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February 2015

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Welcome Hi everyone, Welcome to our first edition for 2015, I hope you all had a great Christmas and the new year is being kind to you. The Christmas break provided the opportunity for a much needed rest, but with the year barely off the starting blocks my annual break is now a distant memory. Whilst working on this month’s edition, I stopped to answer the phone and noticed rain water lapping at the back door. There’s nothing like an imminent flood to get the adrenaline going so I sprang into instant panic mode and ran around the garden like a headless chicken for a while (in leaky boots). By the end of the day, soaked through, weary from building dams and sweeping water, my previously lazy brain is now fully back in working order and I’m ready to tackle the rest of the winter. I hate to wish my life away, but roll on Spring time!

This year The Village Directory is 10 years old.

Thinking back that’s a lot of deadlines, and sleepless nights, especially at the beginning! I’m proud to say that a number of advertisers have been with me for most of that journey and I’m sincerely grateful for their loyalty. The Walnut Tree Inn in Aldington actually featured in my very first edition back in July 2005 and 10 years on is still very much a part of the The Village Directory family.

I’m afraid Dolly & Tinkaboo are on holiday this month so Henry Hedgehog is looking after Kid’s Corner for them while they are away. They’ll be back soon!

Until next time, have a great month!

~ Debbie T: 01233 720488 e: info@thevillagedirectory.co.uk e: events@thevillagedirectory.co.uk w: www.thevillagedirectory.co.uk March Issue Deadline 1st February

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the garden

Preparing for Warmer Weather

by Pippa Greenwood

The combination of the poor weather in February and the very fact that gardens tend to be at their least appealing this month, means the chances are yours is receiving nothing much more than a fair helping of neglect at the moment. But spring isn’t far away so get your gardening gloves on for a bit of preparation.

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Start by clearing up any remaining fallen leaves, broken twigs. Twigs and woody debris are best binned or burned or perhaps even heaped up in the corner of the garden to act as a sheltering spot for wildlife, but fallen leaves, and the top growth of herbaceous perennials, can be added to the compost heap.

When it comes to tackling herbaceous or flower borders, don’t make things look too clean and tidy, as you may well cut down on the protection that faded top-growth can provide. I tend to leave most of the remains of herbaceous plants in place until spring, but the most ugly, straggly or unkempt bits could certainly be cleared up now. Keep a particular look out for slugs and snails and collect them up while they are snoozing!

It is too early in the year to cut your lawn and indeed you should try to keep off it as far as possible, but you can clear twigs and leaves and cut back any weeds which have grown faster than the grass itself.

You can use any pots or other containers which have been left around the garden to create spots of colour and interest by clearing them out, using fresh compost and then replanting them. If you choose temporary winter plantings such as winter flowering pansies or pompom winter daisies, then these can simply be removed when it is time to replant with summer bedding.

Scrubbing down the outer surfaces of pots and containers will also help to clean them up again, because by now they have invariably accumulated a good helping of algae and soil and can look quite a mess.

Check fruit trees for signs of any dead shrivelled fruit still on the branches and cut these out, as they often harbour brown rot disease and can cause a lot of problems in the future. However these definitely shouldn’t be composted - bin or burn any you find.

Use a stiff brush to clear off surface debris from your terrace or patio and then once it is clear, if it still looks in need of a bit of a facelift, use the stiff brush or yard broom to scrub it over thoroughly. Provided freezing weather is not forecast, wash it over with a few buckets of water.

A trip to your local garden centre is bound to give you plenty of ideas for what’s looking good this month. Some of my favourites include the small trees or shrubs which have a delicious fragrance during the winter months.

These include winter sweet, hamamelis (witch hazel) and sarcococca. You can now buy pots of snowdrop bulbs which are not far from flowering so ‘cheat’ a little and pop a few of these into the ground. Winter flowering heathers and winter flowering pansies can also be used to great effect right now.

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Mowgli

H

ello everyone, Mowgli here. First of all Happy New Year! We hope you and your pets have a healthy and happy year.

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In our house it has just been Joshua’s second birthday. This was great fun for all of uswrapping paper to chase around, gifts to open (I pull off bits of paper with my teeth and join in although Ebony is of course far too ladylike for this), and toys to play with. Josh and I had a great time. He has a little car to ride in so I sit in it sometimes and he pushes me around, he got a new play kitchen that I can sit on the top of it and supervise, and I am also well known for running off with bits of jigsaw and posting them under my favourite dresser. I sat on a chair at the table for the birthday party and it was such fun. Unfortunately I got a bit carried away and ate the streamers from a party popper and so I didn’t feel very well the next day- not that I got much sympathy from Clive- he just told me I was silly! He obviously just doesn’t understand getting into the party spirit!

I also love playing with the computer. How many of you other cats out there love computers? I just adore them although Ebony is not so keen. As usual though my enthusiasm is mis-interpreted and is interpreted as mischief.

I get Jane to help me type up this column every month and for every edition I sit on the desk and help type. I like just stepping on one key and typing the letter over and over. I also have a better knowledge of the keyboard than Jane and know a lot of clever combinations of keys to press at once. I can do many thingslock the keypad, cause a restart, lock the touch pad, resize the screen- and sometimes the humans are not as clever as me and have

to call a computer helpline to reverse the changes I have made. I out-smart my owners all the time! I am also good at emails and have helped Clive and Jane send quite a few, often when they were not finished and I have also managed to put a facebook update all by myself. Anyway, even though all this usually gets me into trouble I am always praised for sitting and purring on the desk- apparently this helps them work. I love the desk- it has lots of cubbyholes for papers and pens and I can usually find something to play with while they work. Although Ebony doesn’t much like computers she does like the game console Clive has. He doesn’t get to play it very much but whenever he does she sits on a stool next to him and pays great attention. I can hear him talking her through the game and asking for advice when he keeps getting things wrong.

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February is here again. It seems like only yesterday we were bringing in the New Year. And within a few days Arts Hour, presenter, Clive Looker, will be celebrating Valentines Day. Where do the days go?

Talking of the New year. Many readers will have made new year resolutions to live a fitter, healthier life but as is always the case, many of those good intentions have been shelved until next New Year. But you don’t have to shelve your fitness plans, what you need is a dose of Angela Briar-Stephenson and Jan Mulligan, for Angela and Jan host ‘The Weekly Wellbeing Show’, otherwise known as ‘Who Cares Wins’.

If you really care about yourself, An and Jan can guide you through a health, fitness and wellbeing programme. Although the programme is broadcast every Monday at 12 noon, it matters not a jot that you miss it, as you can tune in to Channel Radio’s ‘Listen Again’ slot for the next seven days following the broadcast.

This is only one of a wide selection of programmes on Channel Radio, many of which can be heard on Channel Radio’s ‘Listen Again’ service. For a full schedule go to www.channelradio.co.uk/programmeschedule/ and see what it can offer you?

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Finance The Pros and Cons of Equity Release

By Ann Haldon

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Equity Release unlocks some of the value in your home, providing a tax-free lump sum or cash facility from which to draw a regular income. It is a way to fund your retirement without having to move from your existing home, and is available to homeowners over the age of fifty-five.

Equity release products can be broken down into: • Lifetime mortgages • Home reversion schemes The first step in deciding whether equity release is for you is to find a professional financial advisor with specific knowledge and experience. The advisor and lender must both be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and the lender should be a member of the Equity Release Council.

Lifetime Mortgage How it works A lifetime mortgage allows you to borrow money against the value of your home, with interest added to the total each month. There are no repayments to meet - you still own your home but the value of it decreases due to the escalating mortgage.

Types of lifetime mortgage Roll-up: interest is added to the loan, which is repaid on death or if you move into care. There are no monthly repayments to make.

Interest-only: you receive a lump sum and pay the interest on a monthly basis. Interest may be

fixed or variable, and the original loan amount is repaid on sale of the house.

Fixed repayment: you take a lump sum from the house, but there are no monthly interest payments to make. A repayment sum is calculated by the lender and agreed with you when the loan is taken out. This fixed amount is repaid on death or if you move to a care home.

Pros • Unlocks the value in your home • Several choices of how the money is taken • Many lenders offer a ‘no negative equity’ guarantee • You can stay in your own home Cons • May affect your eligibility for benefits • Can be expensive in the longterm (there may be other less expensive options) • They are complex financial products which require professional guidance • Reduced inheritance for your beneficiaries

Home Reversion Scheme How it works Home reversion means that you sell all or part of your home to a company, which gives you a cash lump sum for its value, or allows you to take a regular income. Some schemes let you live in your home rent-free, while others charge a reduced rent. This

arrangement continues until you die or move into a care home, at which point the house is sold and the loan repaid.

As with a lifetime mortgage, you’ll be advised to discuss it with your family before proceeding. They need to know where they stand financially, particularly if it will affect their inheritance.

Pros • A useful way to get money from your property without having to move out • You may be able to make an ‘inheritance guarantee’ to safeguard a proportion of your home for beneficiaries • Many schemes allow you to live in your home rent-free Cons • You generally only receive between 20%-60% of the market value of your property • These schemes can be costly to set up • They are complex to understand in detail The equity released from your home can be used for a range of purposes. Some people use the money for home improvements, others for holidays or to help their children onto the property ladder.

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Home & Interiors How to create romantic style at home plainest of fabrics, and since a little goes a long way there is no need to break the bank to achieve the desired effect.

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Who wouldn’t fall in love with romantic style?

Feminine, delicate and ohso pretty, this is a timeless look that will work in all styles of home, from a bijoux city apartment to a grand country pile, says Katherine Sorrell Make your home a haven from everyday worries with a romantic decorating style that takes you worlds away from the busy bustle of modern life. It’s a look that is eternally charming and appealing, pretty as a picture, soft and dreamy and completely irresistible.

The first ingredient? Sumptuous fabrics, of course. Think lacey trims around the edges of pillowcases, napkins or cushions, or even entire panels

(especially vintage or antique) hung across a window or thrown over a bed. Gorgeous.

Sheers are also perfect for this look. Employ organza, chiffon, tulle, georgette and voile in opulent swathes and gathers, and layer them with crisp cottons and linens for interest and appeal. Since how things feel is just as important as how they look, add some deliciously soft and tactile fabrics such as angora, mohair or cashmere, or perhaps warm and snuggly wool or felt.

Choose floral patterns that look as if they’re worn or faded (definitely not digitally printed or modern in style) – you just can’t beat classics such as roses, hydrangeas, peonies and the like, especially when they’re hand-drawn or blockprinted. Decorative details are important, too: embroidery, borders, ruffles and scalloped edgings will enhance even the

As for furniture, try to steer clear of very dark and heavy pieces, instead opting for simple, country-style or shabby chic furnishings in natural pine or else painted in pale and pretty colours. You may wish to go to town in the bedroom with a canopied or half-tester bed (if you’re on a budget, simply hang generous amounts of hemmed, sheer fabric from a hoop above the bed for a similar effect), combined with blissfully beautiful bed linen: perhaps crisp white cotton edged with drawn threadwork and topped with a vintage chintzy eiderdown or satin quilt. In the living room, opt for a plump and (of course) comfortable sofa, chaise longue or armchair in a traditional style, piled with cushions and bolsters trimmed with lace, embroidery or buttons, while in the kitchen an old-fashioned dresser is just the thing, piled with vintage patterned crockery.

No romantic home would be complete without atmospheric lighting, which is best achieved by combining a variety of light sources – a central chandelier perhaps, together with a selection of wall and table lights, the latter small and graceful rather than large and imposing. If you are in a crafty mood, you could embellish

a plain card or fabric shade by adding a gathered fabric edging, lace trim or ribbon bow.

And don’t forget that twinkly fairy lights and a selection of candles or tea lights (preferably scented) will really add atmosphere to your home.

And speaking of finishing touches, what else can one do to make this look come together flawlessly? In general, choose surface finishes that are shiny and reflective, from mirror to pearl, polished metal to glazed ceramics. Accessorise with fine china teacups and cake stands, delicately etched glassware and bone-handled cutlery. One or two heart-shaped pieces add to the effect – perhaps a lavender bag, mirror, picture frame or soap dish – as will a scattering of small ornaments, from birds and animals to female figures.

Last, but definitely not least, add flowers everywhere possible, in vases and milk bottles, jam jars and other informal containers.

Roses or ranunculas, alliums or asters – informal arrangements of old-fashioned blooms with a lovely scent will be sure to bring romance to any home.

Image: These embellished cushions have a gentle and romantic feel. From £19.99, all Retreat Home, tel 01628471056; www. retreat-home.com.

ROMANTIC STYLE AT A GLANCE Pale colours and faded patterns Glass droplet chandeliers Venetian mirrors Rose petals Lace and ribbons Etched glass Vintage teacups Curly metal furniture

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Paneer & Mixed Vegetable

Coconut Curry Serves 4

Ready in 45 minutes

This filling vegetable curry can be made with any mix of vegetables you have to hand. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread and some cooling natural yogurt.

16

Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and boil for 5 minutes until almost tender adding the cauliflower and broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

Ingredients: • 2 small carrots, peeled and • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

thinly sliced 100g small cauliflower florets 100g small broccoli florets 1 tbsp vegetable oil 225g paneer cheese, cubed 150g mushrooms, wiped and sliced 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated 1 red chilli pepper, deseeded and chopped, plus extra sliced chilli to garnish 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste 400ml can coconut milk 150g frozen peas 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped Squeeze of lime juice Fresh oregano leaves, to garnish

Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the paneer and mushrooms and stir-fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the onion to the pan and fry very gently for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli and fry for a further 2-3 minutes then stir in the Thai paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil then reduce the heat and return the paneer and mushrooms to the pan along with the drained vegetables, peas and tomatoes. Stir well and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve garnished with sliced red chilli pepper and oregano leaves.

TIP

Paneer is an Indian vegetarian cheese which has a firm texture and goes particularly well with spices and garlic, chilli and ginger. You can use drained and cubed tofu instead, if preferred.

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Cake and Bake Plum and Almond Tart Served with thick cream, custard or ice cream, this tart makes a delicious warming winter pud. You can use other fruits if plums are not available –try chunks of apples or pears or Armagnacsoaked prunes for a special occasion.

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Ingredients: • • • • • •

175g self-raising flour 100g unsalted butter, chilled and diced 50g ground almonds 3 tbsp caster sugar 1 small egg, beaten 50g natural marzipan, chilled and grated • 4 large plums, stones removed and quartered • 2 tbsp flaked almonds, roughly chopped • 2 tbsp Demerara sugar

TIP If you don’t have an oblong shaped flan tin use a 20cm round loose-based fluted flan tin instead.

Serves 6 Ready in 1 ¼ hours, plus chilling

1. Sift the flour into a bowl, add the diced butter and, using your fingertips, rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the ground almonds.

Remove ¼ of the mixture and chill in the fridge.

2. Add the caster sugar and beaten egg to the remaining mixture and mix to a soft, slightly sticky dough. Using floured hands press the dough into the base and up the sides of a 28 x 10cm oblong loose-based flan tin (see tip). Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, Gas Mark 4.

Scatter the grated marzipan in the chilled flan case and top with the plum quarters (skin side up). Stir the flaked almonds and Demerara sugar into the reserved breadcrumb mixture and scatter over the plums.

4. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until crisp and deep golden brown.

Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Remove the tart from the tin and slice and serve.

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Local Markets Ashford Farmer’s Market First Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm in the lower High Street.

Challock Challock Memorial Hall, Blind Lane.

1st & 3rd Friday of each month 1pm to 4pm Contact Pauline Hickson 01233 740979 The Barn Shop Traditional Market Challock - 2nd & 4th Saturday of month 10am – 2pm Contact 01233 740237 Charing Farmer’s Market Charing Church Barn 9 -11.30 every Thursday morning. Contact 01233 740176 Egerton Every Friday 2 - 4.30pm Millennium Hall Rolvenden - 01580 240763 Every Thursday 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Church and the Village Hall

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Rye Farmers Market Every Wednesday at Strand Quay 10am - 1 pm (From Midday Oct - April) Rye Market Every Thursday at the Cattle Market Car Park. Early till around 3pm (depending on the weather)

Rye Country Market Formerly WI Market Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill.

Every Friday 10am -11.30am Tenterden Country Market Every Friday 9.30am -11.30am St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church road.

Tenterden High Street Market Friday’s – 0830 – 1400 Wittersham Market Every Tuesday Village Hall 9am. - 11am Tel: 01797 270757 Wye First and third Saturday of every month on the Village Green in Wye. Tel: 07804 652156 www.wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

Caring All Together on Romney Marsh (CARM) is a registered charity providing support to older people. Their aim is to reduce social isolation and enhance the well-being of older people in our community. Services are delivered by a team of over 100 dedicated volunteers: Meeting Points are coffee mornings with a little extra – people meet for chats, drinks, games and outings. Our Memories Matter delivers reminiscence sessions to those in care settings and Befriending matches isolated clients with volunteer visitors for company and socialising. The staff team are building on these successes and launching a range of services to help even more isolated people.

Telephone Befriending links clients with volunteers for a weekly phone call. The purpose of the call is reduce the clients’ loneliness and provides them with an opportunity to talk about whatever they want without feeling uncomfortable and it is ideal for clients who don’t want someone in their home but are still lonely or require additional support.

Group Befriending is aimed at those who prefer a small social get-together rather than one to one. A volunteer facilitator drives members to one of the clients’ home on a monthly basis for socialisation.

This is fantastic for those looking to establish those informal networks that are often lost with the loss of mobility and onset of poor health.

Family Connect is a project using computers to connect people with friends and family who they can no longer visit. Equipment and support is provided by a co-ordinator and new user-friendly technologies allow easy messaging and video calling with loved ones.

Emma Wiltshire, Development Co-ordinator of CARM said ‘We know through research, both locally and nationally, that there are a great deal of lonely people in our community. We hope our new services will help enhance people’s wellbeing through social contact’.

CARM are always looking for volunteers and are open to referrals for all of their services so if you, or someone you know wants to know more please contact their office. Call 01233 758122 or email office@carmromneymarsh.org.uk.

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Thur February 5th 8 30pm £12 The World Famous HUMPHREY LYTTELTON BAND Yes this is the official & original Humphrey Lyttelton Band. All having played in the band with Humph with the exception of the trumpeter - who is doing a marvellous job since the sad loss of Humph - But the band plays on, playing those great mainstream numbers of the past in their own identifiable style of the one & only Humph. We can say welcome back to Folkestone - as the last time that this band played in the area was in a marquee ! ! ! at The Opening of The Channel Tunnel. Tonight’s Line Up JIMMY HASTINGS Saxes ROBERT FOWLER Saxes RAY WORDSWORTH Trombone. MIKE (Magic)HENRY Trumpet TED BEAMENT Piano. JOHN REES-JONES Double Bass ADRIAN MACINTOSH Drums THIS IS ANOTHER JEWEL IN THE CROWN at The FJC Thur February 12th 8 30pm £10 Multi Award Winning Jazz Vocalist ANITA WARELL makes a welcome return with her All Star Trio ROBIN ASPLAND JEREMY BROWN STEVE BROWN Piano Double Bass Drums Tues February 17th 8 30pm £10 “ When Neale meets Steele “ ALLISON NEALE alto & flute & NAT STEELE vibes This is a well tried & tested outfit that have been playing their swinging style to audiences at all of the top London jazz clubs & now its the FJC. Plus Plus Another Amazing Top Quality Rhythm Section.

ROB BARRON piano JULIAN BURY double bass STEVE BROWN drums Thur February 26th 8 30pm £12 THE BLUE NOTE PROJECT The vibrant music of The Blue Note Project recalls the 1960s Blue Note as immortalised by the ground braking musicians like Art Blakey. Joe Henderson.

Wayne Shorter. Freddie Hubberd & Horace Silver.

So this is a great example of Our Kind of Music -performed by a sextet of some of the UKs finest musicians.

KELVIN CHRISTIANE Saxes. NICK MILLS Trombone MARTIN SHAW trumpet . LEON GREENING piano JEREMY BROWN double bass. MATT HOME drums THIS IS “ THE JAZZ LOVERS FEAST “ The Folkestone Jazz Club is a non profit making jazz club. Run by & for people with a like minded interest in OUR KIND OF MUSIC Derick Woodland 01303 260330

Monday 9th February - Ashford Music Society presents THE THORNE TRIO, Ilid Jones (oboe), Esther Sheridan (clarinet), and Alexandra Callanan (bassoon). The Thorne Trio is an established wind group formed in 1999, comprising graduates of the Royal College of Music.The Trio has won a number of awards which included the AngloCzech Music Competition. As a result, they travelled to Prague where they gave a recital in the Martinu Hall at the Liechtenstein Palace. When they come to Ashford they will be performing a very varied and interesting programme of music for wind instruments. Venue: The Norton Knatchbull School, Hythe Road, Ashford, TN24 0QJ Time: 7.30 p.m. Tickets: £12 (Adults) and £3 (Students) Contact: Brenda McCormack on 01233 622971 or Hilary Pittock on 01233 623700.

Thursday 12th February – Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society meeting in Aldington Village Hall. Doors open at 7.45 for 8.00pm. The topic will be “Four Days at the Nursery” and the speaker Jacqueline Aviolet whose humorous style was much enjoyed when she last visited us. Visitors and new members will be very welcome. For further details please call Jean Evans on 01233 720618 or e mail colin. e123@btinternet.com Friday 27th February The Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society’s next meeting is 7.15 for 7.30pm in the Village Hall when Bob, Ron and John will be advising on “Tools for the Garden and their Maintenance”. Visitors are most welcome.

For further info contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com.

Sunday 22nd March 2015- 10.30am Pilgrims Hospices Rainbow Ride and Stride Back by popular demand, the Rainbow Ride and Stride will be taking place for the 2nd year running!

For further details see www.pilgrimshospices.org

Aldington School Jumble Sale Saturday 7th February Aldington Village Hall 2pm-4pm

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23

Aldington Football Club 2014/15 Season Club background: Aldington football club is proud to present this first entry into Aldington News and our aim is to match reports on our Club progress and future activities. Few may know that Aldington Football Club has been established since 1920. Currently, we have three teams playing in the Ashford & District leagues – one in Saturday league, one in the Sunday Premier league and a Sunday Reserve team in Division 3. The Club operates within a structured management committee each team enjoying full-size squads and impressively many players originating from the village itself.

Match report: A brief summary of our individual team progress so far this season is as follows:

24

Saturday Team: The Saturday team is managed by Jez Yeo and have enjoyed a successful first half of the year storming into a 5 game unbeaten run in the league. Their team has slightly stuttered of late but is hopeful to get back to consistent winning ways in 2015. The squad is a healthy mix of young and ‘experienced’ (old!) players and notably Bill Benzie, Ciaran Keough, Jordan Luckman and Andy Hone have given outstanding performances week in week out.

Sunday Premier First Team: After many successful years as Manager, Andy Williams (legend), handed over reins to Chris Howells in his first season as player/manager – a daunting task to fill Andy’s boots but one that Chris has embraced with a great squad. Only played 3 league matches played to date resulting in a balanced win/draw/lose performance and making excellent progression in the prestigious, difficult Kent Cup before being knocked out by a last minute winner.

Experience in this team is at hand form from

the ever-excellent goal keeper Steve Crust and local village boy and stand out performer this season - George Argar. Ex Bromley Green legend and stalwart, Tommy Lockett, has joined and settled into the Club after recently moving to the village and his “goal scoring for fun” has led to being awarded League Premier Player of the Month for November, no mean achievement.

Sunday Reserve Team: Managed by Pete Tosland and his trusty right-hand, Andy Fear, it is fair to say the Reserve team is consistent in that it is inconsistent and performances are very unpredictable! For example, the team suffered a recent 8-0 thumping to a second to bottom team but then outplayed the in-form Appledore the following week (some great Sunday morning football events occurred in the this match, our right back coming on as sub in the first half only to be subbed 15 minutes later after getting injured, our goal keeper subbing himself at half time as he was still hung over and the replacement goal keeper letting in a 20 yard “pea-roller” a la Rob Green – precious memories and enjoyment in playing Sunday morning football). The team did win 3 out of 4 matches in November ‘14.

We will be providing further details on match events and our new website in future editions.

In the meantime, if you are interested in playing for one of our teams or you wish to offer sponsorship, become a member or generally get involved, in the first instance please contact Andy Williams our Club Secretary on 01233 720359.

Aldington Football Club is proud to be sponsored

by Shepherd Neame, The Walnut Tree Inn, Spice Knights Indian Cuisine and the individual supporters and members who continue to sustain and develop our Club future.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES 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 Model Railway Club - After several years of club room problems we have now settled into our new venue in the barn café at Willesborough Windmill. We meet on Wednesday evenings between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, and the club would welcome new members. Club members are currently building a model of Rye in 00 gauge in the SR period. Contact John White on 01233 733416 for more information

Richard and staff welcome you to this cosy 16th Century pub in the heart of the village of Mersham, with three bars, oak beams, stone floors and open fires.

Now Open for Lunches Midday to 3pm

Home-made Fish & Chips Take-Away Wednesday Evenings 6pm - 9pm

Senior Lunches Thursdays 12 - 3pm Curry Club Thursday Evenings 6 - 8.30pm Full Menu Available Fri & Sat Evenings Traditional Sunday Lunches 12 - 4pm Locally sourced produce, where possible, cooked on the premises

Quiz Night Every Sunday from 8.30pm Function Room Available

Tel: 01233 502218 The Street, Mersham, TN25 6NA www.theroyaloakmersham.co.uk

Bilsington Ladies meet in Bilsington Village Hall 2nd Thursday of the month at 2.15pm. Interesting speakers and a warm welcome awaits. Call Jan on 01233 641820.

Smeeth W.I. We meet on the second Monday of the Month at 7.30 pm in the Brabourne & Smeeth village hall for further information do contact Joy Taylor 01303 812165” 25 Sellindge Table Top Sale the 1st Saturday of each month in the village hall Sellindge. Tables booked in advance are £5. 00 Each and on the day (If available) £8. 00. Telephone for more information 01303 813475.

Refreshments are available and home made cakes.

Legs, Bums & Tums An hour of challenging toning & groaning. Body weight exercises to music for motivation & lots of fun. Every Tuesday 18.0019.00 £5 per class, Aldington Village Hall. Yoga Thurs 6.30 - 730. Call Hayley on 07843 099912 for more information and to register your interest

A New Quilting Group held in the Oak Room, Smeeth TN25 6SA. If you are interested in quilting or patchwork why not come along and learn new skills and share your expertise with like minded people. Beginners and advanced levels are welcome. Bi-monthly meetings, for further information contact Marion on 01233 750319 Brabourne & Smeeth Gardeners’ Society We meet on the last Friday of the month at Brabourne & Smeeth Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm. New members and visitors will be made very welcome.

For further info contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451 or email brabournewendy@gmail.com.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES CONT...

Aldington & Bonnington Gardening Society We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month in the Aldington Village Hall at 7.45 pm for 8.00. We have a varied programme of talks, shows and social events. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further details please contact Jean Evans on 01233 720618 or colin.e123@ btinternet.com

Aldington Short Mat Bowls Club We play on Monday nights at Aldington village hall from 7.30pm to 10.00pm. No special equipment required you only need a pair of shoes with flat soles and we can supply the woods. Go on give it a try it may be just the sport you are looking for.

Interested, give Jim or Janet a call on 01233 632102

Lympne Short Mat Bowling Club meets every Monday and Thursday from 7.00 p.m. to 9.45p.m. September to May in Lympne Village Hall. We currently have vacancies for new members. It is a small, friendly, sociable club. Do come along and try your hand at an enjoyable, skilful game.We also have a registered coach in attendance Mondays if required. The first three weeks are free. There is no need to buy any bowls as the club has a selection which can be used until you have decided whether you are going to enjoy the game. Take the plunge leave the television at home there is another world outside. All you need is a pair of carpet slippers or smooth soled flat shoes If you decide to become a member the Annual Subscription is £20.00 and the green fees are £2.00 per evening. Do come along you will be made most welcome For further details please ring:our Coach Anne Collins on 01303 894956 or email on: johncollins01@btinternet.com

Call Michelle Sinclair ACE Personal Trainer for details 01233 820109

Line Dance Classes. Sellindge Village Hall Tues and Thursday eve 7.30 - 9.00 (intermediate) contact Maureen Lincoln 01303 813161 or 07989 210449. Sellindge Village Hall Thursday 12pm - 1pm (improver) and 1pm to 3pm (easy intermediate) contact Raye Warne 01303 813098 or 07513283504.

Legs, Bums & Tums An hour of challenging toning & groaning. Body weight exercises to music for motivation & lots of fun. Every Tuesday 18.0019.00 £5 per class, Aldington Village Hall.

Yoga Thurs 6.30 - 730. Call Hayley on 07843 099912 for more information and to register your interest

Zumba Fitness 7.15pm A latin inspired dance fitness class and Legs bums and Tums 8.15pm Every Wednesday Aldington village hall. Contact Leigh Little 01233 65075 3 M: 07756 726590

Yoga Mondays 7.30-9.00pm, Warehorne Village Hall & Thursdays 10.00-11.30am, St Mary’s Oak Room, Smeeth (off the A20). £7 per class. Please call Daniela 01233860417 or 07939870826

Calligraphy Classes at St Mary’s Oak Room, Smeeth from 10.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. All welcome including complete beginners. Cost is £7 per session. For further information, please call Sue Gray on 01233 720696.

Burlesque Classes. Lympne Village Hall.

Wednesday nights 8pm til 9.30pm £7. Ladies only.

Get fit, have fun, feel fabulous. Whatever your size, shape or age - release your inner vixen! www. quizzicool.co.uk, click burlesque classes.

The Sellindge Get Together Club Meet in the Durling Hall at Sellindge, next to the main hall, from 2pm to 4pm on the second Wednesday in the month. If you are interested just come to our meetings or phone 01303 813454 for more details.

Step at Sellindge Village Hall Sundays at 10.00 a.m. Fun fitness for all levels Call Michelle Sinclair ACE Personal Trainer 01233 820109 Body

Conditioning Class at Smeeth Scout Hut, Mondays 7.00 p.m. Fun Fitness for all levels Call Michelle Sinclair 01233 820109

Wainwright’s of Hythe

Individual Items of Interest Always Wanted Single Items Purchased For Cash • Antique Furniture • Paintings • Jewellery • Objets d’art • House Clearing Service

Hi/Low Aerobics at Sellindge Village Hall on

T: 01303 230 990 M: 07967 719 424

Wednesdays 7.00 .p.m. Fun Fitness for all levels

53a High Street, Hythe CT21 5AD

27

Working From Home: Is It For You? Top 10 Things To Consider Before You Start

28

Do a search on Google for the specific term “work from home UK” and it will return around 857 million results.

It’s clearly a popular subject and since broadband became widely available in 2004, the growth in this market has been phenomenal. Indeed it is estimated that 2.8 Million businesses now operate full time from home; that 1400 people start a business every week; and that home businesses contribute £284 billion to the economy each year.

Many, many businesses operate successfully from a spare room; sadly many others fail. So before you take the plunge and give up the day job, consider if your business passes these sanity checks.

Budget for growth All businesses start from £0 revenue, and most from a negative figure by the time they’ve paid their startup costs.

If your business builds up really slowly – say just a few £s every month – you’ll be bankrupt and fed up before it really gets going.

You might have left a job with a big redundancy payout or you might actually need the money

straight away. But setting up your own business is hard work and if you can’t pay yourself for months, you are likely to become disillusioned.

Watch your overheads Overheads have to be paid regardless of whether you have any business. If you are paying for stock, leases, loans or equipment rental you need to factor this into your monthly budget.

Is there a market for what you want to sell?

A classic mistake is to think ‘there must be a huge market for this because nobody else does it/ makes it’. Possibly, but it’s more likely that there isn’t a demand in the first place. For your first business you really are better to go into a market where you know money is being spent rather than trying to create the market from scratch.

How many customers do you need?

There are so many tales of people who start a business, win one big profitable customer who brings in 80% of the revenue month after month, only for it to go horribly wrong when the big customer changes supplier. Far better to have lots of customers

on your list. If you have fifty customers, even a loss of five of them won’t seriously impact your business. However, clearly it’s going to take a while to build up a base of that many businesses.

Will your customers buy again?

When you get the first few people buying from you, the ideal business model says that sooner or later they’ll want to use you again. There are plenty of people making money where they do have to start again e.g. conservatory sales companies attract very little repeat business, but each sale is very high value.

However, for your work from home ’lifestyle’ business, it’s far better to have some customers who come back again and again. It will make your life less stressful and your business more successful.

How will people find out about you?

Treat this as a launch and do as much initial marketing as you can find the time for and can afford.

Advertising in this magazine (of course!), notice boards, Google adwords, social media, emailing, networking, the school gates… anything and everything you can think of.

Do you have the space?

Try not to let your business spill into the general living space.

Not only is this encroaching on your family’s home, but it’ll mean you’ll feel you can’t ever get away from work. A spare room is ideal of course, but if not, then a filing cabinet where you can tuck everything away at the end of the day does at least mark out the boundaries.

Going ahead? So you have your plan in place, here are some early pitfalls to avoid.

Don’t chase everything A real danger in your early days is that you chase after every piece of business, no matter how small, and discount like mad to ensure you win it. Be discerning and be firm on your prices. If you have time to spare it’s better to spend it on marketing for better quality leads.

Don’t be distracted by ‘brand marketing’ A classic mistake made by many new business starters is to spend a fortune headed paper, glossy brochure, top quality business cards or any other costly brand awareness products. Maybe later, but right now focus on the type of marketing which delivers real live leads, rather than expecting people to call because they like your expensive logo.

customers you have that covered, but if you communicate mostly by email, make the effort to join a few industry forums and local social groups.

Finally, a word of warning. If you do start your own business, it’s a legal requirement to register with HMRC as self-employed – make it top of your action list.

Your own business...but not on your own Whether you are the most sociable person going, or a bit of a loner, spending all day, every day with nobody to speak to is not healthy. Even if you just need someone to discuss an idea with or some support for what you are doing, contact with other people - ideally doing the same as you is really important. If you see your

29

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health & Lifestyle

If you’re gym-phobic, sign up here

by Kate McLelland

30

I took a different route into town recently and came across my local gym for the first time. As I walked by, music was pumping at high volume, the wall-mounted TV screens were flashing and I saw rows of fit, lycra-clad young people lifting, pushing and jogging: using pieces of equipment that looked as though they had been stripped out of an alien spacecraft.

This year, tempted by the discounted membership fee advertised in my local paper, I had actually thought of signing up, but one look through those expensive, plate glass windows made me think again. With my spreading waistline on display over the top of my 1990s jogging pants, I would have felt more out of place than a penguin in the tropics.

The image of modern gyms as temples to the young and super-fit is hard to shake off, although I’m sure most instructors would protest that all ages and sizes are welcome.

Surveys suggest that when it

comes to keeping fit, less than 20% of us are prepared to use a gym.

So where can you go if, like me, you no longer match the description “young and superfit” and have an intermittent back problem that gets worse with vigorous exercise? Most health experts recommend that people undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical exercise (or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise) per week to stay healthy, so unless you spend just over 21 minutes per day involved in tasks that qualify as “moderate intensity” such as vacuuming, mopping, walking briskly or mowing the lawn, you may need help when it comes to staying fit.

If you want a really gentle form of exercise that aids mobility and balance, you might try Tai Chi. Originally developed as a martial art, this discipline combines relaxation and deep breathing with slow, gentle continuous movements: improving muscle strength in the legs, helping your balance

and reducing stress. There is even some evidence that Tai Chi can help people who have rheumatoid arthritis in the ankle, hip and knee.

Many people are dissuaded from taking up Yoga by those images of practitioners with limbs contorted into eye-watering positions - but there’s really no need to fear.

The first principle of Yoga is to do as much, or as little, as your body feels capable of doing.

Of course, that may be hard if you’re naturally competitive and you find yourself in class next to someone who can cross their legs in the lotus position whilst standing on their head, but as you work at it you’ll gradually learn to go at your own pace.

However, the word ‘Yoga’ covers many different kinds of practice so you should do some careful research before putting your name down for a class. For example, Iyengar is about perfecting poses, holding them for a period of time while breathing deeply and checking your body’s

health & Lifestyle alignment, while Ashtanga yoga can be vigorous and intense.

If you don’t want a class where you need to move around, Pilates might be the one for you. Pilates has many similarities to Yoga and focuses on rebalancing the body, improving posture and building both muscle strength and endurance through slow, controlled movements.

Nordic Walking is easy on your joints and works well for all ages and fitness levels. It is an enhancement of walking, where special poles are used to engage the upper body muscles as well as the legs.

The poles help to propel the walker along, creating an effective, full-body workout that actually feels easier than

normal walking. There are a range of classes available, from gentle walks for people with health issues to workoutstyle walks, which offer a great way to lose weight and tone your whole body.

Finally, you may have heard about Zumba.

This is a dance exercise craze started

by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez in the 1990s, using the Latin rhythms of salsa, merengue, mamba and chachacha as the inspiration for a fun fitness programme. You can join a class at any level, from a slower, beginners’ session to a full-on aerobic work out.

Active older adults can take part in a Zumba Gold class, offering a lower intensity version of the normal Zumba

routines.

Many of the exercise methods mentioned here can cater for people with health issues (but do see your doctor if you have concerns). A good instructor will want to know about any problems you have, so make sure to tell yours if you have any conditions that might affect your ability to undertake certain exercises.

You can find out more at www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness.

If – like me – the sight of a gym leaves you sweating before the workout even begins, there’s no longer an excuse to stay at home. Forget the lycra: just get out there and get fit.

31

Has Your Watch Stopped?

Is It Losing Time?

We specialise in watches over 20 years old All makes and models can be serviced and repaired using original parts. parts For All Your Watch and Jewellery Repairs

Call 01303 211500 w w w. f u l l y wo w o u n d. c o. u k Please Mention The

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health & beauty

Beauty Look Younger for Longer - Look after Your Neck and Hands neck as your face, and to extend the application of your daily sunscreen to this area too.

Remember to exfoliate your skin regularly - both on your face and neck - as this removes dead skin cells, brightens your skin and improves absorption of your moisturiser.

On the subject of daily routines, whilst a regular moisturiser is fine for those looking to prevent rather than cure, if your neck is already heavily lined, you’ll need something stronger. Furthermore your neck requires a different formulation to reverse the signs of ageing than your face, so it’s important to use products specifically designed for the neck, which are generally more concentrated and powerful.

32

Eating a healthy diet is key to looking younger too, as foods rich in anti-oxidants and Omega-3 acids have been shown to help skin rejuvenation by boosting collagen production - something that declines as we age.

When it comes to looking younger, we all seem to focus our attention on our face yet overlook our neck and hands, even though it’s these areas that tend to age the fastest.

So it’s time to start taking notice of these neglected areas to ensure that you look younger for longer.

Smoking is not only bad for your health, but it damages collagen and the constant squinting and lip pursing whilst smoking causes lines to form quickly. It’s no surprise then, that the delicate skin under your chin is damaged as a result.

Your Hands

Your Neck

They say that you can tell a women’s age by her hands, so it really is important to look after yours.

The skin on your neck is thin compared to the rest of the body, it also has fewer oil glands and can easily become dehydrated. So given that, it’s as important to moisturise your

Winter weather, central heating, contact with water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers all

health & beauty serve to dry out the skin, making your hands look older than they are and feel rough to the touch.

If the skin on your hands is suffering you can be sure that your nails will be too. Nails need extra attention during the winter months and if they are dry, peeling and brittle this is a sign that you need to treat your talons to some serious TLC. Limit the exposure your hands and nails have to the elements by always wearing gloves whenever you step outside in cold weather.

The same goes for washing up or any activity where your hands are submerged in water; always keep a pair of rubber gloves nearby.

Invest in a pair of moisture gloves. Apply an intensive hand cream every night, before bed, and then put the moisture gloves on overnight. You’ll wake up with beautifully soft hands in the morning.

Each time you wash your hands, dry them thoroughly and then apply a hand and nail cream - same goes for when you have used a hand sanitizer. Make sure you rub the product in thoroughly and don’t forget to coat your cuticles and nails too.

Keep your nails long and strong by applying cuticle oil every night. Use a strengthening treatment to help protect your nails from the elements and to give them extra strength.

And for a real treat, head to the beauty salon and get a manicure. You’ll feel a lot more enthused about keeping your professionally pampered hands in tip-top condition when they’re looking gorgeous.

By Helen Taylor

Do you want help to actually keep your new year resolutions and finally reach your goals in 2015?

33

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Transitions

by Ian Ludlow at LPA Services The current UK population is living longer than any generation that has gone before.

This phenomenon is causing us all to re-think our lives.

My name is Ian Ludlow and I was born in 1953 and my life expectancy at that time was 76 years; in 2015 it is now 83 and I haven’t done anything to deserve an extended period of life on this planet or prepare for this from a wealth or health viewpoint.

TRANSITIONS at LPA Services Brogdale Farm Office Brogdale Farm Brogdale Road Faversham Kent ME13 8XZ

01795 503 184

My pension payments will be reduced by the Assurance Company Actuaries to cover the longer life expectancy and the NHS do not have the resources to cover any long term health issues I might experience.

This all seems to have crept up on us over the last 15 years and I will admit I was not the first in the queue to make the necessary adjustments to cater for these changes… were you?

34 No matter what generation you belong to, it’s time to make life affecting transitions to help ourselves and our families.

I believe every family should have the means and resources available to them to look after individual members who need care and support in their later life and when it matters most.

So, what kind of transitions should we all consider to ensure family members have a life of dignity, respect and a sense of selfsufficiency both emotionally and financially?

I have spent many years investigating the key health and financial elements we can all address to prepare ourselves and our family for the transitions needed to cater for this new world of longer life.

My approach is holistic as well as practical; changing one element alone does not solve all the issues that are likely to be encountered.

This has meant activities such as becoming a Dementia Friend; arranging health and financial Powers of Attorney; safeguarding the family home by changing the way it is owned; assessing all safety aspects for

email: info@lpaservices.co.uk www.lpaservices.co.uk elderly family members who wish to stay in the family home… especially if they are on their own; and many more.

You may have put one of these elements in place already but without a full overview and assessment of all aspects you may be leaving yourself and your family vulnerable to external influences that can easily reduce the quality and standard of living you have spent so much of your life working towards.

In 2008 my wife and I started our business which is based in the historic town of Faversham and specialises in helping families to counter the issues caused by the fact that we are all living longer.

We have first hand experience of helping our own parents in various ways to take away the burden and worry they feel when trying to deal with legal, financial, health and technical issues.

To find out how we achieve this and for more information, please call Ian or Jo Ludlow on 01795 503 184 or email us at info@lpaservices.co.uk

the home Professional and insured Kitchen fitting Bathroom fitting Tiling Decorating: Interior & Exterior Free quotes

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35

MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION Help a Child Discover the Joy of Reading Reading is essential in today’s world.

Unfortunately many children struggle to learn to read for all sorts of reasons – one in seven children in England left primary school last year behind in their reading and one in six adults in the UK has a reading level below that expected of an eleven-year-old.

36

Beanstalk is a national charity that gives oneto-one literacy support to children in primary schools in Kent who have fallen behind with their reading.

Each Beanstalk reading helper works with three children for a year, spending half an hour individually, twice each week. The sessions are relaxed and fun – chatting, playing games to build confidence and reading together.

By becoming a reading helper, you’ll give a child the one-to-one attention they need to build their confidence and help them catch up with their reading. You’ll give them a chance to

learn at their own pace and adapt your sessions to suit them.

Volunteering as a Beanstalk reading helper is extremely rewarding, makes a lasting difference to children’s lives and is a great way to give something back to your local community. Why not make this your resolution this year?

No previous experience is required as full training and support will be provided throughout your time with us. Volunteers are needed in this area as well as right across Kent. To find out more, please call the Ashford office on 01233 637645 or the Maidstone office on 01622 662026 or email us at kent@ beanstalkcharity.org.uk.

To see more information you can visit www. beanstalkcharity.org.uk ~ Thank You

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37

Ashford Among the Top Places to Live in the UK Ashford has welcomed the findings of a survey compiled by the Halifax, listing the top 50 places to live in the UK, which placed Ashford 38th.

The borough has consistently been featured in the annual Halifax survey, with this being the fourth time it’s been included in the top 50 in the last five years.

This follows the results of a survey conducted

by Locate in Kent – released last August – that showed developers, investors, property agents and architects believe Ashford is the best business location in the county and that the borough council has a proactive attitude towards business.

38

Furthermore, a recent residents’ survey found that nine in ten residents in the borough are satisfied with the local area as a place to live, while eight in ten indicated they are satisfied with how Ashford Borough Council runs things.

Ashford is certainly attracting large-scale inward investment. Funding is in place for the creation of a new Junction 10a of the M20, which is a nationally significant infrastructure project, and large-scale expansion plans for the Designer Outlet, on top of the recently opened John Lewis at home store, are also an indication of the confidence of significant investors. There is also a buoyant property market.

The borough boasts girls’ and boys’ grammar schools, and the delivery of a further and higher education college campus in the town centre, taken over by Ofsted rating ‘outstanding’ Hadlow College in August, is a priority.

Commenting on the Halifax survey and Ashford’s place in the top 10%, the Leader of Ashford Borough Council, Cllr Gerry Clarkson, said: “Being named as the 38th best place in which to live in the UK is pleasing. It echoes

everything residents have told us about the borough as a desirable place to live. We have the lowest council tax in Kent, we have the most improved recycling service in the country, and the borough is attracting largescale investment.

“We also have the beautiful town of Tenterden and our lovely surrounding villages in our borough. Of course, 38 is a significant number for Ashford, with London just 38 minutes away.

This remains a big draw for companies looking to invest here. And with Paris reachable in less than two hours, Ashford is already seen as an international town.

“There is much more to be done, but that work will only enhance Ashford’s attraction as a great place in which to live.”

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the home BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH Plain Road, Brabourne Lees, Kent TN25 6QN Pastor Tim Simpson Tel:01303 813257

10%F OF this withvert d a

Art and Camera Club The next meeting will be on Tuesday February 10 from 10am – 12noon when award-winning Guest Artist Vanessa Jayne will be with us. For more details please phone Mike on 01303 812484

Meeting Point; Come along for lunch at Meeting Point on Thursday February 26 at 12.30pm You are welcome to join us for good food and good company! For further details please call Tim 01303 813257 or Cathy 01303 814132

MP’S Surgery: Our MP Damian Collins, will be holding his monthly surgery at Brabourne Baptist Church from 3.45pm to 4.30pm on Friday February 20. If you have any questions, complaints or comments, please book an appointment by e-mailing your name, post code, subject and message to: shepwayconservatives@btconnect. com or telephone 01303 253 524.

Café Wednesday The Café is open every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am at Brabourne Baptist Church. Drop in for coffee, biscuits, company and a warm friendly atmosphere.

Choice of books available. Everybody welcome!

Café Wednesday Extra We are also open every second Wednesday of the month from 12noon for soup, roll and tea or coffee, followed by a time of reflection. Cost £1. Everyone is invited; just turn up!

Ladies Breakfast at the Church on Saturday March 7 at 8.45am for 9am start. Following the cooked breakfast, Jan Vidler, the recently appointed voluntary Chaplain at Kenwood Trust, will talk about her work specialising in residential recovery from problems with drugs and alcohol. More information from Val 01303 813152 or Tim 01303 813257

Church Bookings If you wish to book the church hall for a meeting or function, please phone Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152

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Sunday Services: There is a regular service at 10.30am every week. Morning Worship is followed by refreshments in the side hall.

The Ark: Fridays from 10am to 12noon: for babies and children under school-age with their parents/ carers.

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Landlord boiler servicing and Gas Safe certificates available.

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39

Puzzle Time

WORDWHEEL

Sudoku

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition! That’s all there is to it, you solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic there’s no maths involved and no adding up.

It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s addictive!

TARGET Excellent: 60 or more words Good: 48 words Fair: 40 words

I R E

T O D

D T S

40

Quick Crossword Across 7. Not occupied (6) 8. Musical dramas (6) 9. Vehicle for hire (4) 10. Opposite (8) 11. Not as dark (7) 13. Old coin (5) 15. Regularly (5) 17. Culinary herb (7) 20. Very cold (8) 21. Relax (4) 23. Large fight (6) 24. Hinder (6)

Down 1. Mother (4) 2. Disappear (6) 3. Piled up (7) 4. Connects (5) 5. Closer to (6) 6. Railway coach (8) 12. Casual (8) 14. Haggle (7)

1

2

3

4

6

8

7

10

9

11

5

12

13 14

15

16

17

18

19 21

20

23

16. Votes for (6) 18. Scratch (6)

24

19. Repairs (5) 22. Fizzy drink (4)

22

motoring

s ’ r she

i F b o B Garage

SELLINDGE

You may be surprised what a small country garage can offer today’s motorist!

A personal friendly service on your door step at affordable prices.

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41

New ,Used & Hire Equipment from Aids for Daily Living to Wheelchairs.

come and try the largest selection of mobility equipment in ashford

• Parking by the door.

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useful information Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UK, Ashford Branch Emergency 999 Police Neighbhd Team

Contact Mike Wharrad

Ashford & Tenterden

St. John Ambulance Brigade 01233 611 414 East Kent Strokes 01233 840448

Crimestoppers

101 0800 555 111

Out of Hours Doctor 0845 4349655 William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331

01233 623520

www.eastkentstrokes.org

SE Kent Multiple Sclerosis Soc. 07767326138

Samaritans

08457 90 90 90

email: mssoutheast@gmail.com

www.samaritans.org Electricity: Southern Electric EDF Energy Gas: Natural LPG

0845 770 8090 0800 783 8866 0800 111 999 Details on tank

Royal British Legion CPRE Kent

01233 620 167 01233 714540

National Train Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk

Bus Enquiries Doctors Surgery Hamstreet Surgery Sellindge Surgery

01233 730190 01303 812180

Arriva Bus Enquiries Stage Coach East Kent (Timetable) (Customer Services)

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

Parish Councils:

42

Aldington & Bonnington

Village Halls

www.aldingtonandbonningtonpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Aldington Brabourne & Smeeth Bilsington Hamstreet Mersham Smeeth Stowting Sellindge Sellindge Spts & Soc. Club

Brabourne & Smeeth Mersham & Sevington

01233 623902 01233 720816

Ashford Borough Council

01233 331111

W: www.ashford.gov.uk

Ashford Gateway 0845 8 247 247 Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185 Brabourne and Smeeth Community 07813 712805 Warden: Graham Kingston

01233 720213 01303 813234 01233 720818 01233 732568 01233 503192 01303 814977 01303 863520 01303 813250 01303 812437

Veterinary Surgeons Montgomery Vets

01303 813756

Ashford Volunteer Centre Age UK Ashford

01233 665 535 01233 668 765

www.ageuk.org/ashford ageukashford.org@gmail.com CARM E: Carmromneymarsh@supanet.com W: Www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support W: www.forget-me-nots.co.uk

Sucklifts Cesspool Emptying Service ~ Est 1986 ~ Accredited Engineer British Water

High Pressure Jetting Service and Repair to Sewage Treatment Plants

01233 840624 Disclaimer: Every care is taken to ensure this directory is as accurate as possible but the publishers do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Puzzle Solutions Wordwheel: DISTORTED Sudoku

Seven Local Editions Delivered by Royal Mail to 55,000 Homes & Businesses Ashford: 20,000 homes in and around TN24 & TN23 Kennington, Willesborough, Park Farm, Kingsnorth & Great Chart

Charing Area: Charing, Pluckley, Crossword

Biddenden, Smarden & Egerton.

Wye Area: Wye, Brook, Bodsham, Brabourne,Westwell, Hastingleigh, Boughton Lees, Eastwell.

Aldington Area: Aldington, Mersham, Bilsington, Bonnington, Brabourne Lees, Smeeth, Sellindge, Stanford & Stowting.

TN26 Area: Appledore, Hamstreet, High Halden, Bethersden, Hothfield, Shadoxhurst,Woodchurch, Warehorne.

Tenterden & Rye: Tenterden, St Michaels, Wittersham, Rye, Pladen.

The Marsh: Romney Marsh from Dymchurch to Dungeness.

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