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For more information or to arrange a visitcontact Bernadette Gibbs at Eastry on 615487 or

e.mail: bubbles_nursery@btconnect.com

Eastry Village News

February 2010

View down Brook Street

Parish Churchwww.eastrybenefice.co.ukClergy:Revd. Diane Deer 611323Day off: FridayRevd. Jennifer Pilcher 611472Days off: Tuesday, ThursdayChurch WardensLiz Kinns 611400Gill Hughes-Wilson 612387Deputy Church WardensBob Barwick 611420(& Church Hall Bookings)Dr. Alastair Carnegie 813120Bell CaptainMick Johnson 365118Eastry C of E Primary SchoolHead TeacherTim Halling 611360PTA ChairpersonToni Burton 611360Parish Councilwww.eastrypc.co.ukChairman: Nick KentonVice-Chairman: Sam Shevde

Clerk to Council:Sarah Wells 614320clerk@eastrypc.co.uk3 Gore TerraceGore RoadEastry, CT13 0LSHighways Fault Reporting Service08458 247 800.Rural Community WardenBob Priestley 07811 271299Police CommunitySupport OfficerAnnmarie Benson 01304 218000Neighbourhood WatchSheila Smith 611580Great Oaks Small SchoolPrincipals: Liz Baker John Baker,Julie Kelly 01843 822022Village Youth OrganisationsYoung Peoples ClubRichard Laslett 07702 459332Area Youth WorkerJerri Smith 07740 186070GuidesChris Martin 617406BrowniesLinda Clarke 614553

2VILLAGE CONTACTS

Sunday Mornings at Eastry8.00 am Holy Communionusing Book of Common Prayer10.00 am Holy Communion14th, 28th Feb10.00 am Morning Service21st Feb10.00 am Family Service7thFeb

Evensong 6.30pm Sundays 7th Feb. Northbourne 14th Feb.Tilmanstone 28th Feb. Eastry

Wednesdays10am Holy Communion

Eastry Church HallAll are welcome

CHURCH SERVICES IN FEBRUARY

17th FebruaryASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

7.30PM NORTHBOURNE

Next Friendship LunchFriday 12th February

Contact 611400

J.DILNOT SMITH & SONFuneral Directors

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PERSONAL ATTENTION

PRIVATE CHAPELS OFREST

Beacon LaneDay or Night Woodnesborough Sandwich 01304 812300

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Rose Barn WorkshopTimber Kitchens &Bedroom furniture

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Relaxed atmosphere 24 hour emergency service Consultations by appointment Modern purpose designed facility

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(Opposite Essentially Hops) Email – info@bournevets.co.ukWebsite – www.bournevets.co.uk

01227 832322

FEBRUARYWednesday 3rd FebWomens Institute (WI)7 for 7.30pm Village HallMrs. C. Martin "Girl Guides"Monday 8th FebMonday Evening Club7 for 7.30pm Church HallValentines Party: Poems. Music, softlights, refreshments, raffleTuesday 9th FebRoyal British LegionWomen’s Section2pm at Barbara Bradford’s HouseContact (615006)Tuesday 9th FebEastry Horticultural Society7 for 7.30pm Village HallBob Lawrence "Antiques in theGarden Shed"Monday 15th FebMens Group7.30pm Church HallRev. Diane Deer“Life before Eastry”Thursday 18th FebWomens Afternoon Fellowship2.30pm Church HallTalk about “Age Concern”Sunday 21st FebRoyal British Legion10.30am at The Five Bells

Events in Village HallHI KENT, LOCAL DEAF CHARITY

FRIDAY 12TH FEB• 10AM - 12 NOONThe aftercare and advice clinic

for all your hearing needs.. JIG-SAW PUZZLE LIBRARYFRIDAY 12TH FEB •10AM - 12 NOON

BANGERS & BINGOSATURDAY 20TH FEB• 7.30PM

EVERY FRIDAY

9am-12noon Village HallEveryone welcomeFree refreshments

3

EARLY MARCH MEETINGSWednesday 3rd MarchWomens Institute (WI)7 for 7.30pm Village HallColin Coulson "Gardening"Tuesday 9th MarchRoyal British LegionWomen’s Section2pm at Barbara Bradford’s HouseContact (615006)Tuesday 9th MarchEastry Horticultural Society7 for 7.30pm Village HallSteve Edney (Head Gardener) "The Salutation"

FROM THE REGISTERSBAPTISM :22-11-09 James Oliver Baker06-12-09 Esmee Emily Claire Collins14-12-09 India Rose Robinson20-12-09 Wesley James Ashlee RogersFUNERAL:25-11-09 Mary Hurst07-12-09 Jim Ratcliff15-12-09 Graham Bottle14-01-10 Joan RatcliffWEDDING :11-12-09 Daniel Lockhart and Michelle Clark08-01-10 Michael J. Sewell and Angela Barnett

4

ARTICLES FOR EASTRY VILLAGE NEWSIf you would like to submit an article or advertise an event, please give

details to the editor, Michael Kinns (611400) by the 10th day of the Month, or send it by e-mail to michaelkinns@gmail.com

ADVERTISING IN EASTRY VILLAGE NEWSIf you would like to advertise in this magazine please contact

the Advertising Manager, Brian Manton (612572)e-mail: BNManton@aol.com

EASTRY PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITEhttp://www.eastrypc.co.uk.

Direct link to other websites, including the Church

The Editor reserves the right to cut, edit, or refuse to publish any contributionsand does not necessarily agree with opinions expressed in published articles.All advertisements in the magazine are inserted in good faith, but the magazinecommittee accepts no responsibility for any statement made by the advertisers;nor endorses the products or services offered.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE MAGAZINEIf you can help with distributing the magazine

Please contact Iris Mollart on 614085

The Star over Eastry Church has become a traditional feature atChristmas and gives a warm welcome to all as they enter the villagebe they residents or visitors .To keep this tradition going requires a good dealof effort and goodwill from quite a few people.The five sections of the Star have to be taken up tothe tower roof to be assembled and tested, then itis hauled up into position to be secured to the flagmast.Five able bodied people are required to do thisand getting that number together in the daytime isno easy task. The weather conditions thwarted theteam’s efforts twice during the Christmas season.but finally all was secured and the lights could beswitched on.Thanks are due to all team members who braved the elements thisseason.

Bob Barwick

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February, the spring flowers start to bloom and there’s love in the air. Whatdo I mean? Well it’s Valentine’s Day, a day when men and women, girls andboys declare openly or anonymously their love for each other. I don’t knowabout you, but I love reading through some of the messages in the newspapercolumns such as “ Pooh loves his Piglet”, “Mrs Tiggywinkle sends hugs to hercuddly bear” , “Huggy bear kissy face loves you gillygogs”(!!!!!!!)It is the one day of the year when we feel free to let our love for others becomepublic (even if hidden behind some really weird names) but what about the restof the year? Jesus’ great commandment is to love one another as he loves usis actually for 365 days of the year, in fact for life.Everyone needs love, without it the world goes wrong. But what is love? Youonly have to read 1 Corinthians 13 – “Paul’s Song of Love” to get the answerto that question. In fact it tells us what love IS and what love IS NOT.This part of Paul’s letter should never really be read in isolation. It should belooked at as a continuation of his discussion (Ch12) about places or roles in thechurch. Here he talks of Apostles, prophets, teachers, helpers and administra-tors. Explaining how each task is important but only as important as the nextperson’s job. All must work together as does a body, each interdependent onthe other to function properly.“Paul’s Song of Love” is Paul’s answer to the petty jealousy and bickering thatwere going on at Corinth. It is his “excellent way”. And it is an excellent wayto live not only within our church family but in relationships, marriage,friendships, in fact with whoever we deal with in life.Let’s have a look at the words but in a different way “I am patient and kind.I envy no one. I am never boastful, never conceited, never rude. I am neverselfish, never quick to take offence. I keep no score of wrongs, take nopleasure in the sins of others but delight in the truth. There is nothing I cannotface, no limit to my faith, my hope, my endurance. My love will never cometo an end.”When these words are looked at in a personal way, we can see this love realisedin the life of Jesus himself. Without this love which radiates from Christ, ourlives as Christians are meaningless. Love is an essential attribute of God andthose who belong to him share his love. God’s love does make a difference inyour life. God’s love is the foundation for the Christian faith. The essentialcharacter of love is “action.” The enduring nature of love comes from commit-ment. Commitment to Jesus and to each other.

God BlessDiane

Help me, Lord, to be more like you:To draw a circle that includes rather than excludes.Give me a genuine love for others,Both those I like and those I don’t like.Help me to overcome my fears and prejudicesAnd to see your image in all people. Amen

PRIEST'S LETTER

6

EASTRY WI REPORTI hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you have begun 2010with a light heart and a smile. Eastry WI finished 2009 on a high; wehad our annual Christmas party with Joyce Grenfell style entertain-ment. Our competition was a change from the normal craft project,this year we had to purchase a party outfit from a charity shop, thewinner decided by a secret vote. It was wonderful over twenty ladiesentered and the outfits looked great. As this was one of my ideas, it

was great to hear that visits to charity shops had become a regular outing forsome as they had enjoyed the experience and found bargains too.A new year also sees a new president and secretary at Eastry WI, although Ishall continue to write these occasional ramblings in the magazine. AnnFordham was voted president, she is full of ideas and enthusiasm, and she hasalready begun to arrange an autumn show that all are invited to attend. Youwill be able to purchase items (including cakes) and see the art and craftprojects our members produce, as well as learn a bit more about the WI. Therewill be more details nearer the time. I am pleased to say that Jenny Stone hastaken over the job of secretary and I wish her all the best, although I know sheis going to do a great job.Finally, let me say that as always Eastry WI is always ready to welcome anyvisitors. I know that many people are daunted by the idea of coming along, butlet me assure you that we are a friendly lot. To wet your appetite and temptyou here is the first six months’ worth of meetings:

3rd Feb. Mrs C. Martin on Girl Guides3rd March Colin Coulson on Gardening7th April Ann Chance, Petticoat Pilot5th May Resolutions2nd June Jenny Birch on flower arranging7th July Lesley Gould gives a talk on Japanese Lady

For more information, please contact Ann on 619519.Shani Barwick

NEW NAMES FOR EASTRY WAR MEMORIALThe Parish Council has kindly agreed to update the WarMemorial with names of people FROM THE PARISH, whohave lost their lives on active military service since 1946.This may include Fire Service and Police personnel.Any names that are requested to go onto the memorialMUST COME from the parish.Could you please let me have any names and details (e.gdates, places).Either telephone 01304 611601, or send a letterto Sam Shevde at:8, MILL BANK, MILL LANE, EASTRY CT13 0EXI look forward to hearing from you.

Sam Shevde

Lower Street , Eastry,Near Sandwich

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RECYCLING COLLECTIONSBLACK BOX (Glass, Plastic Bottles & Tins)Tuesdays 9th, 23rd FebruaryBLUE BAG (Paper, Magazines & Cardboard)Tuesdays 9th, 23rd FebruaryGREEN WASTE (Garden Refuse)Tuesdays 2nd, 16th, February

DISTRICT COUNCIL PLANNING MEETINGTHURSDAY 11TH FEB 2010 • 6PM IN COUNCIL OFFICES AT WHITFIELD

The agenda is published on the council website www.dover.gov.ukone week before the meeting

Every day is a gift; that's why they call it the present.

CREATING AREAS FOR NATUREA NEW ONLINE GUIDE TO CREATING WILDLIFE HABITATS

Why not try creating a pond or tree planting, composting, building raised beds,making boggy areas or building bird or bat boxes?Any piece of ground can be transformed into a haven for wildlife, whether it isat school, in a community space, in your back garden or even on a rooftop. Nomatter how much space you have available, you will find ideas here that canbe adapted to suit your needs.Across the county, Kent ’s Countryside Management Partnerships, supportedby Kent County Council, the Kent Eco-Schools Project and the LondonBorough of Bexley, have collaborated to produce this pack on behalf of theKent Biodiversity Action Plan.The guide is the first of its kind in Kent and takes the form of an online seriesof PDF information sheets that provide a step-by-step guide to creating wild-life habitats in your garden or grounds. As well as helping with the practicalside of creating nature areas, it also includes information on the kinds ofwildlife you can expect to attract, planning tips and lots of useful links forfurther reading and information. Health and Safety information is also includ-ed.The pack is available now at www.kentbap.org.uk/creatingareasfornatureEmail cmp@kent.gov.uk with your ideas on how you could improve yourgarden or grounds for wildlife and you will receive a packet of free poppyseeds!For further details, please email cmp@kent.gov.uk or contact Isabel Sturdy atthe North West Kent Countryside Partnership, 01322 294727.

8 Eastry Young Peoples Club

Eastry Young Peoples Club held its AGM in Mid September. As Chairman Iwas able to report another very happy and successful year. It is five years nowsince we moved into the excellent new building.Sincere thanks were extended to John Kemp, Treasurer, and Trudi Gibb,Secretary, for their continued support at our monthly Committee meetings.They both thankfully agreed to be elected to continue into next year. Thevillage is lucky that John and Trudi, Bill and Brenda Roberts, ColinHumphreys and Sheila Smith have been the very small Committee that haveoverseen the running of the Young Peoples Club since the Early Nineties.Bill, Brenda and John in fact go right back to 1986 when the Club wasreformed and started life in the Village Hall. Thanks were also extended toJohn Jones of Little Walton for voluntarily putting the Club Accounts togetherand to Grahame McDonald of Adisham, who deals with our VAT Account.Bubbles Nursery and Out of School Club continues to be an excellent andreliable tenant for half of the building. During the year they have developed aBaby Unit, which is proving very successful. Both Youth Club and Bubbleswork well together.We have continued to develop the first floor, and now have two quite spaciousrooms and a Youth Club Office ready to be put to use. Just Central Heating hasto be put in, at which point they will be ready to use.A new sign at the Willmott Place end of the drive at last tells the public wherethe Youth Club is. Inside the Club the Members now have Sky Music with its14 Music Channels, instead of a Juke Box, and a second-hand Billiards Table.The Youth Club is at present open three evenings a week:Tuesday and Thursday evenings for young people aged 13+Wednesday for young children.

Richard LaslettChairman

VILLAGE”WELCOME PACKS” UPDATEVillage “Welcome Packs” have been distributed to newcomers for severalyears.They currently contain information from the following: St Mary’s Church,Girlguiding, Eastry Young Peoples club, Snooker & Billiard club, EastryHorticultural Society, Women's Institute, Eastry Junior School.IF YOU WISH TO CONTINUE BEING INCLUDED IN THE DISTRIBUTION THEN IMUST HAVE FURTHER COPIES (A MINIMUM OF 30, A4 SIZE PLEASE)Please look at the information on your current sheet and update details, such aschange of Secretary, or Contact Name and Telephone Number.If your club/sports group is not included in the above then now is the time tolet me have information about your activities/meeting place and contact personon one side of an A4 sheet (minimum of 30 copies please).

Rosemary Barwick 611420

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FAMILY DAYS AT DOVER MUSEUM16TH FEBRUARYAs part of the temporary exhibition ' The Victorians' , adults and children alikecan come along and try out a wide variety of games that were popular in theVictorian period. Choose from a wide variety of games from Checkers toSkittles, Marbles to Jacks. Drop in anytime between 10.00 - 16.30.17TH FEBRUARYAdults and children can make a three dimensional animal or bird collagepicture. Choose from a variety of creatures ranging from a bear to a parrot, anangel fish to a giraffe. Drop in anytime between 10.00 - 16.30There is NO extra charge for the workshops. For DDC residents entry to themuseum is FREE, proof of address is required.For families from outside the DDC area normal admission rates of £3.00 peradult, £2.00 per child, student and seniors apply.For more information please contact Kim Norton Tel: 01304 201066, email:museumeducation@dover.gov.uk

Homes Available in Centenary Gardens, EastrySanctuary Housing Association no longer holds a waiting list for properties inCentenary Gardens, Eastry.If you are considering moving you are now required to register throughDover District Council for the Choice Based Lettings Scheme. To beeligible for Centenary Gardens, you will need to fulfill the Local ConnectionCriteria which is as follows:CRITERIA: (AS MANY AS POSSIBLE TO BE MET) Born & brought up in the parish of Eastry Lived in the Parish of Eastry for not less than the previous 5 years. Previously resident in Eastry, but had to move elsewhere principally to

secure affordable accommodation due to there being no such accommodationat the time.

Child or the elderly (60+) parent of a person who has lived in the Parish ofEastry for not less than the previous five yearsBIDDINGAll people registered for housing can apply or ‘bid’ for the homesadvertised. There is no cost involved in the bidding process. Bidding can bedone through the Internet at www.kenthomechoice.org.uk, by phone, by textor by special coupon.FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONYou can contact:The Housing Needs Section at Dover District Council on 01304 872265or email:housing@dover.gov.ukYou can also contact:Amy Price, Tenancy Management Officer, Sanctuary HousingAssociation on 0800 781 4755

10TRIBUTE TO JOAN RATCLIFF

Joan came to Eastry while she was still at school so she has lived among usvirtually all her life.Her first job was in the profoundly Victorian household of the Misses Rae atWalton House, where, as she often said she soon learned to "light fires andclean silver".

From 1941-46 she served in the ATS and it was a greatday for her when after so many years of delay, she finallyhad a seat in Whitehall with her comrades when, at last,the Queen unveiled the ATS Memorial.After the war she worked both at the Shuttlecock factoryand at Pfizer, while her home became a shelter, first forher grandparents then her mother and father and her aunt,all of whom in their turn took refuge in her care at No.3Hillcrest Gardens.She was a great gardener and enthusiastic member of theHorticultural Society whose activities and travels sheshared with her many friends. She was also a member of

the Trefoil Guild, Sandwich, following her long involvement with the Guidingmovement earlier in her life. She was also involved with many other villageorganisations, including the WI and Monday Evening Club. At the shows, hercharming paintings were often among the exhibits, not to mention the prizecards that frequently bore her name.But what are we to say of that great and special devotion of her life, the manyyears for which she lovingly cared for the church. Almost daily she was to beseen making her way to the place where there was no corner, column, orcandlestick that she had not cleaned, polished or adorned with flowers. FlowerFestivals were her joy from the very first, and every year on Revd. FredCooper’s anniversary, her posy appeared on the grave of their founder.Disaster struck in 2003 when she lay all night in the church with a broken hip,but she amazed us by her recovery. While she relinquished much of her dutiesinto the equally caring hands of Jinny, she continued to the last her surveillanceof the sanctuary and the altar. The frontals, the linen and the candles had beenin her care for years without number, and right up to the Wednesday before herdeath she was there attending to them.That afternoon she made her way home never to return but to slip quietly andpeacefully away, leaving behind a record of long years of faithful dedicationand to all of us a grateful and imperishable memory.

Jack BonesCURIOSITY

A teacher was finishing a lesson on the joys of discovery and the importanceof curiosity."After all,” she declared, “Where would we be today," she asked, "if no onehad ever been curious?"One child quietly spoke up from the back of the room. "In the garden of Eden?"

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Lets all make a pudding,Lets all make a cake,Lets all make a pudding,The kind our grannies used to bakeLets all make some dripping,From around the Sunday roast,Then cut off a chunk of bread,And spread it on our toast.Lets all suck the cracklingLet it dribble on our chin,Lets eat homemade toffee(if we can get it out of the tin).

Lets all fry our sausages,And cover them with mustard,Then lets all make a crumble,And swamp it all in custard.Then when the doctor says,“You weigh more than you should”,Reply, “I’ll tell you what tho’ doctorIt didn’t ‘arf taste good”

Rose Beer

11Food for Thought

Very often after one of my little grumbles has appeared in the magazinesomeone in the village will say to me “I don’t know where you get your ideasfrom” or some comment will be made about how they themselves can relate toan article I have written. I usually reply by saying “Well, its just life and I canalways find something to have a moan about”. At the moment I have a bee inmy bonnet about food.What on earth has happened to good old-fashioned simple plain cooking?:stew and dumplings, meat puddings steamed for hours in a cloth (until conden-sation ran down every wall and window in the house), followed by a steamedpudding and a gallon of custard.Well, sadly we seem to be losing it all because doctors, dieticians and so-calledhealth food experts are telling us its all bad for us. We are told to eat less fat,less sugar, less salt - in fact less of everything. They want us all to be clones ofstick insects with no meat on our bones at all. At the same time our televisionsare swamped with cookery programs demonstrating meals, dishes and recipescontaining more calories in one sitting than any normal person would consumein a week -1lb butter in one recipe!Or to the extreme, spending an hour creating a small dollop of something thatsits in the centre of a huge white dish, surrounded by a drizzle of sauce, all thatcould be quite easily eaten in one mouthful! Now obviously, I’m no expert, butI can’t help wondering if it’s our style of living that is different and not foodthat is bad for us. Years ago many people lived locally and would either cycleor walk home to dinner at midday, then return in the afternoon, and no doubtworked the calories off . Nowadays, the majority of us tend to eat our mainmeal in the evening and then our only form of exercise is to slump on the sofaand watch TV. Also, and more to the point, we rarely ate between meals.Today, walk down any high street or precinct, and you will see children inbuggies eating sausage rolls and cakes, and adults with burgers and chips inone hand and a can of something in the other.I suppose the argument would be that years ago we died much younger anddidn’t have the advantages of modern medicines and surgery to by-pass ourclogged up arteries. Anyway with the risk of doctors screaming at me fromtheir swivelled chairs I’m going to say “Come on everyone lets put Eastry onthe map and have the only village with its annual Spotted Dick Day”.Well its food for thought.

Rose Beer

12

Bellringers outing to Big Ben

It was a conversation with a ringer from another parish that first gave me theidea that maybe we at Eastry could go to see Big Ben.Big Ben is the bell on which the hours are struck rather than the clock toweritself and last year Big Ben was 150 years old. An application was duly madeby our Tower Captain to our MP, and on 23rd November 2009 15 of ustravelled to London.We met at Portcullis House which accommodates 200 MP's offices and afterairport-style security checks we proceeded under the road to the base of theClock Tower. This tunnel is fitted out as though it were one of the corridors inthe Palace of Westminster. And so began our climb up the spiral staircase.After about a third of the way we entered the Prison Room last used as such in1880: here a Member of either House could be detained for misbehaviourduring a debate. We were pleased to sit for several minutes while we heardmore of the history of Big Ben and the Clock Tower. We were also givenearplugs for use when we reached the belfry.We eventually arrived behind one of the clock faces, each of which are 7metres in diameter. Behind each clock face are 28 low energy light bulbs whichare only switched off when the clock is silent during the changeover to BritishSummer Time. The lights are switched off so as not to confuse people onground level. We then climbed the last 50 steps to a very draughty belfrywhere we saw the bells and heard the chimes for 3 o'clock.Big Ben was cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry which is where Eastry'sthree new bells were cast. Big Ben weighs 13½ tons and the four quarter bellssound the Westminster chime. The chimes are set to the following lines: "Allthrough this hour, Lord be my Guide. And by thy power, no foot shall slide".The outside of the spire is covered with a thin layer of gold which gives abrilliant shining colour and is designed to protect the exterior for 70 years.During 1983-85 100,000 sheets of gold leaf were used for repairs, each sheetmeasuring 7.5 cm square.Our first stop on the descent was in the clock mechanism room. The clock iswound 3 times a week to make sure that the correct time is kept and oldpre-decimal pennies are still used on the pendulum to ensure that the clock isnever more than 1 second out in 24 hours. We were each given a lapel pin ofBig Ben and a certificate confirming that we had climbed the 334 steps to thebelfry. This gave us a huge sense of achievement, as the climb to the top ofEastry Tower is a mere 90 steps.At the end of the tour we were able to spend time in Westminster Hall and thento sit in the public gallery of the House of Commons. Time did not permit tovisit the House of Lords. Maybe next time!

Jinny Fagg.

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Always at YOUR ServiceTel: Shop 01304 611258,Post office 01304 621864

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Eastry is indeed very fortunate to have the network of Neighbourhood Watchvolunteers that it has. I have recently been told that the local towns could nothope to have the same degree of coverage that we have.Neighbourhood Watch, in the widest sense, has been abundantly evident inEastry in recent weeks. Following the theft of the telephone cable that servedmost of the village. Neighbourhood Watch members, along with PCSO,Annmarie Benson, and KCC Warden, Bob Priestley, spent considerable timechecking that the older and more vulnerable residents of our village were safeand well.Now we have the snow and ice as I write, and once again the young and ablebodied have been offering help to neighbours and friends, whether it isshopping or snow clearance and gritting. Determined people, intent on lookingafter our welfare, are still delivering the milk, post and newspapers. NWnewsletters are now being delivered to Wilmott Place –thank you to our newvolunteer.Last November, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar at the Kent PoliceHeadquarters at Maidstone for young people, parents, and Neighbourhoodwatch officers. It was a fascinating day with presentations on anti-socialbehaviour, drug and alcohol abuse, school bullying and Internet safety andadvice for the young and their carers.Eastry Neighbourhood Watch will next meet on Thursday 18th March at7pm in the Parish Council Room, Church Street-more details next month.Eastry won the Village of the Year Award for the South of England in 2005 for“Building Community Life”, so keep up the good work.

Sheila Smith

Neighbourhood Watch News

Internet Safety Advice for Young People• Be SMART using the InternetSAFE Be careful and do not not give out your name, address, photos, mobile

phone no., school name or password to people online. Use a nickname, set socialnetworking sites to private, and never post your own or your friends /familiesinformation without their permission.

MEETING Meeting up with someone you have contacted online can be dangerousas you never know if they are who they say they are. Only do so with your parents/ carer's permission, and when they can be present ; always meet in a public place.

ACCEPTING e-mails or opening files from people you don't really know or trustcan cause trouble - they may contain viruses or nasty messages. The best thing todo is ignore them or show them to an adult you trust.

RELIABLE - Some people online maybe lying about who they really are, and someinformation you find on the Internet may not always be reliable and true. TELL an adult you trust if someone or something you see online makes you feeluncomfortable or worried. You can report online abuse to the police atwww.thinkuknow.co.uk

DON'T DO anything online you wouldn't do in real-life! If you wouldn't behappy with your parents/ teacher / Police seeing it then don't post it online!Its never too late to tell someone if something or someone makes you feel

uncomfortable online - if it feels wrong it probably is!Make sure you know how to block someone online and how to report a problem.

For more advice on Cyberbullying, mobile phones, and online abuse, and how toreport someone, visit: www.thinkuknow.co.ukUse the Report Abuse button to report a problem and get help:

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TILMANSTONE VILLAGE MARKETSATURDAY 13TH AND 27TH FEB • 9.30 - 10.30AMIN TILMANSTONE VILLAGE HALL - ADMISSION 20P

LOTS OF STALLS, RAFFLE, REFRESHMENTS

ST. MARY'S P.C.C. GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW PRIZES ON 21st NOVEMBER 2009

1ST PRIZE A day with the Gillingham Football Club for 2 persons.It includes a tour of the stadium, A chance to meet the team, have lunchwith the directors and then watch the match & have post match drinksWinner : S. Smith2ND PRIZE 18 hole round of golf for 4 people at the world renowned RoyalCinque Ports Golf Club. Dress code is required.Winner: B. Taylor3RD PRIZE Dinner party served in your own home for 8 persons including3 courses with wine, Champagne & port by the head chef and waiter servicefrom the Charity Inn.Winner: I. Mollart4TH PRIZE.Another round of golf as above.Winner: E. File5TH PRIZE 18 hole round of golf or driving range (10 card) for 2 people atManston Golf Club.Winner: G. Speck

The Friends of Canterbury CathedralGIANT BRING AND BUY SALE

Labelled clothes, scarves, hats, belts and costume jewelleryGames, toys, books by subject, tombolas

Farm produce, cakes and cake baking demonstrationsUnwanted presents and bric a bracRefreshments and much more…..

Please bring donated items to the Chapter House on Friday 12th Februaryfrom 2.30pm to 5.30pm or on the day from 9.30am

For information call The Friends’ Off ice on 01227 865292

Normal Precincts charges applyRegistered charity number 256575

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RAY SEDGWICK GARDEN SERVICES GARDEN MAINTENANCE, GRASS & HEDGE CUTTING

FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS PHONE FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

MOBILE: 07807 156641EVENINGS: 01304 615298

EASTRY VILLAGE HALLBookings for Meetings, Dances,Wedding Receptions, CoffeeMornings, Boot Fairs etc. can bemade up to twelve months ahead.

BY CONTACTING:The Booking Clerk on 614054CURRENT RATES OF HIRE ARE:Minimum (2 hours) £ 24Additional Charge per HourDaytime £ 11Evening (after 6pm) £ 15All Day9.30am - 11.45 pm £200The hiring charge includes heating,lighting and full use of the kitchen.Higher rates of hire are charged tooutside & commercialorganisations

FITNESS CLASSESEASTRY VILLAGE HALL

MONDAYS9AM -10AM

———£5 PER SESSION

———

CONTACT DEBBIE:01304 38977307946 538196

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ACROSSCROSSWORD

DOWN

D and S EnergyNeed a Home Improvement Pack or an Energy Performance

Certificate for your home or flat, prior to sale or let? Perhaps youwould just like to find out how energy efficient your home is and

where possible savings can be made?We are a local Company providing an efficient, low cost and

friendly service.Telephone 01304 620674: mobile 07968 645699:

email dandsenergy@aol.com

This is the start of our new gardening year. So it is time to flex thoserested muscles and get that spade moving again, but what ever you do,“Don’t overdue it”. It’s better to dig your garden or allotment in smallstages. An hour of gentle, rhythmic exercise tones up the muscles, theheart beats a little faster and it brings a glow to your pasty cheeks andyou will then be ready for a well earned cup of tea.Sitting in doors over Christmas watching the snow fall, I again realisedhow incredibly important our gardens are for wildlife, especially birds– not least because private gardens occupy more land than that takenup by nature reserves. That means that what happens in our gardens,really matters to Wildlife.Putting food on a bird table or hanging bird feeder isn’t the only way ofproviding nourishment. By planting shrubs and bushes that fruit in theautumn, such as Pyracantha and Cotoneaster, you will be giving thebirds an important natural food source. Even the smallest of gardenshas room for birds and, once you have started to attract them you willalso have the enjoyment of watching them.QUESTIONS OF THE MONTHQ) I remember as a child how dock leaves were used for rubbing onnettle stings. Does this really help?A) There does seem to be some medical basis for it. Both Rumexobtusifolius (broad-leaved dock) and R.crispus (Yellow dock) are usedby herbalists to treat some skin complaints.Q) I would like to grow my own ‘Early Potatoes’ but I do not have avegetable garden or allotment. Can you help me please?A) Although I do have an allotment, I still grow all my ‘Early Potatoes’at home. I use various containers –large flower pots, old compost bags,large plastic boxes in fact anything that will hold compost. But whatever you choose, make sure there are adequate drainage holes.

multi-purpose compost, plant your potatoes(s) 1” (2.5cm) from thebottom and cover up. As the stalk begins to grow, keep filling thecontainer with compost until full. You can either add a general purposefertilizer to the compost or a liquid feed whilst watering.Rule of thumb, early potatoes should be ready for lifting 10 weeks afterplanting, but there’s no harm having a little look every-so-often. Whenthey are ready, lift, cook and enjoy.Please keep sending your questions to colin.coulson@tiscai.co.uk

Happy Gardening,Art E. Choke

“IN THE GARDEN”

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NSPCCC AND CHILDLINEThe Eastry NSPCC Committee would like to thank everyone for their kindcontributions to their Christmas collection and also Aidan Shanks who steppedin to help at the very last minute. A total sum of £408 was raised. Weapologise to the residents of Mill Lane, Whitewood Road and WheelwrightsWay for not calling in that area.After 31 years of carrying out a Father Christmas collection in the village wenow have only three members on our committee. It is becoming increasinglydifficult do this on our own – age is getting the better of us! It is an enjoyableday and something we would like to continue, particularly as when we startedin 1978, it was a goodwill gesture to the people of Eastry for their kindness andsupport to our Charity. The NSPCC and ChildLine are reliant upon publicdonations for the much needed funds to carry out their vital work. The moneywe raise helps the vulnerable children in Kent to receive help and support fromthese services.We shall review the situation for 2010 later in the year, but if anyone feels theycould help and give an hour or so of their time it would be very muchappreciated. The collection is normally held on the first Sunday in Decemberand takes about six hours to cover most of the village. If you are able to helpand, therefore, make it less tiring for everyone, please ring 01304 611678 andperhaps we can work out a rota for people to cover different time slots.A Date for your Diary: If anyone is interested in hearing about the work ofthe Society, the AGM for the Thanet and Dover District Branch will be held inEastry Church Hall on Tuesday 25th May 2010, at 2.30 pm. We will have aninteresting speaker from the South London Safer Communities Team andafternoon tea will be provided. All are welcome.

Judith BlandChairman

“Eastry - Photographic Memoriesof a Kentish Village”

After a successful launch in July 2009, copies of this book are still available.The contents have been collated from local people thus providing an invalua-ble source of material with treasured snapshots. This is a large format, 176page book containing 500 illustrations.Signed copies are available direct from the author:

DOUGLAS WELBY, 35 BOYSTOWN PLACE, EASTRY, CT13 0DSprice £15 (by post please add £4 p& p - UK only)

or unsigned from Bickers Newsagent.

Hospice Christmas Card saleThank you to everyone who supported the Pilgrims Hospice by buyingChristmas Cards. I am pleased to say that I have been able to pay £483 intothe hospice fund from the sales at the village groups.

Very many thanks fromRuby Atkins

21CROSSWORD

ACROSS 8 Interrogated (Acts 12:19) (5-8) 9 ‘Burn it in a wood fire on the —heap’ (Leviticus 4:12) (3)10 Tobit, Judith, Baruch and thebooks of Esdras and the Maccabeesare part of it (9)11 Science fiction (abbrev.) (3-2)13 Clay pit (anag.) (7)16 Went to (John 4:46) (7)19 ‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers, inview of God’s mercy, to — your bod-ies as living sacrifices’ (Romans 12:1)(5)22 David’s plea to God concerningthose referred to in 14 Down: ‘On —— let them escape’ (Psalm 56:7) (2,7)24 Royal Automobile Club (1,1,1) 25How the book of Ezekiel refers toGod more than 200 times (Ezekiel2:4) (9,4)DOWN1 Seas (Proverbs 8:24) (6)

2 One of the sons of Eli the priest,killed in battle by the Philistines (1Samuel 4:11) (6) 3 Specialist in the study of the Mus-lim religion (8) 4 ‘Do not rebuke an older man harsh-ly, but — him as if he were your fa-ther’ (1 Timothy 5:1) (6)

5 One of Esau’s grandsons (Genesis36:11) (4) 6 Taking a chance (colloq.) (2,4) 7 God’s instructions to the Israelitesconcerning grain offerings: ‘ — saltto — your offerings’ (Leviticus 2:13)(3,3)12 Confederation of British Industry(1,1,1)14 ‘All day long they twist my words;they are always — to harm me’(Psalm 56:5) (8)15 The crowd’s reaction to Jesusbringing back to life a widow’s son inNain (Luke 7:16) (3)16 Disappear (Psalm 104:35) (6)17 How Jeremiah was likely to die ifhe wasn’t rescued from the cisternwhere he was imprisoned (Jeremiah38:9) (6)18 What the prophets do to a wall,with whitewash (Ezekiel 13:10, RSV)(4,2)20 Made by a plough (Job 39:10) (6)21 Noah was relieved when the floodwaters continued to — (Genesis 8:5)(6)23 Jesus gave the Twelve the powerand authority to do this to diseases(Luke 9:1) (4)

Answers on Page 22

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KENT MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICEFor Books and Information

Eastry Village HallWednesdays

12.15-12.45pm

Humpty Dumpty Parent, Baby and Toddler Group

We meet every Thursday 10am - 12noon, during term-time at the VillageHall for fun, chat, art, singing and tea/coffee. Only £1.50 per family– abargain! All welcome!For more information contact:Helen Farrell (617835) or Ginny Harvey, (611183).Health Visitor, Steph Lam (867309), is available between 10.30 and11.30am for weighing, and any queries you may have.

EASTRY FARMERS’ MARKETScout Hut, Wilmott Place

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS • 9AM -11.30 AM Tea and Coffee available Come along and have a chat with friendsNew Contact: Ted 01304 853174 / 07850 518330Stalls are available by arrangement with Ted

Come along and support your local producers- benefit the Scout group.Many interesting stalls - Fruit and Veg, Homemade Cakes, Plants, FrenchCheeses and other delicacies, Pet Food, Arts and Craft, HandmadeDresses, Quilting and Patchwork No boot fair items

FRESH FISH FROM LOCAL FOLKESTONE BOAT

MONTHLY AT EASTRY FARMERS’ MARKET

NEXT DATE: 3RD FEB

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ETC FESTIVE SHOWMy journey along the M20 in driving rain and blustery wind was only wors-ened by the thick sea-fog creeping and crawling in from the channel, and attimes hiding the road into Dover. However, nothing was going to stop me fromreaching my destination of Eastry, my former home, to review the Christmasshow.The Christmases of past-times came flooding back with memories of JohnGabriel, Janette Green, Valerie Collins, Cath Marchbanks, Steve Castle andGlen Bateson and the Primary School Christingle Services in the Church. Iremember praying fervently that no one's hair would catch alight! I alsoremember decorating my classroom which is now a part of Westhouse and Irecall that each year when we were living in Mill House the NSPCC floatwould come round to sing carols and have mince-pies and sherry as thecommittee members visited different parts of the village.No, nothing was going to stop me. The show made the first tingling feelings ofChristmas for me and no doubt everyone who went to see the show which waslike delving into a Christmas hamper full of star-sprinkled festive fun.It wasgreat to see Jenny Stone (I taught her lovely daughters) and Ray Hickton again.Ollie Scott was, as the running joke, a larger than life manic green elf, who putthe meaning of "crackers " into Christmas. He caused the audience, well me atleast, to cry with laughter during Away in a Manger. (I felt rather guilty aboutthis- but it was funny), and the same tall verdant Santa's Little Helper testedAiden Shanks' Christmas spirit when joining him trying to play thepiano.There was a splendid selection box of traditional carols (with mince piesand spiced drinks during the interval) and a pick-and -mix variety of poemsand monologues performed beautifully by the company.John Waring, who played Father Christmas throughout the show, gavechocolates to the audience, thank you, and was found kissing mummy underthe mistletoe...is that where we've seen him before?The Director, MichelleQuin Quennel-Lunn, did a brilliant job of sprinkling magical fairy-dust overeach performance with the bubbles floating across the stage for “Walking inthe Air” ; the performance of a naughty school-boy getting nothing for Christ-mas and an ear-splitting version of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”. How didDavid Palmer put up with Sally Castle's voice during all thoserehearsals?.There was a snow -machine manned by Stan Smith for "Let ItSnow " brilliant! He, with Graham and Jack Castle, made the lighting effectsvery atmospheric. Then came “We Three Kings...or The Blues Brothers meetThe Magi”, a trio of oriental spices... or Eastry spivs? It was a brilliant versionof my favourite carol and they carried it off really well.The show sparkled with young and very-young talent; Emily Horner, LucyHorne,Georgia Summers and Amiee Scott, who were adorable, and also weenjoyed the performances of Gemma Hill, Josie Hill, and Ali Gill, who notonly performed themselves, but also supported the other acts resulting in thewhole evening being strictly unmissable...The Christmas Factor it was indeed, ho ho ho! As I travelled back that nightfeeling warm and Christmassy. I'm sure I heard angelic voices singing...or wasit just the memories of another ETC crack.

Anne Marie McEvoy

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WELCOME PACKS AVAILABLEIf you know of anyone who has just moved into Eastry near you, pleasecontact Rosemary Barwick (611420) and arrangements will be made todeliver welcome packs to the newcomers.

Eastry C of E Primary School DATESFEBRUARY

MON 1ST SWIMMING YRS 3 AND 4MON 8TH SWIMMING YRS 3 AND 4THURS 11TH FOUNDERS DAY SERVICE 2.30PM, (CHILDREN TO BE COLLECTED FROM THE CHURCH)FRI 12TH END OF TERM 3MON 22ND START OF TERM 4

Eastry Horticultural SocietyBOOT FAIR SUNDAY 7TH FEBRUARY

EASTRY VILLAGE HALL * 8.30AM –12NOONSet-up time 7.30am

Admission £1 from 8.30-9am ; 50p from 9am-12noonBOOKING CONTACT: Dot or Colin Coulson (611849)

TABLE £10 (includes use of table)It will give you the opportunity to sell off all those

unwanted books, toys and bric-a-brac.Hot drinks and Bacon Butties available.

THURSDAY 11th FEBRUARYEASTRY CEP SCHOOL 7pm – 10.30PM

Come and enjoy some pamper treatments and prep yourself in timefor Valentines’ Day. Treatments include Reflexology, massage,hand & nail treatments, osteopathy, Angel card readings and manymore…

Admission Tickets available from the school for £3 each& include a free raffle ticket!

Toni BurtonPTA Chair

NEXT PCSO SURGERIES PARISH COUNCIL ROOMS, CHURCH STREET

SATURDAY FEB 6TH • 11AM -1PMAnnmarie Benson will be pleased to discuss any issues you may have aboutpolicing in the village.

contact Annmarie on 01304 218000

NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS MONDAY 1ST FEB, 1ST MARCH • 7.30PM

PARISH COUNCIL ROOM, CHURCH STREET, EASTRYMembers of the Public may attend and speak at the beginning of ameeting if requested to by the chairman.

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Please See page 3 for details of other meetings

Eastry Twinning AssociationWebsite:www.eastrytwinning.co.uk

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING7.00 PM, THURSDAY, 25TH FEBRUARY, 2010

Members and prospective members are invited to attend the above in theFunction Room at The Five Bells. We will be visiting our twinned village ofLongpré-les-Corps-Saints in May this year, so members will have the firstopportunity at the AGM to sign-up for this thirtieth anniversary event.PLEASE NOTE THAT ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE PAYABLE AT THE AGM.

BEAVERS (5¾-8yr)Monday 6- 7.15pmLeader Emma Banks (07989 992329)

CUBS (8-10½yr)Tuesday 6.30 - 8pmLeader Gareth James

SCOUTS (10½ -14yr)Friday 7- 9pmLeader Graham Baker (611487)

EXPLORERS (14yr+)Children 14yr+ attend Explorers whomeet in Sandwich and Ash

Acting Group Scout Leader: Graham Baker (611487)

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT Marion Wanstall (617854)Or the group leaders

New members are welcome especially Scouts