.com E info@kentleafletdistribution.com q 07592 093401 it’s the

4TANGIBLE

7

Rochester & Medway

WORDSEARCH

it’s the

PUZZLES

Seventeen names of people and places related to Rochester and Medway are hidden in this grid – forwards, backwards, up, down and diagonal…can you spot them all? It’s just for fun!

P

N

U

K

I

N

G

S

S

C

H

O

O

L

D

N

A

L

L

O

H

S

L

O

O

J

E

F

S

W

E

E

P

S

F

E

S

T

I

V

A

L

E

C

R

T

M

D

L

L

I

M

S

N W U

L

O

E

O

E

O

E

L

S

A

A

C

G

D

Answers on page 14

T

P

I

N

D

N

I

I

A

N

K

A

U

N

S

P

L

E

W

V

D

S

T

O

I

P

I

U

A

E

A

U

A

I

I

I

N

F

T

S

L

G

C

R

V

G

Y

N

G

C

O

K

S

T

D

P

R

R

A

U

Q

C

D

N

H

E

C

O

H

O

O

I

C

H

U

E

I

A

A

N

O

N

A

H

N

V

S

E

E

N

N

R

C

T

T

E

L

S

P

E

M

R

E

Z

O

F

O

K

Y

A

L

I

U

T

H

A

N

O

S

O

P

O

D

S

O

B

SWEEPS FESTIVAL POCAHONTAS HUGUENOT MAN OF KENT FRANCIS ILLES MEDWAY QUEEN KINGS SCHOOL HMS CAVALIER I DIG DINOS BISHOP GUNDULF JOOLS HOLLAND GUILDHALL UPNOR CASTLE CAPSTONE KITS COTY DON VINCENZO COPPER RIVET

QUICKQUIZ Just for fun!

Answers on page 14

1.

2.

3.

4.

In What year was the King’s School founded?

Name the house in Higham once owned by Charles Dickens.

What did Short Brothers manufacture in their Rochester factory?

Name the sailor from Gillingham who became one of the first ever western samurai.

5. In which year did the Dutch raid on the Medway occur?

8

.net

So much more than a relaxing foot massage Reflexology is an ancient from of foot massage that involves applying varying pressure to specific areas of the feet which correspond to areas (or reflexes) on the body.

The main benefit of reflexology is that it balances each system in the body, so it is particularly useful for musculoskeletal problems and hormonal imbalances. Reflexology has a well deserved reputation for helping with fertility, pregnancy and menopausal problems and stress related problems.

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have found that people felt about 40% less pain, and were able to stand pain for about 45% longer, when they

used reflexology as a method of pain relief.

Juliette Gosling is a recently qualified reflexologist and is launching her new business, Footprints Reflexology of Rochester. I am currently working Tuesdays at Stride Foot Clinic on Strood High Street and can make home visits during the evenings or at weekends in the Medway area.

Please visit my Facebook page or email juliette@therapist.net

SERVICES AVAILABLE • A Reflexology Gift Voucher would make the perfect Christmas gift • A Reflexology Party for a small group of friends, taster treatments in the comfort of your own home • Home Visits available during the day, evenings or at weekends

FOOTPRINTS REFLEXOLOGY There are more nerve endings in your feet than any other part of your body JUST ONE TREATMENT: ✓Relaxes the nervous system ✓Boosts circulation ✓Improves energy levels ✓Releases toxins ✓Stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms ✓Works on every organ and system in the body Contact Juliette 07813 676 246 · juliette@therapist.net

9

Rochester Cathedral A brief history‌ Founded in AD604, Rochester Cathedral is England’s second oldest. The present building dates back to the work of the French monk, Gundulf, in 1080.

The glorious Norman architecture of the nave, parts of the crypt, 10

as well as one of the finest Romanesque facades in England, make this an inspirational place to visit. The Cathedral is blessed with some fine examples of later Gothic styles as well as the magnificent 14th century Chapter

Library door. Hidden from view is one of the oldest doors in England. Today, daily worship is central to the life of the Cathedral.

There has been a community worshipping continually on this site for over 1400 years. .net

Keep the bells e s i a r p l e H ringing… £100,000!

The Rochester Cathedral Company of Bell Ringers are raising funds for essential work required to ensure the future of the cathedral’s bells.

Anyone living in Rochester will be familiar with the sound of cathedral bells ringing out across the town.

This sound is created by the cathedral’s Company of Bell Ringers, a group of men and women of all ages and from all walks of life, who ring the bells that are hung in the space below the cathedral spire.

Centenary Project has been set up to raise £100,000 to fund these works.

This ring consists of ten bells which were cast in 1921 and essential works are now required to ensure their future. The Rochester Cathedral Bells

The money will also be used to extend the ring to twelve bells; a rare thing in North Kent. This will better allow the ringers to continue their work as a teaching tower, encouraging young and old from all backgrounds to come and learn. It will also encourage visiting ringers, as the appeal of a ring of twelve is irresistible!

There are lots of ways to contribute, from a small donation here to sponsoring a bell – the

ringers will be buying three new ones! They would like to ring the new bells for the first time in 2021 to celebrate the centenary of the casting of the current ring.

The project was launched last September, when the Dean of the cathedral spoke of how much the bells are appreciated.

To help maintain the long tradition of ringing in Rochester and to make the cathedral bells a sound to be enjoyed for many years to come, you can visit justgiving.com and search for Rochester Cathedral Bells.

11

Missing the office?

We examine the history of the office, and find out what it’s been like for people forced to work at home during lockdown…

Since lockdown began, the working day has taken a very different form for those able to work at home, in spare bedrooms, sheds, garages or with a laptop on the settee!

There have always been jobs which can only be done in a designated workplace such as certain functions in factories or building sites, although even those will have administrative operations which have most

12

likely been conducted remotely during lockdown.

An office seems to be the place where the admin is done, but these days, that could be practically anywhere. At home? In the coffee shop?

But where does the tradition of traveling to and from an office to conduct business come from?

Ancient Rome had its own business district, each town containing its forum bounded by shops and offices. It’s the Roman Latin word officium loosely meaning “bureau” that gives us the word we use today.

However, with the demise of the

Roman Empire, the concept of dedicated office space was largely forgotten, until the 18th Century.

By this time, the kind of work which we now associate with offices was carried out at home, with business owners living on the premises, employing clerks who also lived on-site, combining administrative and household duties.

But in 1726, the first purposebuilt office building in Britain was constructed in Whitehall for the Admiralty. It is now known as The Ripley Building, after its architect, Thomas Ripley. Then, in 1729, The East India Company opened

.net

So how has it been, swapping the commute and office politics for a desk shared with family and pets…?

Dean Holden

their headquarters on Leadenhall Street, housing their thousands of employees dealing with the complex business of trade with India and Asia. Author Charles Lamb worked as a clerk at the East India Company and in his diaries he commented on the long hours: “On Friday I was at office from 10 in the morning to 11 at night – last night til 9”.

The 20th century saw the advent of the open-plan office, something many of us are familiar with today. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright envisaged an office like an open plan factory, with few walls.

Subsequent variations have seen landscaped workspaces, rooms full of cubicles and modular offices, consisting of flexible, semi-enclosed spaces.

The century progressed and construction innovations enabled taller and taller buildings to eventually allow thousands of workers to inhabit spaces in relatively small square feet of expensive land.

Technology continued to advance, from electric lighting, the telegraph, telephone, typewriters, calculators, word processors, computers, the internet, tablets and mobile phones gradually transforming the working day.

It is now easier than ever to conduct “office” work from almost anywhere – wi-fi or 4G permitting.

For some businesses, this has proved a lifeline during lockdown, as they have been able to continue productive activity from the homes of their employees.

I had to be Strood set up from scratch, we had the space and some of the kit but it was a stressful few days.

Once done it was business as usual for the whole office; able to start earlier and work longer. No travel and great weather was great; we were able to escape to garden for a break in the sun.

It works very well and the team have stayed motivated – however I can see that we need a mix. If we continue working from home during bad weather, there is potential for moods to change.

If we look at the positive side and see us coming out of lockdown, then home working will be a great boost to work/ life balance; two days from home would be great for me!!

Mark Black Having Sittingbourne commuted to London for years, it’s now just a stroll along the landing to the office. Initially it was a little stressful with technical glitches setting up remote access to my work computer, but with daily Zoom meetings and conference calls the team are able to work efficiently. I miss the social interaction of the office but do we need to cram ourselves into expensive communal buildings? I can’t see myself doing 5 days in the office ever again! This virus has changed the work landscape.

Mary Downie

I work for Rochester the Military in Gillingham.

During lockdown some staff have been working from home, some going in for a few hours a week and some furloughed at home.

While there is a cost to set up home working – supplying IT equipment to staff – it has been a great success. Some people are generating much more work and finding it easier without interruptions. One of the guys in my office has even been working on the odd weekend as he has had nothing else to do. He lives in a flat, so not having a garden means it has helped keep him occupied.

People have also noticed the financial saving in train and petrol costs.

Some have asked if the working from home can continue when the lockdown is over and we will be looking at it long term.

Also, we have meetings several times a year. These generate a lot of expenses as some travel and have to stay overnight, travel and food costs. We have often asked if the meetings can be done via Zoom as some of them don’t last more than a couple of hours. Some people don’t like change and some are old school and have refused. They now had no choice but to do them via Zoom and they have been a great success so this will definitely continue.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF 13

DO WE STILL NEED AN OFFICE? (continued)

I keep in close contact with my team through Zoom chat and we have regular Zoom meetings to make sure we’re all OK. You get the normal IT issues which can be irritating; but they happen when you’re in the office too!

I don’t drive and due to the buses, it can take me an hour and a half to two hours to get to work (it’s a 20 minute drive), so potentially I’m saving 4 hours a day!

On the few occasions that I’ve needed to go in, the company has paid for taxis. I usually get five buses a day, so this is a huge help and relief at the moment and I’m really dreading having to go back to that. I’ve been doing it for sixteen years and now that I’ve stopped, I realise how tiring it is.

From a safety perspective, it really is “germ soup”.

My husband is a comedian, so for him the future is still very uncertain. He’s been busy writing but any social distancing, even going down to one meter, makes live comedy impossible at the

Jo Newton Rochester

SOLUTIONS

I’ve been working from home since just before lockdown. We are part of the food industry, on the manufacturing side, so we have been working all through this and have never been busier. I realise how lucky we are.

The production and warehouse staff have had to be on-site but on the office side, those who can work from home have been doing so.

It’s funny listening to everyone’s different experiences. Some people have found it very challenging but personally, I have loved it. I am more productive (I’m doing longer hours and am normally fired up and ready to go by 6/6.30) and don’t have the constant office interruptions. I tend to work through lunch anyway but I make sure I log off at 4pm.

14

Here’s the solution to the crossword puzzle published in issue 2. The letters found in the pink shaded squares can be rearranged to form MISS HAVISHAM, a character from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

N

A

E V

I

N

O

I

C

G

T

S I

A

F

A

S

P

Y E

E

L

L

I

E A

R

T

H O

T

E

B

E

O G

A

A

S

A A T R

R

U

R

R R

Y

G

A I

D

A

A

I

A

S

P

I I

T

F

A

L

H

A N

U E

S

R

R

A

O

L

O O

H

S

C

T C

Wordsearch solution: T

P

N

U

K

I

N

G

S

S

C

H

O

O

L

I

D

N

A

L

L

O

H

S

L

O

O

J

E

F

N

S

W

E

E

P

S

F

E

S

T

I

V

A

L

Y

E

C

R

T

M

D

L

L

I

M

S

N

W

U

T I

A

M

S

G I

E

R A

E

S

Thanks to our contributors; if you have any thoughts about how the workplace may evolve, send them for publication in the next issue.

Please email neil@itsthebiz.net

Page 8 quick quiz answers: 1. 604AD; 2. Gads Hill Place; 3. Seaplanes; 4. William Adams; 5. 1667

C

H F

I

R

A

N

D

E

L S

O Q U

H

E O

L C

C

I

T P

P

R

A

B M

O

O

R

M

L

S S

E

E

N

L E

N

C

N D

E

S

L A

T

X

N D

A P

K

L E

R

A

I L

R

moment. He’s been great though.

We live in a one bedroom flat and he’s relegated himself to the bedroom for half of the day to give me space to work. As soon as I finish, we go for a walk. With no garden, this little bit of outside time has been crucial.

I’m looking forward to things going back to normal but while we’ve been in our lockdown bubble we’ve appreciated the little things. A warm sunny day, with fish and chips and a bottle of beer by the castle. FaceTiming friends for a catch-up. It’s made us appreciate that it doesn’t take much to make a day great… but my work being safe has contributed to this. Not having to worry too much about the bills is a huge weight off of our shoulders as we’re not spending much.

T

L

O

E

O

E

O

E

L

S

A

A

C

G

D

T

P

I

N

D

N

I

I

A

N

K

A

U

N

S

P

L

E

W

V

D

S

T

O

I

P

I

U

A

E

A

U

A

I

I

I

N

F

T

S

L

G

C

R

V

G

Y

N

G

C

O

K

S

T

D

P

R

R

A

U

Q

C

D

N

H

E

C

O

H

O

C

O

I

C

H

U

E

I

A

A

N

O

N

A

H

H

N

V

S

E

E

N

N

R

C

T

T

E

L

S

I

P

E

M

R

E

Z

O

F

O

K

Y

A

L

I

T

U

T

H

A

N

O

S

O

P

O

D

S

O

B

.net

it’s the

RECIPE

Spicy

Chicken Noodles Enjoy a homemade Wagamama experience by trying Daniel Austin’s super-easy and economical noodle soup recipe for a quick and tasty supper for two…

Ingredients

Method

Noodle facts

• 1 pack chicken flavour noodles (or add a chicken stock cube to plain noodles) • 2 spring onions • 1/2 a red pepper • 1 carrot • 1 tsp ground cloves • 1/2 tsp chilli powder • 2 tsp dry coriander • 1 chicken breast • Oil for frying • Salt & pepper to season

1. Place the chicken in a pan of water and bring to the boil; simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly cooked through.

2. Remove chicken from water and shred with two forks.

Keep the water in the pot (no heat) and add dry noodles and flavour sachet – just leave them to soak in the water.

3. Finely slice the veg, lengthways (julienne style).

Heat a small amount of oil in a large pan or wok, add the veg and fry for a few minutes only, to retain some crunch.

4. Add the noodles and stock to the pan/wok and simmer.

No add herbs and spices; continue to simmer for approx 5-10 minutes.

5. Serve in large bowls, topping each dish with the shredded chicken.

Noodles are believed to have originated in China, 4,000 years ago, made from millet, a type of cereal grain.

Serving tip We added some sliced, toasted flatbread to decorate the top of the dish and add some crispy texture.

Noodles are one of the cheapest meals to eat. Today, we consider instant noodles to be a budget item, but they were once considered a luxury item, when a single packet cost about ten times that of today’s product.

In Japan, appreciation of a delicious meal is demonstrated by loudly slurping noodles!

There is a noodle museum located in Osaka, Japan, where visitors can find out how noodles are made and see an archive of more than 4,500 varieties.

15

g n i d d e W ning Plan

TOP 10

FROM SOS ENTERTAINMENT

1 Budget 1

Set a realistic budget before you do anything else - and decide who is paying for what. In order to stick to it, make sure you factor in all the details and don’t forget additional costs like gifts and dress alterations.

Remember that the cheapest is not always the best, so ask for references and look at examples of their work.

2 Guests The biggest wedding expense is probably going to be your guests, so draw up a list early and make sure you only include people you really want to be there.

Then you will be able to find the right venue that can accommodate your chosen number.

Your “all day” guests, comprising close friends and family, will join you for the ceremony and wedding breakfast; whereas your guests who come just for the reception will only incur an extra cost if you are supplying an evening buffet.

16

TIPS

3 Seating Plan It’s a good idea to start this as early as you can. It can be much more difficult than you expect it to be – a logistical headache!

Always remember that not all of your friends and family get on, so be sure to do your homework before you do your seating plan.

4 Menu Select a menu that reflects you and your partner’s tastes by choosing your own favourite dishes, rather than being driven by the dietary requirements of other people.

It’s vital to ask your guests if they have any food allergies.

Some people suffer from extremely sensitive conditions – for example even the presence of peanuts in the room it can cause a reaction through the air!

.net

5 Kids

8 Stay Organised

Be consistent with your policy on children - are they all welcome; will it be immediate family only; or do you want an adult-only wedding? Whatever you choose, make sure you stick to it to avoid hurt feelings.

Keep accurate records of all your transactions with suppliers and venues, and ensure you have a list of contacts handy on the day itself in case you need to make contact with a missing driver!

It could cause a problem if you let one family member bring their children but not let another bring theirs!

It’s always handy to a second set of suppliers in reserve, should any of those you have chosen let you down.

Draw up contracts stipulating full refunds and compensation in the event that the agreed work isn’t carried out.

6 Website

9 Thank You

Make a wedding website so that all your guests and family members can visit one place to check all the details of your day. This can include the gift list, the day’s itinerary, as well as transport and accommodation information.

Don’t forget to thank your wedding party and those who have played a part in your big day – arrange small gifts as a thank you.

Friends and family can also post and share any photos from your special day.

7 Ground Rules Make sure you’re aware of any restrictions at the church and reception venue, such as whether confetti as allowed.

Some wedding venues state that you have to clean the venue at the end of the night or pay a extra charge some even keep your deposit if this is not done!

Check if your venue will allow your DJ to use smoke or haze machines – if they’re not warned prior to the DJ using it, the whole place could be evacuated due to the fire alarm being set off by the smoke/haze.

If you don’t have the budget for any gifts, then a thank you during your speeches or via the DJ’s Microphone will do, just so they know you appreciate all they have done for you.

10 Have Fun! No one will enjoy a day hosted by a stressed-out couple who are overwhelmed by last-minute panics. With careful planning and organisation, you will be able to relax and make the most of all the special moments with your loved ones.

Enjoy yourselves – it will fly by!

Why not treat yourselves and your guests to some entertainment in the evening?

Some companies offer white adult bouncy castles, cash grabbers (Crystal Maze), photobooths etc.

q07956 101 596 f @sosentertainment H www.sosentertainment.party

it’s the

SOS Entertainment can help with your wedding reception and parties: top of the range mobile discos, photo booths, LED Dance floors and much much more!

17

Why sing with your b

Sarah Marsh, managing director of Musical Bumps Ltd shares her experience of musicmaking with the youngest of children When people ask me what I do for a living, I say that I teach music to babies! This prompts interesting responses – “What?

Piano lessons?”, “Aren’t they too young?” and the like. If they are interested to know more, then this is what I would say: Whilst there are plenty of studies proving the benefits of music for babies, my own experience of working with babies is convincing enough for me! Despite the recent trend for multi-sensory baby experiences, the thing that matters more than anything else is singing. In the first three years, brain development is faster than at any other time in our lives. New 18

connections are being made at an alarmingly fast rate, and things learnt and frequently reinforced at this time will be retained into adulthood. So babies need repetition – where better to enjoy endless repetition than in a song?! Just think back to a time when you asked someone to do something. They didn’t do it, so you asked again. And again. How long was it before you felt like you

were nagging? Now think about the song “London bridge is falling down” and change the words: “Everybody tidy up, tidy up, tidy up, everybody tidy up, thank you, thank you!”. I’ve just asked you to tidy up four times! Did it sound like nagging? No – because songs demand repetition, and are better for it. Try this on your toddler (but I warn you, it doesn’t work on teenagers!). So songs are a great place to establish and practise vocabulary, ideas, skills and understanding.

But there’s more…Babies need human interaction. Simple – they need to see other humans smiling, frowning, laughing, empathising. This is how babies learn about their world and it’s how they shape their future.

Attending a baby music class is a great way to learn new songs and games to play with your child – games and songs where you can practise all those silly faces and voices and where you can .net

have lots of fun doing so. Putting a CD on (even one from the best musicians in the world) won’t be as good as you singing and responding to your baby(even if you don’t think you can sing!).

This is true for all babies and toddlers – in the womb, new-born and older. So babies need to learn and babies need to have human interaction.

When you have a new baby, you also need to build a new

will, most likely, have practiced or been exposed to hundreds of words, and have enjoyed playing with those words and sounds within songs. These children will arrive at school more confident to use their voice, with a wider vocabulary and better able to retain and remember information.

I can’t say if this equates to a higher IQ, but I can say that their capacity for learning should be greater! So why start from newborn? Most babies who attend music classes have good early communication skills (expressing their feelings, pointing, waving etc.) Socially, these babies also smile plenty, are easily comforted and cope well with new or unexpected situations. As they grow they already know the songs and games, so participation (verbal and non-verbal) comes sooner and self-confidence is high! So remember, you don’t need gadgets, gizmos or apps.

Your baby needs you. And the best games you can play when they are tiny are ones that involve singing!”

Sarah Marsh is a music teacher and advisor working in primary and early years music across the UK. Sarah founded and directs Musical Bumps Ltd – with classes across the country.

For details of Medway classes in Rochester and Wigmore please contact E emma.davis@musicalbumps.com or visit H www.musicalbumps.com

Ear4You Ear4You

it’s the

baby?

social network. The world is a very different place as a parent – indeed things will never be the same again. This can be a very positive experience of course, but is also a little daunting. Attending a music class is a great place to meet other parents and make new friends – often friendships that last well beyond the baby years.

So; something for you, something for your baby and a great place for the two of you to share special times together.

For me this is enough. But you might have read about how music makes your baby cleverer too!

There are many studies showing how music boosts intelligence – some suggesting an increase of eight or nine IQ points!

Again, I can only speak from my experience: there is no doubt that learning is more memorable when we are having fun. There is also no doubt that repetition is essential for reinforcing learning.

The fun had at classes also really encourages participation!

Children attending music classes

Ear Syringing Service Telephone – 07704 310139

Email - ear4you@outlook.com Ear Syringing Service

Syringing DoEar you suffer with any of the Service following complaints?

Tel: 07704 310139 – 07704 310139  Telephone Reduced hearing.

Email: ear4you@outlook.com  Email Wear hearing aids - ear4you@outlook.com

Do suffer  you Blocked earswith any of the following complaints?

Do you with any of theyou following complaints?

Are thesuffer family complaining have the telly too loud •Reduced hearing  Reduced hearing.

•Reduced Wear hearing aids hearing canaids be helped by ear syringing by a qualified  Wear hearing nurse experienced in this practice. We can visit you at •registered Blocked ears  Blocked ears to carry out an assessment and treatment with the  the Are the family complainingyou you have tootoo loud •home Are family complaining havethe thetelly telly loud minimum of fuss. Please call Carol to discuss and book an Reduced canby beear helped by ear syringing by a qualified Reduced hearing can behearing helped syringing by a qualified appointment. registered nurse experienced thiscan practice.

We can visit you at registered nurse experienced in this practice. inWe visit you at home home to carry out an assessment and treatment with the to carry out an assessment and treatment with the minimum of fuss. minimum of fuss. Please call Carol to discuss and book an Please call appointment.

Carol to discuss and book an appointment.

19

Promote your not-for-profit club, society, charity, organisation or event.

Please email neil@itsthebiz.net

community zone ACTIVITIES JUST ADD A PICNIC A resource detailing all the fantastic free days out which are right on the doorsteps, but get overlooked or are best kept secrets. Pack up your picnic and find your next great day out!

Find out more in the events section of the Facebook page @JustAddAPicnic. Weekend posts detail what’s going on.

CLUBS & GROUPS PARKWOOD CAMERA CLUB A group of friendly photography enthusiasts who are keen to share ideas and help each other improve their skill level, based at the Parkwood Community Centre in Rainham and meeting once a week. Find more details at parkwoodcameraclub.com or search Facebook for Parkwood Camera Club.

5TH MEDWAY BEAVER SCOUTS Recruiting for new members!

If your child is between 6 and 8 years old, please bring them along, Wednesdays 6pm till 7.30pm. We have fun, enjoy

games, trips and badge work.

Call Joanne on 07903 124246.

CHARITABLE GIVING THE HYGIENE BANK The Hygiene Bank is founded on the belief that everyone should have a dignified life. It’s not right that feeling clean should be a luxury or a privilege for anyone in our society, yet many of us are living in poverty and can’t afford to be clean. That’s why their network of banks exists – to give people access to the basics they need. A grassroots, people-powered charity and social movement, grounded in community, whose passions stems from a sense of injustice that anyone should be locked out of living a decent, dignified life, working to inspire social change. thehygienebank.com EDUCATION CORAM BEANSTALK Coram Beanstalk is a national reading charity that transforms children’s life chances by recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to work directly with children

aged 3-11 who need support in their reading skills. If you would like to become a reading helper in Medway, call 020 7729 4087 or visit corambeanstalk.org.uk.

HEALTH & FITNESS WALKING WORKOUT WITH A DIFFERENCE A non-profit community group helping to deal with isolation, loneliness and obesity.

Call 07581 046829 or visit walking workoutwithadifference.com PAUL WIFFEN ACADEMY Paul Wiffen Academy offers kickboxing, boxing, K1 and BJJ for all ages and all abilities in Medway, from those who want to be the fittest they could ever be, to pro boxers and kickboxers.

Call Paul 07868 845453 or Zoe 07475 152910 and visit paulwiffenacademy.co.uk MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS SELF-ESTEEM TEAM Your one-stop shop for PSHE – with classes in Mental Health, Exam Stress & Anxiety, Selfcontinued on page 22

Are you looking to buy a static caravan?

Are you struggling to sell your caravan?

You’ll get more for your money buying privately!

We can help you find a buyer!

Private Sale Caravans.co.uk

For just £300 we’ll advertise your caravan on the 20 biggest websites with a stand-out advert. We can take your photos, work out park commissions, write your advert, answer all enquiries, and do viewings.

Call 07410 488499 for more information

Click on www.privatesalecaravans.co.uk and like our page for all the latest caravans

20

.net

Parkinson’s UK in Medway

Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s disease.

Because we are here, no one has to face Parkinson’s alone. Parkinson’s UK brings people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers together via local groups, our website and free confidential helpline.

attitudes and improve services.

We want everyone to get the best health and social care. So we bring professionals together to drive improvements that enable people to live life to the full.

In Medway we have to two active Parkinson’s UK groups; The Medway Towns Branch meets every 4th Saturday at 10:30 in St Stephen’s Church, Chatham ME4 6JE. The Working Age Group meets every 3rd Thursday, at 19:30 in the Prince Arthur Indoor Bowls Club, Prince Arthur Road, Brompton, ME7 1UR.

As the UK’s support and research charity, we are leading the work to find a cure and we are closer than ever. We also campaign to change

For more information please contact Volunteer co-ordinator at vc.south2@parkinsons.org.uk, or through the confidential helpline 0808 800 0303.

Medway Parkinson’s regular events PLEASE NOTE: Changes due to Covid-19 restrictions are marked in red.

BOXING SESSION FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S Online every Thursday at 4pm via Zoom (recorded). Training to help in the management of Parkinson’s. Exercises adapted to suit individual needs. Supervised by a qualified boxing instructor.

MONTHLY MEETING WITH SPEAKER ON HOLD PARKINSON’S CAFÉS ON HOLD PARKINSON’S SPECIFIC EXERCISE CLASS Online every Tuesday at 6pm via Jitsu.

SKYLARKS SINGING & MOVEMENT CLASS Online every Saturday at 10.30am via Zoom Parkinson’s UK in Medway, including the Medway Towns Branch and the Medway Working Age Group. For Medway people with young onset Parkison’s disease. A member of the Medway Neurological Network. www.parkinsonsukmedway.org.uk www.medwayneuro.org.uk

SPONSOR REQUIRED FOR OUR NEWSLETTER Can you help Parkinson’s UK in Medway by sponsoring their newsletter? Promote your business and help this charitable group. Reach all members in Medway and beyond plus local councillors and MPs. If you would like to sponsor or advertise, please email neil@itsthebiz.net

21

community zone

Esteem, Body Image & Social Media. Call 07494 656 225; Visit: selfesteemteam.org or email bookings@selfesteemteam.org MINDFULNESS MEDWAY MINDFULNESS Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). 7.30-9.30pm at St Stephen’s Church Centre, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME4 6JE. To apply, please email us at: medwaymindfulness@outlook.com PERFORMING ARTS WOLF’S HEAD & VIXEN MORRIS Border Morris side. Winners of The Green Man Shield, Rochester Sweeps Festival, 2012, 2013 and 2014! New members are always welcome to join 16+. We practice Wednesdays at The Good Intent.

For more info email whanv@hotmail.com THE BIG SING Community choir, open to everyone. You don’t need to have a fantastic singing voice – just bring your enthusiasm. There are no auditions. The weekly rehearsals are very relaxed but most of all fun! Meeting every Monday at St Peter’s Church Parish Centre, Delce Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 2EH, 7-9pm – only £7 per week, pay as you go. Also at Swanley Christ Church URC and Dartford St Edmunds Living Well Centre. big-sing.com

it’s the

MUCH LAUGHTER Much Laughter is a CIC charity,

22

Promote your not-for-profit club, society, charity, organisation or event. Please email neil@itsthebiz.net

raising awareness of FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders).

Events include monthly comedy shows at Fort Luton; an adult austic group; work in progress shows at The Hub in Rochester High Street. We now have a signer, opening comedy up to the deaf community. Call 01634 252707 or visit muchlaughter.co.uk SPIRITUAL HEALING THE CENTRE, MIND BODY SPIRIT Reiki, rahanni, spiritual, crystal and Chi healing given freely, donations welcome, every Tuesday evening 7.30 - 9pm and every Wed 10.00 to 11.30am at The Centre, Mind Body Spirit, Next to Travelodge , M2 Services Rainham, ME8 8PQ 07956 605434 thecentre-mindbodyspirit.co.uk SUPPORT GROUPS ABIGAIL’S FOOTSTEPS We are a baby loss charity providing support and counselling for bereaved parents and families as well as specialist bereavement training for midwives and healthcare professionals. Our charity is funded entirely by kind donations and our fundraising activities. www.abigailsfootsteps.co.uk KINFEST Kinfest aims to alleviate the isolation felt by kinship children and their carers and ‘sharers’, by providing opportunities to share recreational time together. This is done through an annual holiday,

design

day trips and social events, as well as an online support forum. new.kinfest.co.uk MEDWAY ASTHMA SELF-HELP MASH has been helping the people of Medway in Kent (UK) since 1996 with information and support for people with asthma.

Our doors are open to everyone and all our services are free. medwayasthmaselfhelp.co.uk MEDWAY PARENTS & CARERS FORUM Medway Parents and Carers Forum are a pan disability group (all disabilities) that enable parents, families and carers of children and young people from 0-25 with disabilities or additional needs to have a voice within Medway, helping to shape the services they use. Please email to book a place on medwaypcf@ googlemail.com. Call 07813 123984 during office hours.

MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION - MID KENT Volunteers undertake fundraising and awareness raising activities throughout each year, to support people diagnosed with MND in the local area. midkentmnd.org.uk PARKINSON’S UK IN MEDWAY Because we are here, no one has to face Parkinson’s alone. Parkinson’s UK brings people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers together via local groups, our website and free confidential helpline. parkinsonsukmedway.org.uk

DESIGN SERVICE PLUS COMPETITIVE PRINT PRICES Logos · Stationery · Flyers · Posters · Brochures · Booklets Web & Social Media Graphics · Photo Retouching · plus more email neil@itsthebiz.net

.net

I’m Emma Thomas, project coordinator for The Hygiene Bank Strood & Hoo Peninsula, a project I run from my home in Cliffe Woods.

The Hygiene Bank Strood & Hoo Peninsula are a Medway based project of a national grassroots charity, like a foodbank but for hygiene products, trying to meet the need locally for those in poverty or crisis. Our ethos is give local, help local. We want to bring communities together to tackle hygiene poverty by providing essential donated products to the vulnerable across the Medway towns in conjunction with our network of charity partners and schools.

Many people living in poverty or those who find themselves in times of a major life crisis often have to make the distressing

decision to eat or stay clean because they can’t afford to do both. This is about dignity. We aim to break the stigma of hygiene poverty.

It is shaming, humiliating and excluding and can result in social isolation. Hygiene poverty leads to a crippling lack of confidence and negatively affects good health and mental well-being. These can impact early childhood development, learning, employability and social interaction.

The Hygiene Bank Strood & Hoo Peninsula Hygiene Bank encourages people and businesses in Medway to donate essential toiletries, hygiene, beauty and grooming products via drop off points and collector schemes. Our 15 drop off points include local shops, sports centres, community groups and schools or we can accept donations via our online Wishlist.

All these products are collected,

sorted and given out to a network of organisations and services that support vulnerable and struggling people. The Hygiene Bank doesn’t give products to individuals directly - we partner with local schools and existing charities such as foodbanks, supported housing schemes, refuges, hostels and social services who then distribute the products to the people they are working with.

This means everything donated locally stays in the area and is given out to local families and individuals living in crisis.

I support right across Medway.

During coronavirus, communities have never needed each other more and we have seen how we can all play our part. In March, due to the coronavirus and Government restrictions, all my 15 drop off points are closed almost overnight or were inaccessible. This meant that our much-needed donations of hygiene products from the public had completely dried up.

Unfortunately, due to the current tough economic environment, the demand for our services from our beneficiary partners significantly increased, with many more demands from new and vulnerable individuals and families. But the community came together, and we adapted by offering a Just Giving Page to enable us to purchase the essentials and an online Wishlist where items were delivered directly to me. It really is heart warming that thanks to local people’s generosity we have coped with increased demand, but we can always do more.

The Hygiene Bank Strood & Hoo Peninsula q07940 329994 H www.thehygienebank.com f @thbStroodHooPeninsula

it’s the

Hygiene and personal care products for those in need

23

Motor Neurone Disease Association - Mid Kent Branch

MND is a progressive, life-limiting neurological condition for which there is currently no cure.

★

★

fund local hospice support days, enabling crucial support to be provided in that setting.

MND is a rapidly-progressing illness, often requiring support to be provided in a timely way. This can include working

You can find all dates for our support meetings and other fundraising events at www.midkentmnd.org.uk or on Twitter @MNDMidKent

Haskins Magic Mir Mirrorr Hire Hi ★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★

Birthdays & parties Weddings Corporate events Special occasions All props and instant prints included in package

Pet Care Bee walking, feeding, checking, petting we can be there to stop them fretting Call 07720 537492 petcarebee@outlook.com

Call 07507 284988 Email hmmhire@gmail.com 24 Haskins Bus Card.indd 2

with other agencies, providing specialist equipment not available via statutory services, assisting with financial support for equipment, complementary therapies, counselling, social and enrichment activities etc.

it’s the

Our Branch is run entirely by volunteers who undertake fundraising and awareness raising activities throughout each year, enabling us to support people diagnosed with MND in the local area.

We have trained volunteer visitors who befriend and support those living with MND and their families by providing practical and emotional support. We also

14/05/2020 12:24

Fully insured

.net

Lauren’s Little Makes

Lockdown has seen creativity blossom and new ventures initiated…

Lauren’s Little Makes was founded in May of 2020, as the country went into lockdown amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

Many people found themselves being furloughed and having much more time on their hands.

Being one of those people, I wracked my brain for things I could do other than walking the dog and a spot of gardening.

Crochet has been a growing passion; I’ve done the odd bits here and there but never really

fully completed a project. With Mother’s day having just passed and having little money at that stage, I opted to make a cute little unicorn in the theme of her bedroom. So when May rolled around and I was put on furlough, I remembered just how much I loved making that unicorn and my new found love of Amigurumi blossomed.

I wanted to share this with the rest of the world and with the support of friends and family began to make little teddy animals in a variety of wools and that’s how my journey began!

Still in the early days, Lauren’s Little Makes is still creating little animals and personalised little gifts to bring smiles to people’s faces in these uncertain times. f @laurenslittlemakes Join in on my journey, with weekly updates and idea sharing, you can find Laurens Little Makes on Facebook.

H EXCLUSIVE OFFER H

FREE FITTING!

J K Curtains & Blinds The complete made-to-measure service to suit all budgets and needs

01634 715422 07950 633697 Get FREE FITTING when you place an order with J K Curtains & Blinds when you quote: ITB03-03

www.jkcurtainsandblinds.co.uk 25

classified ARTS & CRAFTS LAUREN’S LITTLE MAKES ��������� see page 25 i Hand made teddies, toys, blankets, cushions.

f @laurenslittlemakes BUILDING & DECORATING ADC PLASTERING & DECORATING

i Plastering, decorating, venetian plasters.

q 07714 235134

f @adcplastering INNOVATION PLASTERING i Spray render specialist q 01634 319894 · 07716 434908 E info@innovationplastering.co.uk H www.innovationplastering.co.uk f @innovationplastering13 PREMIER BUILDING SERVICES

i Supply and installation of kitchens and

bathrooms plus plumbing and property maintenance services q 07702 668245 f @premierbuildingservice SILVERLINE TILING

i High quality professional tiling services.

Supply and fit, walls & floors including underfloor heating installation. 15 yrs exp. q 07980 790701 E silverlineceramics@hotmail.co.uk H instagram.com/the_eyeofthetiler TWR PLASTERING & COVING KENT

i FREE no obligation quotes, plastering,

rendering and coving, just contact Terry on q 07423 546 004 E terry@twrplastering.co.uk H www.twrplastering.co.uk

CURTAINS & BLINDS JK CURTAINS & BLINDS ������������� see page 25 q 01634 715422 H www.jkcurtainsandblinds.co.uk

MADE TO MEASURE BLINDS i From £45, fitted. Cut out the middle men and save £s. Call Mark. q 07970 639390 f mb.blinds.71 DOG WALKING WALKING PAWS i A friendly dog walking service in Rochester q 07535 761546 E walkingpaws1@outlook.com f Walking Paws DRESSMAKING CHRISTINA KINSEY i (Formerly of GV Fabrics) Historical costumes to hemming, hand sewing a speciality. Call me or come and see me at Intra, every Friday, 337-341 Rochester High Street q 07984 561083 f GV Fabrics and Haberdashery EDUCATION MUSICAL BUMPS �������������������see pages 18-19

q 01732 321217 H www.musicalbumps.com

ENTERTAINMENT CONFLUENCE MAGAZINE

i A magazine of new writing

from Kent and beyond.

H www.confluencemagazine.co.uk

CARAVAN SALES

EVENT SERVICES

PRIVATE SALE CARAVANS ��������� see page 20 q 07410 488499 H www.privatesalecaravans.co.uk f @privatesalecaravansuk

DECKTRONIX i Record shop plus repair and service of stage, sound, lighting, and DJ equipment. q 01634 776217 H www.decktronix.co.uk f @decktronix

COACHING & DEVELOPMENT ZAHRA MAJID i Certified Coach with 15 years of experience as an International HR Professional.

E zahramajid@hotmail.com 26

HASKINS MAGIC MIRROR HIRE ��� see p. 24

i For weddings, parties & corporate events.

E 07507 284988 H hmmhire@gmail.com

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES OCCASIONAL POST

i Hire a post box for your event. Styles for

birthdays, baby showers, weddings etc. q 07850 069234 E contact@occasionalpost.co.uk H www.occasionalpost.co.uk f @occasionalpostltd SELFIE MIRROR EVENTS

i Wow the guests at your event with a

Magic Mirror Photo Booth. q 07868 317260 H www.selfiemirroreventskent.co.uk f @selfiemirrorevents

SOS ENTERTAINMENT ��������������������see page 2

q 07956 101 596 H www.sosentertainment.party

f sosentertainment FACE PAINTING MY KINDA FACES i Professional face painter based in Rochester.

Save 10% by liking my Facebook page. f @MyKindaFaces FASHION MATTHEW ELUWANDE MILLINERY

i Hats for any occasion.

q 07904 812055 E matthewcreations2@gmail.com H www.mattheweluwandemillinery.com

FLORISTRY PEPE’S POSIES

i Flowers for all occasions, high quality

flowers at affordable prices. Gillingham. q 07395 624302 f @PepesPosies FOSTERING HEATH FARM FOSTERING i Independent fostering agency providing therapeutic care for children with complex needs in London, Kent and Essex. q 01227 931 778 H www.heathfarmfostering.com .net

01634 470281 neil@itsthebiz.net www.itsthebiz.net

The classified listing includes of all the display advertisers in this edition – turn to the page shown for the full ad. To advertise here with a FREE text-only ad, just email neil@itsthebiz.net with your company name, description and contact details.

HAIR & BEAUTY MELANIE JEGGO HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY

i Private studio and mobile service

q 07958 359746 E melaniejeggo@gmail.com H www.melaniejeggohairbeauty.co.uk

HEALTH & FITNESS LT FITNESS

i Fitness training, gym/physical fitness

centre, fitness boot camp q 07518 623338 f @LT Fitness Medway

HEARING LOSS EAR 4 YOU ����������������������������������������� see page 19

i Ear syringing service

q 07704 310139 E ear4you@outlook.com

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS PC KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

i Plumbing, tiling, plastering, carpentry.

q 01634 306 582 E info@pckitchensbathrooms.co.uk H www.pckitchensbathrooms.co.uk

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION KENT LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION ����� see p. 28 i Gain more customers and increase sales. q 07592 093401 E info@kentleafletdistribution.com H www. kentleafletdistribution.com f @KDLltd PERFORMING ARTS

PET SERVICES PET CARE BEE ��������������������������������� see page 24

i Walking, feeding, checking, petting –

we can be there to stop them fretting H 07720 537492 E petcarebee@outlook.com PET OWNERS FIRST AID i Fully accredited animal (predominantly dogs & cats) first aid courses for pet owners, groomers, dog walkers, boarders etc. f @PetOwnersFirstAid E petownersfirstaid@outlook.com q 07395 834735 PEST CONTROL GOLD STANDARD PEST SOLUTIONS i Fast and effective solution to all types of pest activity. Same day response. q 0800 910 1179 E office@goldsps.co.uk H www.goldsps.co.uk f @goldstandardpestsolutionsltd PHOTOGRAPHY HANNAH CORNFORD i Family photographer in Medway.

q 07970 956 316 E info@hannahcornfordphotography.com H www.hannahcornfordphotography.com

f @ hannahcornfordphotography LOVE LANE PHOTOGRAPHY i Great professional family photography.

q 01634 408700 H www.lovelanephotography.com

CLASSICAL SOPRANO i Singing teacher and international soprano. q Christine Hubbard 01634 848444

f Love-Lane-Photography

SINGING LESSONS

q 07960 747342 E zahramajid@hotmail.com

1-1 lessons for adults and children q Please call Amanda on 0777 840 3674

f @photoartbyzahra

i Singing lessons / vocal coaching

STERONDALLS

i Performing arts school in Wouldham,

focused on achieving exceptional standards. q 07484 894453 E info@sterondalls.co.uk H www.sterondalls.co.uk

ZAHRA MAJID i Natural light photographer and digital artist

PLUMBING & HEATING ASTRAL HEATING & GAS SERVICES

i Boiler and central heating repairs and

servicing. Gas Safe registered. q 07748 876434 H www.astralheatingservices.co.uk

BEES KNEES PLUMBING ��������������see page 5

i Taps, leaks, blockages, radiators & cylinders,

first & second fix, general plumbing. q 07914 259908 E beeskneesplumbing@outlook.com f @ beeskneesplumbing PRESSURE WASHING

CROWECLEAN i Pressure cleaning and gutter cleaning. q 01634 926245 E croweclean@gmail.com H www.croweclean.co.uk PROMOTIONS DECAL LAB

i High quality promotional products.

E decalslab@outlook.com

f vinyldecalslab

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ALL SIZE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

q Steven Webb 07873 122527 E allsizepropertymaintenance@gmail.com

f @allsizeproperty

REFLEXOLOGY FOOTPRINTS REFLEXOLOGY ������see page 9 q Juliette 07813 676 246 E juliette@therapist.net f Footprints Reflexology of Rochester SCAFFOLDING ROCHESTER SCAFFOLDING LTD

i Industrial, commercial, residential .

q 01634 735300 E rochesterscaffolding@gmail.com H www.rochesterscaffoldingservice.co.uk

TRAVEL AGENTS TRAVEL COUNSELLORS i For your next holiday, cruise, city break, flight or honeymoon. q 01622 807980 E claire.summers@travelcounsellors.com f travelcounsellors.co.uk/claire.summers WASTE CLEARANCE MEDWAY CLEARANCE SERVICES i Domestic and commercial waste disposal and house clearances across Kent. q 07980 722024 E medwayclearance@btconnect.com H www.medwayclearance.co.uk f @medwayclearance 27

Get your message to the right audience

Kent Leaflet Distribution

Gain more customers and increase sales with Kent Leaflet Distribution If you need to get the word out about your brand and increase the awareness of your business at an affordable price, leaflet distribution is the way to go! Increase sales and leads in your area with a targeted leaflet drop.

Your leaflets can be delivered on their own with our Solus plan. Or save money with our Share Plan, where the drop is shared with up to five other leaflets.

Get in touch now to find out how we can help your promotional activities.

! @KDLltd

www.kentleafletdistribution.com

07592 093401 info@kentleafletdistribution.com