Ashford February 2018 by The Village Directory

The

Village Directory Feb/Mar Edition • Issue 45 • Royal Mail

ForFor Ashford Ashford

From a simple door swap to a full replacement kitchen...

QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

EST.

1999

Before • ®

•

• From a simple door swap to a complete kitchen refit

• Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks & taps

• Installed by local skilled tradesman

• Free planning & design service

www.dreamdoors.co.uk CALL FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE:

01233 228704 Visit our showroom: 48 Cinque Ports Street, Rye, TN31 7AN

KUMON MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY CENTRES THESE CENTRES ARE OFSTED REGISTERED The two-week Free Trial offer is available between 1 and 28 February

Book now! Ashford North Study Centre 07799 273 857 Ashford Park Farm Study Centre 07710 238 551 Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

Welcome Hi everyone, welcome to the first edition of 2018, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. December is always my opportunity to slow down, catch up on everything home related and thoroughly recharge my batteries. As much as I love, and need, my December break it’s so tough getting my brain back into gear on the return to work, especially when there’s a print deadline to meet just two weeks into the new year. It’s frightening how much a significant break can affect brain function, on the 2nd of January I sat at my desk, stared at the magazine on my screen and thought “Now how do I do this?”! The magazine will be 13 years old this year so you would think the mechanics of creating it were part of my being. Mind you, the opposite is also true, in the early days I experienced the effect of not taking a break and that’s far worse. Another thing I need to get back into gear with is my exercise. Christmas really piles on the

pounds, but it’s the fitness aspect that concerns me most. I have a significant birthday in August and I aim to hit it fitter and leaner than I’ve been for many years. Wish me luck! February is the month of Romance with Valentine’s Day on the horizon but Mother’s Day is early this year, on the 11th March. Don’t be caught out, you know what they say about a Mother’s scorn!

Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk

Apr/May Edition Deadline 10th Mar 2018

Valentine

CINNAMON

Special Menu 3 COURSE

MEAL

£19.95 PER PERSO

(NOT IN CONJ

UNCTION WIT

H ANY OTHER

OFFER)

OFI NF 20I N% ING

D MB AND SEAFOOD DISHES,DADRYIN&KS,

LENTINE’S EXCLUDES LA 18 TURDAYS, VA FRIDAYS, SA EXPIRES 8TH MARCH 20 Y. DA ’S ER H OT M

WWW.CINNAMONSPICEKENT.CO.UK Unit 4 Eureka Place, Trinity Road,Ashford, Kent TN25 4BY

01233 668 731 3

Shear Pawfection Mobile Pet Grooming Spa

£5 Off for new customers QuoteVill01

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Short daylight hours and wintry weather can mean increased periods of isolation for family carers and those that depend on them in their own homes. Carers’ Support is an independent charity commissioned by Kent County Council and Health to provide Carers Needs Assessments and support services to unpaid carers. If you are looking after somebody, a family member, neighbour or a friend who has a long term health condition, a disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem and you would like to talk to someone about your options and your own needs, please call Carers’ Support on 01233 664393. Carer’s Support offer a listening ear, information, advice and guidance, practical and emotional support to anyone over 18 years of age looking after an adult who depends on them. Do you worry about leaving your loved one while you attend appointments or go shopping? Are you concerned what might happen to them if you were involved in an incident or an accident? Give us a call and speak to us about respite options and how to set in place an emergency plan for if you were unable to get back to your cared-for. All of our core services are free. Call 01223 664393 for an information pack today. Carers’ Support, Norman House, Beaver Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7SH www.carers-ashford.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1061475 Member of East Kent Carers Consortium CIC 7768512 4

N & E Window Cleaning Services Water-fed Pole / Traditional Window Cleaning Fascia / Gutter / Patio Cleaning / Solar Panels Please contact Nathan Turner for a free quote

07764 193492 n_eturnercleaning@yahoo.com

Make Do And Mend Sewing Services

Curtains, Blinds and Cushions Clothing Repairs, Alterations, Zips & Hems,School Uniform Repairs Call Paulette 01233 331 994 M: 07932 903864

NEEDLES & PINS

REPAIR AND ALTERATION SERVICE

Zips & Trouser / Skirt Shortening from £5.50 HAND SEWN CURTAINS FREE COLLECTION / DELIVERY SERVICE

Call Christina 01303 864280

Handy in Your Home

99 Plumbing 99 Decorating 99 Gardening 99 Carpentry 99 Tiling

Maintenance Services Any niggle job, none too small

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The Garden

LONGACRES

Bedding 6 pack

GARDEN CENTRE

from

£2.49

BYBROOK BARN FLOWERS & GIFTS FOR VALENTINE’S & MOTHER’S DAY!

12 Short Stem Roses Just

£19.99

For Mothers‘ Day 11

Wed 14 Feb

MARCH

LONGACRES Bybrook Barn has fantastic seasonal offers including 6 packs of bedding from £2.49 and single vegetables in pots from just 79p!

A25

We’ve also got a great café and the following departments: Cut Flowers & Floristry Services •

Cards & Wrapping • Giftware • Grow Your Own • Compost • Bedding Plants • Outdoor Plants • Pots • Houseplants • Artificial Flowers • Hand Tools • Wild Bird Care • Clothing • Toys... And a few more…

A251 to Faversham Trinity Rd

BYBROOK

Island Lake CEMETERY

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WARREN RETAIL PARK

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Simone Wei

A28

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Bybrook Barn Cemetery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN24 9JZ

ASHFORD RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

Find us by J9 of the M20, off the A28, Canterbury Road (opposite Ashford Holiday Inn), next to the Health Centre/Chemist.

GORE HILL

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LONGACRES GARDEN CENTRE Bybrook Barn, Cemetery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN24 9JZ Tel: 01233 631 959

OPENING HOURS

Monday-Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.30pm (tills open at 10.30 am) Web: www.longacres.co.uk

Time to Get Pruning by Pippa Greenwood At this time of year the weather is often perfect for pruning and cutting back woody plants, and there’s a good chance that there are many pruning jobs that have built up over the last year and could benefit from your attention now - so take advantage of the fact that deciduous trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers are now devoid of leaves and get stuck in. Here’s how to make sure your pruning will really benefit your plants: • If you have a relatively small expanse of hedge or are looking to roughly reshape a shrub, a good, sharp pair of shears should do the job. Make sure they are well-oiled so that the blades move smoothly and then angle the blades to make a level trimmed surface. When you are cutting along the top of a hedge you may want to use a guide line so that you make a neat and level surface - a taut string will do. For large hedges consider using a powered hedge cutter or hedge trimmer, but make sure you are happy with the weight of the machine and can use it safely! • When the pruning of shrubs and trees includes the removal

of stems at various heights and of varying thicknesses, it is worth using some ‘loppers’. These are available in various handle lengths, while some even have telescopic handles so that you can reach up higher without having to use a ladder or platform. They are much better at cutting through relatively thick stems than shears or secateurs and yet also allow for accurate positioning of the cut. If you are having to cut back branches above your head it is worth wearing some protective headgear, as well as goggles to protect your eyes from falling debris. • Everybody with even just a single shrub in their garden needs a pair of secateurs and the better the quality, the better the job you can do. Secateurs can be used for the most precise pruning of smaller woody stems. Provided they are good and sharp, you can make a perfectly clean and accurate cut. Always cut to an outward-facing bud (so that the new growth produced from that bud grows outwards). Secateurs are good for removing dead and dying stems as well as for

formative pruning (where you are helping to ensure the plant grows in the direction you want it to), and for pruning to encourage flowering. If you are pruning out dead and dying material, bin it or burn it in case it carries infection. • When it comes to pruning out or tidying up larger branches on trees and shrubs then a proper pruning saw is what you need. If you choose one with one or (better still) two lines of teeth you can produce a very accurate and clean cut with relatively little effort. If you have fruit trees to prune then this is the perfect tool for the job. Use a sawing action for best results and again, if cutting above your head, wear protective headgear and goggles to protect your eyes. Make the pruning cut a few millimetres from the main stem to which the branch you are removing is joined. A cut like this will heal over much more quickly and the wound will be smaller and less prone to fungal rotting. • Before you get carried away, check the best pruning time for the plants you have in mind. Most hedges and many shrubs

The Garden can be cut back now, but if you are after a good display of flowers make sure that you prune at the correct time or else you may end up pruning out the plant’s potential. • Some trees - mainly those in the Prunus family such as cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, peaches and nectarines - are very prone to a potentially fatal fungal infection known as ‘silver leaf’. This is less likely to cause problems if these trees are pruned in the summer months, so don’t prune them now unless there is no alternative and you are sure you are prepared to take the risk. • Always make sure that pruning tools are really sharp. If they are in the slightest bit blunt then the job will not only take a lot more effort from you, but

may also end up with the plant being damaged, as the cut made will be jagged or stems may be crushed. • Create sloping cuts whenever you can so that rain and moisture runs off and does not accumulate (wetness encourages wood rotting), and cut close to but not on top of a bud as this will allow new growth without dieback. When you are using shears or largescale trimmers you cannot do this, so always use secateurs, loppers or a saw.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in the spring accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus Nemaslug, bio-controls, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!

• Stand back from time to time when you are pruning and see what the overall appearance of the plant is like, and just where you are best off removing the next bit - if you are close up it is harder to see how your pruning is affecting the overall shape of the plant.

Mixed Hardwood LOGS www.ashfordlogs.co.uk £65 per truck load

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Robert Smith: 07737 004 104

email: info@rsfencingsolutions.co.uk www.rsfencingsolutions.co.uk

Hard landscaping • Soft landscaping • Wildlife • • • Consultancy

gardens Restoration Conservation 01233 349 012 07496542362

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The Home

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The Home

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What are the different styles of shutters? There are three types of shutters: plantation, solid and cafĂŠ style. Most people go for the plantation style, which have slats (also known as louvers) that rotate open and closed to control light levels. Solid shutters are ideal for those wanting to create a more traditional look, and are designed to be folded back during the day and closed at night. Extremely ( ! shutters can be made to ' any size or shape

Shutters provide a chic and stylish alternative to blinds and curtains and are a cost-effective way to completely update the look and feel of a room. They are more hygienic too as they simply wipe clean and don't absorb the dust, unlike curtains or blinds. Shutters offer you a great deal of flexibility, for instance you can have different slat sizes, different colours and different panel designs. You also have more control over how much light enters the room. With blinds, there's relatively little light control flexibility. Shutters can also save you valuable pennies as they provide further insulation, which is particularly appealing in these cash strapped times. And finally, shutters last longer and are more 12 durable.

CafĂŠ style shutters are popular in restaurants and cafes, hence the name. With this style, the shutters normally cover just the bottom half of the window. Shutters can help retain heat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a bonus for household bills

With tier-on-tier shutters, there are two sets of shutters, one above the other. You can open each set individually, which gives you more flexibility and more light control. These are ideal if you have larger bay windows.

Which styles would suit which types of windows? Solid shutters are mainly used in Victorian and older style properties. They keep out more light and offer the ultimate privacy. This type of shutter is perfect in a room with a simple and minimal dĂŠcor, and works particularly well in country cottages where they look quaint folded back during the day. Solid shutters with a solid lower half but with movable slats on top work fabulously on French doors, giving a lovely Continental feel that will certainly remind you of your summer holiday.

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With the plantation shutters, you can really get creative with the design, the colour and the rods, and as such these types of shutters suit most spaces. Can shutters still be fitted in awkward spaces? Shutters are perfect for awkward places! There are very few spaces that can't accommodate shutters For further information advice on awnings Shutters can help retain heat, a bonus for household bills.>> and accessories please contact JLS Blinds & Shutters on 01233 226570

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The Home

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Into the New Year Books about awakenings and new beginnings to see you into 2018. The Power – Naomi Alderman Not a new release this one, but well worth a read if you missed it back in 2016. Teenage girls across the world discover they have the power to hurt, and even kill, with just their bare hands. And they have the ability to awaken that same power in other women. Now that men are the weak ones, how will the gender balance shift? An engaging read that twists modern day happenings and examines the dark side of power. Gripping, thought-provoking and a real conversation starter, The Power is ideal for book clubs. Me. You. A Diary – Dawn French This book combines writing your own diary with taking a peek into Dawn French’s. She shares her thoughts each month, along with various insights into her life, and invites you to do the same. The idea is that, by the end of the year, you’ll have a ‘fatter, scruffier book that is written by me but totally personalised by you.’ With various writing prompts, this book makes keeping a diary altogether easier. The perfect start to the new year.

How to be Champion: My Autobiography – Sarah Millican Sarah Millican’s autobiography is like a glorious ramble through her

life. The book is split into chapters with headers such as ‘Things I’ve Been Bullied For’, ‘Why I’m Not A Criminal’ and ‘My Love Of Stationery’. It’s part autobiography and part self-help guide. Nothing is off limits, so it’s probably not the book for you if you’re not keen on swear words or reading about bodily functions. However, if you want a book that’ll make you feel good about yourself and is snortyour-tea-out-of-your-nose-funny, buy it now. History of Wolves – Emily Fridlund 14 year old Linda lives in an ex-commune out in the woods. Lonely, socially-inexperienced and left to her own devices by her parents, Linda craves friends and a sense of belonging. When a new family moves nearby, she befriends the young mother and regularly babysits the four year old child. But she soon discovers that all is not right. The choices Linda has to make to keep her new found family could have tragic consequences. Compelling reading. The Art of Hiding – Amanda Prowse Nina seems to have the perfect life, but it soon starts to unravel when her husband is killed in a

car crash. Left with two children to care for, a mountain of debt, and the growing realisation that her husband wasn’t all he seemed, Nina has to fight to rebuild a life for herself and her family. An enjoyable easy read – perfect for long winter’s nights. Mrs Osmond – John Banville Banville picks up the story of Isabel Osmond (née Archer) from where we left her in the classic The Portrait of a Lady. While this novel will likely appeal most to fans of Henry James’s work, Banville retells enough of the original story for Mrs Osmond to work as a stand-alone piece. Upon learning of her husband’s betrayal, Isabel has journeyed to London, leaving him behind in Italy. Away from her husband and reunited with her friends, Isabel starts to rediscover her desire for independence. Lively characters, elegant prose and engaging dialogue combine to make this a very enjoyable read.

The Home

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L i v e Ja z z 2018

T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b At T h e To we r To B o o k C a l l : 0 1 3 0 3 2 7 7 1 7 5 All gigs start at 8pm ~ All gigs £12 admission Seat Bookings: 01303 277175 Email: twinklewood@btinternet.com Website: www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk Feb 1st Pete Long’s -- Pocket Basie

Jacqui Hicks with The Brian Dee Trio Feb 8th

Feb 13th Direct from Ronnie Scotts

The Artie Zaitz Quartet Feb 22nd The music of Al Jolson “ Jazz’n

Jolson “

March 1st Brandon Allen Quartet play the

music of Gene Ammons

March 8th Alan Barnes Sextet play Duke

Ellington & Johnny Hodges

March 13th Craig Milverton Quartet play

Oscar Peterson

March 22nd From New York City -Marlene

verPlanck & her trio

March 29th Derek Nash Accoustic Quartet

T h e Fo l k e s t o n e J a z z C l u b i s a n o n p r o f i t m a k i n g j a z z c l u b. R u n b y & fo r p e o p l e w i t h a l i k e m i n d e d i n t e re s t i n OUR KIND OF MUSIC D e r i c k Wo o d l a n d 0 1 3 0 3 2 6 0 3 3 0

Fe b r u a r y 5th Woodchurch Local History Society meets on the first Monday of the month at Woodchurch Memorial Hall, 7:30pm. Our first speaker of the year (Alex Ferris) will give a presentation entitled ‘Plague Doctor of the Weald’ on Monday March 5th. Why not come and give us a try? New members are very welcome indeed, paying £10 annual membership. Visitors pay £2 at the door. Please ring Geoff, 01233 860393 for more information. 9th Woodchurch Film Society will be showing Manchester By The Sea. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm screening. Tickets: £4 (members), £5 (non-members). All available at the door. Venue: The Memorial Hall, The Green, Woodchurch TN26 3PF. Refreshments: hot & cold drinks plus our usual delicious home-made cakes for sale during the interval. 10th Spiritualist Meetings held every Saturday evening, at Highbury Hall. Highbury Lane. Tenterden. TN30 6LE. Doors open at 6pm ready for 6.30pm start. Refreshments afterwards. All are welcomed. February 10th - Iain Mason £4. February 17th - Stephen Morrell. February 24th - Philip Holden from London, £4. PS. We also have a page on facebook, Tenterden Spiritualist Centre. 15th Iden Village Hall Bingo, held every once a fortnight. Doors opening at 2pm ready for eyes down at 2.30pm. 20th Ashford Flower Club is holding its Annual General Meeting at Furley Hall, Maidstone Road, Ashford TN24 8TX. The formal part of the evening will be followed by a short floral demonstration by Trudie Easton. The meeting starts at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm). Anyone interested in joining the Club is very welcome to attend. 21st The Weald of Kent Computer Club will meet in Biddenden New Village Hall at 7.30 pm. This evening Phil Birch, of Highway Learning and Support, will be giving a talk on “Security and your computer.”. Annual membership is £10.00. Nonmembers are welcome at £2 a visit. Full details: http:// www.wealdofkentcomputerclub.co.uk/. Enquiries: secretarywkcc@yahoo.co.uk 23rd Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society will meet 7.00 for 7.30pm in the village hall when our speaker with be Ian Rickards of Kent Wildlife Trust who will be giving a presentation on “The Wildlife of Hothfield Heathlands”. Those who came on our escorted tour last year will know how interesting this area of Kent is, we are planning another trip on Wednesday 9th May. For further enquiries please

What’s On

contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813 451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com. Visitors will always be made welcome. 28th The Biddenden Horticultural Society meets in the New Village Hall. Mrs Elizabeth Hall is going to start the year with a talk entitled “Dragons: Animal, Vegetable and Miscellaneous”. If you would like our events calendar for 2018 contact Irene Orsborne on 01580 291777 or Lesley Lidgett on 01580 291931 or visit the website www. biddendenhorticulturalsociety.co.uk. Our usual fees for Village Hall meetings are Members £2, Non Members £3. Annual membership £5. New members always welcome.

Aldington School Table Top Sale Saturday 24th February 2018 Aldington School Hall 10am until 12Noon

Ma r c h

17th The first event of the High Halden Horticultural Society ‘s year is a quiz night in the Memorial Hall at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Entry is £3, there will be a great raffle, bring your own refreshments. Contact 850579 to reserve a table

Refreshments served Set up from 9am £7 a Table Book at:

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30th Lydd Airport Art Exhibition. Easter Weekend 12.00 - 5.00 Sat & Sun, 31st March & 1st April 10.00 - 5.00, Mon 2nd April 10.00 - 4.00. Free admission and car parking. Refreshments available in restaurant. Local Artists supporting the Air Ambulance. Further information from Anita Warden 01797 367734 St Martins Church Aldington invites you to our

27th February, 2018

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Chorizo & Prawn Paella Serves 4

Ready in 50 minutes

This one-pan supper can be on the dinner table in less than one hour. Serve with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a delicious and filling midweek meal.

Ingredients: • 1tbsp olive oil • 250g chorizo sausage, diced • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • 4 celery stalks, chopped • 225g paella rice • Few strands of saffron • 850ml hot chicken or vegetable stock • 200g raw king prawns (thawed if frozen), peeled with tails left on • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 tsp paprika

Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan and fry the chorizo sausage for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the onion, garlic and celery to the pan and fry gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring, until softened. Stir in the rice and saffron strands and cook for 1 minute, then pour in the stock. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is almost tender and nearly all the liquid has been absorbed, stirring frequently. Add the chorizo and prawns to the pan and cook for a further 5-6 minutes, until the prawns are cooked through and pink. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve in warmed bowls sprinkled with the paprika. Add some diced red or yellow pepper and a TIP handful of chopped fresh parsley for extra colour and flavour.

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Cake & Bake Perfect Pancakes Whip up a classic pancake batter to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Simply serve the traditional way with sugar and lemon juice or try one of our extra special sweet or savoury serving ideas. Makes 8 - Ready in 30 minutes plus standing time Ingredients: • 100g plain flour • Pinch of salt • 1 large egg • 300ml milk (or milk and water mixed) • Sunflower oil or unsalted butter, for frying 1. Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the salt and make a well in the centre. Add the egg and beat with a balloon whisk, gradually drawing in some of the flour. 2. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking all the time and drawing in the rest of the flour, until you have a smooth batter which is about the consistency of single cream. 3. Stand the batter for about 30 minutes to allow the starch grains in the flour to soften and expand –this will give a lighter pancake. If the batter has thickened slightly then just whisk in a splash of milk. 4. Heat a little sunflower oil or a knob of butter in a non-stick shallow frying pan (about 20cm diameter)until almost smoking then quickly ladle in enough of the batter to thinly cover the base of the pan, swirling the pan to give an even layer. 5. Cook for 1-2 minutes until small air bubbles appear in the pancake then flip it over and cook for a further minute until golden. Repeat with the rest of the mixture, serving the pancakes as they are cooked or interleaving with baking paper and keeping warm in a low oven.

SWEET Choc ‘n’ nuts – spread warmed pancakes with chocolate and hazelnut spread then fold into quarters. Drizzle with warmed chocolate sauce and serve with toasted hazelnuts. Orange cream – heat 4tbsp thin-shred marmalade with 150ml orange juice in a frying pan and simmer for a few minutes until syrupy. Fold the pancakes and add to the pan, turning to coat in the syrup. Serve topped with whipped cream or crème fraiche. SAVOURY Cheese and bacon melts – add 2tsp dried Italian herbs to the pancake batter. Fill each cooked pancake with some grated Cheddar and 2 rashers crisply fried smoked bacon rashers. Fold over and pop in a hot oven for 10 minutes until the cheese has melted. Tuna parcels – place a spoonful of canned flaked tuna fish in the centre of each cooked pancake and top with some canned sweetcorn and chopped spring onion. Fold the pancakes to make parcels and enclose the filling. Serve with sweet chilli sauce.

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Clubs & Societies

Ashford Art Society welcomes new members. All ages & standards. A friendly group with a wide variety of events and meetings. Call 01233 630293 and 01303 850429 for details. Ashford Astronomical Society - Have you ever looked up at the night sky and thought ‘Wow!’, but wished you knew a bit more about it? Have you ever bought or been given a telescope and found it too difficult to setup and use? Astronomy is a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but it’s all to easy to be put off by obscure technical jargon, the enormous price of some of the equipment on sale and the sheer difficulty of knowing where to start. Contrary to popular belief, there is no requirement to be an ‘expert’ or a ‘top notch’ scientist, or even to buy huge quantities of expensive stuff to get going. All you need to start with is an interest in looking up at the night sky and a wish to know more about it. What else do you need? A welcoming and friendly Astronomy Society to guide you along of course! Contact : David Styles, General Secretary on secretary@ashfordastro.org.uk. Ashford Birdwatchers’ Club: Meets on the 2nd Wednesday monthly September to April inclusive from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at the WI Hall, Faversham Road, Kennington. All welcome to a friendly club; it doesn’t matter if you can’t identify many birds! Admission £3 including tea/coffee & biscuits. For information tel 01233 637067. Ashford Board Games Club Come to a session of the Board Games Club to play card, tile and board games of every kind: Carcassonne, Pandemic, Dominion, Small World, Agricola, Settlers of Catan or anything else. Every Sunday evening at 7pm at The Rose Inn, Faversham Road, Ashford TN24 9AJ Games players of every kind welcome. https://www. facebook.com/groups/31085029201 01233 625 362 Ashford Decorative & Fine Arts Society (part of NADFAS). A great way to expand your knowledge of the arts, with inspiring monthly lectures given by some of the countries top experts, together with days of special interest and arts visits. All lectures are in Aldington Village Hall, usually on the third Tuesday of each month, from September to June. Membership is open to all. See www.ashforddfas. org.uk Ashford & District Young Farmers’ Club meets every Wed. evening in and around the Ashford area. The club is always keen to see new faces and welcomes anyone aged 16 - 26 looking for a lively social life and a variety of activities and events to take part in. You don’t have to be a farmer to be a Young Farmer! For more email: ashfordyfc@gmail. com, www.ashfordyfc.co.uk, contact Charlie on 07753381718, or find us on Facebook.

Ashford Flower Club meets in Furley Hall, Ashford, on the third Tuesday of each month.For any details or further information about Ashford Flower Club, please contact: K.M Williams (Chairman) 07840 164011 or Mary Wiggins (Secretary) 01233 628278 Ashford Mediation Service is a small local charity who offers a mediation service to the community of Ashford which is open to all. Ashford Mediation Service helps to build happier more productive communities by using mediation to resolve disputes. Over the past 17 years we have helped 1000s of people find peaceful resolutions to disputes. If you are interested in using the service to resolve a dispute, or if you would like to train with us to become a volunteer mediator, please contact the office on 01233 896237 or visit our website www. ashfordmediation.co.uk for more information. Ashford Photographic Society meets at Givaudan Sports Centre every Friday from September to May. Check www.ashfordps.org.uk for full details. Ashford Radio Aeromodellers, we have a field at Sellindge for flying seven days a week, and fly indoors in Ashford Market on various Thursday evenings during the Autumn, Winter, & Spring, please visit www.araclub.co.uk for more details, or phone Iain on 07956501510, or myself (Roger) 01233 627694 Ashford Sinfonia Community Orchestra meets on Monday evenings 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m St Mary the Virgin Church in Willesborough during term time. Players should be over Grade 3. We are an enthusiastic group of people who have either played since young, taken up an instrument in later life but who enjoy making music under the guidance of a very keen professional musician. We do have a website www.ashfordsinfonia.com and all contact numbers can be found there. New members are welcome to join us at 7.30pm to play classical and popular orchestral music. We welcome everyone. Coffee, Craft and Chat – at Kennington United Reformed/Methodist Church, 265 Faversham Road, Kennington. We meet on Wednesday mornings, 9am to 11.45am. Members have experience of a range of craft activities. Bring your favourite or learn to knit, crochet, etc. Bring and buy of unused materials and home made items. Board games are also available or just come for a chat. We have recently discovered a shared interest in jigsaw puzzles and have a small collection to lend. Everyone welcome. Contact Jane@kurc.org.uk for more information or just come along. Da Base Ashford Town Youth Centre, 5-7 Park Street, Ashford TN24 8LR (back of Iceland, opp. Wilkinson’s) contact us on 01233 631 472 or visit www.dabaseyouthcentre.com.

Clubs & Societies

Dancing for Fun Ceilidh, Square Dance, Barn Dance, Folk Dance, Playford! No experience or partner required! Have fun, get fitter and meet new people! Nearly every Monday 7:45pm - 22:30pm at Hothfield Your local, mobile service. Fully Insured & Certified Village Hall, Park Drive, Hothfield TN26 1EQ www. contrafusion.co.uk 01233 625 362 Invicta Ukulele Club meet on 2nd & 4th Monday at 19.30 in the Queens Head, Ashford Road, •Remote IT Support •FREE Collection •Printer issues Kingsnorth, TN23 3ED where you can learn to play •Internet/WiFi/Network issues •Back up precious photos the ukulele, develop your playing and performing •Speed Up a Windows PC skills or just come along for a sing song. Admission •Virus Repair/Recovery •Windows & Mac Support £2. Contact John on 07729 999276 or visit www. Call Gary 07976 151 148 gary@flagcomputerrepair.co.uk invictaukuleleclub.co.uk for more details. www.flagcomputerrepair.co.uk Kennington Badminton Club, play at the Norton Knatchbull School on a Wed evening from 7.30 p.m.D. KENWARD & SONS 10 p.m. Contact Shirley Mountford on 01233 610134. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Kennington W.I. meets at 7.00pm on the second Monday of the month at their hall in the Faversham DOMESTIC - INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL - AGRICULTURAL Road. Besides the Monthly Meeting we have smaller Free Estimates - Established Tenterden 1970 - Family Run Business groups covering everything from Darts & Table Rewires • Fault Finding • Test & Inspection Tennis to Art,Handicrafts, Gardening, Caligraphy & Drama. We also have a Book Club & Writers Group. Extra Sockets/Lights • Maintenance • Extensions We hold regular special events & outings together DBS enhanced certificate for schools with a holiday abroad each year.We produce a Approved Electrical Contractor for over 25years pantomime every January & next year (2018) we shall Call Andrew: 07786 342454 be celebrating our Centenary.We are twinned with a new & lively W.I. in Manchester and enjoy much fun or Dave: 07880 680046 e: dkenward@btconnect.com & friendship when we meet up as we do in our own company. There is no need to be lonely sitting at home when days we are much more aware of the world about with Kennington W.I. you could be learning as well as us and get involved in many issues of the day. At our having enjoyment almost every day of the week.Do monthly meetings we enjoy interesting speakers come & join us - we would love to see you. and demos, as well as friendly social time. We have For details contact Gill Tel: 01233 633550 or www. great fun at our Art & Crafts afternoons as well as a monthly Games Club where we play cards and kenningtonwi.com or on facebook. scrabble. Both are on Thursdays from 2 - 4pm. Our Warehorne Folk Dance Club: Meets every friendly WI meets every 2nd Monday of the month at Wednesday at Kingsnorth Village Hall, Church Hill, our own hall in Church Road, Willesborough. Doors Kingsnorth, TN23 3EF from 8 to 10pm Beginners or open at 7pm for a 7.15 start. In no way are we stuffy experienced dancers welcome Contact Edna 01233 or serious, we try to make everyone feel welcome so 627121 or David 01233 812935. why not give us a try. For further information contact Willesborough Ladies Club: Held every fourth Jane on 01233 634180 or email sargeantjane@ Wednesday of the Month at the W.I.Hall, Church yahoo.co.uk. Road, Willesborough. A thriving Club open to all. Ladies of any age even if you live outside of the Willesborough area. We have interesting speakers, INTERESTED IN EVERYTHING demonstrations and outings and there is plenty of FROM ASTROLOGY TO ZEN? time during the evening to socialise and catch up with friends. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Come Join us for a chat at Nutmeg along and give us a try we will be happy to see you. Coffee Shop, 51 High Street, Ashford. For further details contact Ann on 01233 627894 First Monday of the month. Willesborough Women’s Institute has been going 2pm till 4pm. strong for over 90 years and today our members Call 07895018571 for enquiries. enjoy the same kind of camaraderie and friendships that the ladies did all those years ago. However, these

Quirky Britain Cat Cafés “An Americano and two tabby cats, please … “ by Kate McLelland As you sip your skinny latte in Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, you never know who might appear on your lap. It could be fluffy ‘Petra’, soulful ‘Tink’ or any of the other celebrity rescue cats (with hundreds of Twitter followers) who live in the quirky East London café. In this strange combination of restaurant and luxury cats’ home, the feline inhabitants can exercise on a giant ‘hamster wheel’, scamper along walkways or snooze on various raised platforms around the venue as customers eat and drink. AN A-MEWS-ING TREND? Lady Dinah’s - the first ever cat café to open in Britain - was the brainchild of Australian Lauren Pears, who set out to create a relaxing retreat where young professionals living in rented accommodation (where pets are not allowed) could interact with the resident moggies. Although Lauren’s original vision was to create a peaceful urban retreat where customers could relax with a book, chat with friends or even hold meetings, she hadn’t bargained for the enthusiasm with which British cat lovers would greet her new enterprise. Within the first two weeks

of opening in 2014 Lauren had received a staggering 20,000 bookings, and the café turned out to be anything but the tranquil enclave she had originally imagined. It has since become more of a tourist attraction than a place where local office workers can pet a friendly feline, and she has now been forced to limit visits to 90 minutes to accommodate all of her customers.

CRUEL OR KIND? Nottingham’s Kitty Café which has recently opened a second branch in Leeds - offers a home to abandoned cats, rescue cats and cats with medical issues that need some TLC. It also acts as a rehoming centre, so customers who bond with their furry table companion can join the café’s adoption programme with a view to taking their favourite feline home.

Although the world’s first cat café opened in Taiwan in 1998, Lauren Pears was ahead of the curve when she started making plans to open Lady Dinah’s in London. “After I did some research, I saw there were a few popping up in Europe and spotted that a trend was on its way,” she recently told the website thisismoney.co.uk. But since 2014 a number of copycat ventures (no pun intended) have sprung up in towns and cities across the country. You can now call in to a cat café in London, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Derby, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham, Oxford, Aberdeen or Edinburgh, and it’s almost inevitable that we’ll see more of these cat-themed eateries opening up in future.

Cat cafés are big business, but not everyone feels the love. There has been a lot of criticism from animal charities, including Cats Protection and the RSPCA. Cats Protection refuses to accept donations from cat cafés due to concerns about “the welfare implications of having a number of cats in a limited space with groups of people unknown to them coming and going throughout the day.” The charity goes on to explain that “(Cats) have evolved as solitary animals and generally do not choose to live in social groups.” The RSPCA has equally strong views about placing cats in what it considers to be an unsuitable environment. In its Science Group review of 2016 the charity writes: “Our aim is to dissuade

new cafés from opening and to advise those already in operation of the appropriate and necessary steps that should be taken to minimise potential feline stress. We have also raised our concerns for the welfare of cats living in cat cafés through media opportunities.”

we make.” She admits that on occasions she has been forced to retire cats from café life if they have exhibited signs of unhappiness or stress, and she has now reluctantly decided to ban younger children because she lacks the staff numbers to supervise them.

However most café owners claim they are doing their best to keep their star turns happy and healthy. At Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium guests are asked to follow a set of rules when interacting with the cats. This includes not picking them up or stroking them when they are asleep and avoiding flash photography. Owner Lauren Pears comments: “Our concern for the cats’ wellbeing governs pretty much every decision

The Kitty Café has devised a set of rules for customers and publishes separate guidance for adults and children. The adult rules include no carrying hot drinks, vaping, playing music or using laser pens. Adults are reminded to respect that the café is “the cats’ home” and warned not to pick up cats, corner them or touch their “eyes, mouths, whiskers or tummies.” Children are requested not to shout, scream and “push or pull”

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the cats. They are asked to stoke them “nicely and gently”, while adults are reminded to make sure their children follow the rules. If the public’s enthusiastic response is anything to go by, cat cafés are likely to remain a feature of our high streets for many years to come. However, given the difficult balance between keeping cats and customers happy, it seems unlikely that the controversy surrounding these felinefocused establishments will end anytime soon.

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Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

Kid’s Corner

Making STEM Fun by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are the fastest growing industries in the world. Even if your child doesn’t fancy a career in STEM, they will need to use elements of it throughout their working life. According to The National Science Foundation, “To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” So how can you help your child to develop a real enjoyment for STEM? SCIENCE There are lots of children’s science sets available to buy, but you don’t actually need any fancy equipment to conduct simple experiments at home, such as: • Asking your child to add a few drops of oil to a glass of water. Discuss what they think will happen. Will the oil and water mix or stay separate? • Finding four old, dull two pence coins. Soak each one in a different liquid (water, coke, vinegar and lemon juice) for a few minutes to see which liquid cleans the coin the best. TECHNOLOGY Computer programming now features in the National Curriculum and many schools

offer basic coding clubs from Key Stage 2. Paul Lyons, IT Director at Ebuyer.com, explains, “Even if your child has no interest in becoming a software developer, they will benefit from skills such as problem solving and following instructions - which can be applied to other areas. Many parents may not know where to begin, but introducing educational aspects into children’s technology use at home can have a real impact on a child’s ability.” There are lots of resources available to help your child at home. Useful websites include: • scratch.mit.edu, which lets children aged six and up learn the basics of creating games online. • codecombat.com: while this American site is mainly aimed at teachers, you can sign up as a parent or student to access a free short course. • www.codeclub.org.uk, which lists coding clubs for 9-13 year olds across the UK. ENGINEERING K’Nex model building sets are a fun way to introduce engineering concepts. The K’Nex Education Introduction to Simple Machines: Levers and Pulleys Set, for example, contains more than 170 pieces, and instructions for building eight mini machines. You can also help your child to

make simple structures using household items. Straws and play dough are ideal materials for building model bridges. Or try searching www.instructables. com for instructions on making structures out of lolly sticks or toothpicks. MATHS Kjartan Poskitt, author of Murderous Maths and Ambassador for the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards 2017, says, “I always say that maths is like broccoli. You either like it or you hate it, but you have to have some because it’s good for you. If learning the tables is driving your child mad, what can you do to sauce them up? The secret is to play around with numbers and get to know them. Here are a couple of little facts and tricks to get you started: • If you write out the digits 1 2 3 4, you can turn them into 12 = 3 x 4. You can also do this with 5 6 7 8 because 56 = 7 x 8. • Pick any three consecutive numbers (e.g. 4, 5 and 6). Multiply the smallest by the biggest, and then add one. (So here we get 4 x 6 = 24, then 24 + 1 = 25). The answer is always the same as the middle number squared (5 x 5 = 25).”

Health

By Elaine Povey - Nutrition Wise

Probiotics have many health benefits - are they worth the money ? PROBIOTICS are the key to a healthy gut according to many health experts including local Registered Nutritionist Elaine Povey, and a healthy gut leads to a robust immune system. She advocates taking probiotics during the winter and spring months to ward off colds but they can be taken as food such as live yoghurt and sauerkraut, too. So are they worth the money spent on them?

However, according to Elaine, probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals work best. Probiotic bacteria have a natural immune boosting action but micronutrients found naturally in foods such as vitamin A, C and E and the minerals, zinc and selenium are needed to boost the production of antibodies and other infection-fighting chemicals within our bodies.

A term that literally means ‘for life’, probiotics are live, friendly bacteria and yeasts promoted as having various health benefits. They compete for space with bad bacteria in the gut, inhibiting their growth and assist with the breakdown and absorption of food. They’re usually added to yoghurts or taken as food supplements, and are often described as ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria. However not all probiotics are equal and the challenge is to find the ones that are truly effective.

This is one of the many reasons that we need to increase our intake of fruit and vegetables. In the Mediterranean, they regularly eat up to 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day! Probiotics need to feed off prebiotics in our colon which are their food supply and these prebiotics are found in all fruit and vegetables including onions and garlic.

They have also been known to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections and helped reduce the development of allergic conditions such as eczema. Specific strains are better at targeting these ailments. Research is still ongoing for some of these health claims. So what about probiotics curing colds? A study in 2005 involving 262 employees in Sweden examined the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus strain in its ability to reduce sick-leave caused by respiratory infections. Out of those who took the probiotic, 10% of the group suffered from the common cold and flu compared to the placebo group (those who took no probiotic) where 26% suffered from cold or flu symptoms.

NutritionWise NutritionWise

Elaine Povey - Nutritionist

However, the total antioxidant capacity of the foods does not necessarily reflect their health benefit. Benefits depend on how the food's antioxidants are absorbed and utilized in the body. And this is where the healthy gut microbiome plays its part and why she takes probiotics during the winter and spring months and recommends them to her clients where she feels they will benefit from them. You can purchase probiotics from Elaine and she is available for consultations in the therapy room at Sunfish Yoga and Therapy, 24 Church Street, Wye TN25 5BJ or alternatively she can visit you in your home. She is available to give talks and host workshops on nutrition. She is speaking at the WI Kennington branch in March on the subject, ‘Food as Medicine’. Her mobile number is 07775 582925 and website is www.nutritionwise.uk for more information about her.

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Beauty goodies to see you through the cold spell. If your skin is feeling dry and tight at the moment, a sheet mask could be just the ticket. Look for one with hyaluronic acid, which helps skin to hold on to moisture and fight the signs of ageing. The skin689 Bio-Cellulose Hyaluron Face Mask contains hyaluronic acid, along with coconut extract and an amino acid complex to nourish skin. As with all sheet masks, it’s a little fiddly to use, but feels lovely and refreshing when it’s on and the end results are definitely worth it. Softer, more hydrated skin, in just 20 minutes. And at £5.90, it’s an affordable weekend treat. See www.skin689.com. An American skincare brand has released the world’s first vegan, plantbased topical collagen formula. Algenist’s serum is designed to replace lost collagen and contains Omega-rich microalgae oil. As with many things, there’s no long-term gain without shortterm pain. In my case this meant that I had to contend with several large pimples breaking out in the first few days of using the serum. However, my skin soon got used to it, and did look plumper, smoother and much more refreshed after just a couple of weeks. All in all, I’m impressed. Genius Liquid Collagen is available from www.SpaceNK.com for £90. Central heating and icy winds don’t just wreak havoc on your skin - they can also leave your hair feeling dry and lacklustre. Faith in Nature’s Seaweed & Citrus Shampoo and Conditioner include natural extracts, such as wild harvested seaweed to ‘feed’ your hair with minerals and antioxidants. As with all Faith in Nature products, they’re free from parabens and harsh ingredients, so very gentle. Suitable for all hair types, they leave your locks feeling healthier,

Health & Fitness smoother and shinier. £5.35 each from www.faithinnature.co.uk. Sore, cracked hands can be a real pain over the colder months. Unfortunately, some hand creams can actually make the situation worse, particularly if they contain artificial perfumes. Dermalex is a specialist skincare range aimed at sufferers of conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. The Hand Irritation Cream can help with dry, cracked skin, itching and other signs of irritation. You’ll also want to look for a gentler hand wash or soap that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, which can dry your skin and aggravate skin conditions. From £12.99, www.dermalex.co.uk. It may be cold outside, but it won’t be long before it’s time to pack the winter woollies away for a few months. If you’ve been neglecting your nails under warm gloves, now’s the time to treat them to some TLC. Nails Inc Superfood NailKale Base Coat is enriched with kale, aloe vera, lemon, ginseng, pomegranate and grape extracts to nourish and strengthen your nails. Use it on its own for a glossy nude finish, or as a base coat for your favourite coloured polish. £15, www.nailsinc.com.

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Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

S H I P

Y A R D

Crossword Across 7. Red fruit (6) 8. An agreement (6) 9. Water activity (4) 10. Pieces (8) 11. Non-attendance (7) 13. Slightly inebriated (5) 15. Quarrel (5) 17. Brine (7) 20. Holding tightly (8) 21. Pain (4) 22. Customer (6) 23. Soak up (6) Down 1. Spider’s trap (6) 2. Tepid (4) 3. Neat (7) 4. Begin (5) 5. Determined (8) 6. Smells badly (6) 12. Supplied with (8) 14. Line drawing (7) 34

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19. Unclean (5) 21. Plus (4)

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R oofing C ontractors L td New Roofs & Repairs, Guttering, Fascia & Soffitts Flat Roofing including Fibreglass No job too small / Fully Insured 01233 841924 / 07710 574321 e: d.tolfrey@sky.com

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Important Information Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team Ashford & Tenterden 101 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Out of Hours Doctor William Harvey Hospital

0845 4349655 01233 633331

Samaritans 116123 www.samaritans.org Electricity: Southern Electric 0845 770 8090 EDF Energy 0800 783 8866 Gas: Natural 0800 111 999 LPG Details on tank

Doctors Surgeries

CARM

01233 758122 E: office@carmromneymarsh.org.uk W: Www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support

W: www.forget-me-nots.co.uk

Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UK, Ashford Branch Contact Mike Wharrad

01233 623520

SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767 326138 Royal British Legion 01233 620 167 British Red Cross 0800 0280 831 Ashford Youth Forum Trust Youth Projects Coordinator

National Train Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk Bus Enquiries Arriva Bus Enquiries Stage Coach East Kent

Willesborough Health Centre Bentley Road Willesborough Ashford TN24 0HZ Tel: 01233 621626

01233 330290

0844 800 44 11 0871 200 22 33 08456 00 22 99

(Customer Services)

Parish Councils

New Hayesbank Surgery Bybrook Kennington Ashford TN24 9JZ 01233 624642

Kingsnorth - Parish Clerk: Len Bunn 01233 502 969 w: kingsnorthparishcouncil.co.uk Parish Office: Kingsnorth Recreation Centre. Great Chart with Singleton Parish Clerk: Aniko Szocs 01233 616923 Parish Office: Singleton Village Hall

Veterinary Clinics

Village Halls

Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital 01233 624687 Kingsnorth (Church Hill) Godinton (Loudon Way) 24 Hour Emergency Care on site. Singleton (Hoxton Close) Kennington W.I. Hall Ashford Borough Council - Civic Centre Hall Lettings Contact: Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL or KWIHall@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01233 331111

Ashford Rural Trust Ashford Dyslexia Centre

The Annexe, Braethorpe, Canterbury Road TN24 8QF Citizens Advice Bureau

07474 040968

01233 624 544 01233 750248 01233 626185

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 Ashford Volunteer Centre 01233 647 422 Age UK Ashford 01233 668 765 www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com

01233 634 557 01233 612 703 01233 640 551

High Pressure Jetting Service & Repair to Sewage treatment plants Soakaway Testing Cesspool Emptying Service

01233 840624

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