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Ben Mills:Whitstable’s home grown celebrity
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An Independent Media Publication
whitstableimpTHE
ISSUE 2 JANUARY 2009
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Gas Fires Gas Cookers Servicing
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! And welcome to the January issue of The Whitstable IMP...
We have had very positive feedback from those who have seen the magazine, and we’re really enjoying
the process of putting it together for you. This issue is all about energy - saving it, in
terms of consumption and carbon footprint - and recharging it, in terms of your life! If you’re feeling a bit jaded after the seasonal festivities, or that you’ve overindulged and you need to make some changes for the New Year, why not try our Aromatherapy or Yoga tips?
I definitely overindulged - so I’ll be starting my own fitness regime this month by going back to weekly Irish Dancing lessons - I’m a beginner, but it’s just so much fun that you don’t even realise that you’re working out, and for me that is very important! If you fancy giving it a go, or want to know about anything else that’s going on in Whitstable, have a look in our ‘What’s on’ listings.
I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine. Sadly, for many of you, this may be the first copy of the IMP that you have seen. We can only apologise and explain why so many of you may not have seen the December issue at all.
Unfortunately, the distributor we employed to deliver our launch issue let us all down badly, and many homes were missed. We have tried to make up for this by hand-delivering some of the magazines ourselves, and with the help of some really kind friends; leaving magazines in local libraries, shops, cafes - even giving them to schools to send home in the children’s book bags, but even with all this, some people will still not have received a December issue.
And now for the good news! We have
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employed a new distributor for January, a reputable company with over 20 years in the business, and hopefully from 28th December for a 2-week period the January issue will have been delivered successfully into every Whitstable home. If you hear of anyone who has not received their copy, please be sure to let us know so we can make sure they get one. Our contact details are below.
And the fact that so many of you did not see the mag means that we STILL have 10 PHILIPS MP3 players to give away to the first 10 people to send us in their feedback on the magazine! Send yours to the usual address to be entered into the draw (see below).
And finally a huge vote of thanks to our wonderful contributors, for making this such a feature-packed issue. They are all working extremely hard to bring this magazine to you and to help the Whitstable community in these ‘interesting’ times.
If there is anything you think we should be covering, or anything you like or dislike, please let us know - email: [email protected] or write to: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable CT5 9AH. We have 10 MP3 players to give away to 10 lucky readers who give us their feedback - all you need to do is write in to be entered into the draw!
Thanks for reading, and best wishes for 2009 from The IMP Team!
If you are interested in advertising in The IMP please call Mel on 0800 44 88 309
All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without prior written consent from the Publisher. Opinions expressed in the editorial are not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher. IMP does not accept responsibility for the advertising contents, or endorse or recommend any of the companies
or products featured; nor shall IMP be liable for any damage caused to or losses suffered by any person who relies on the information published in this magazine. (copyright ©) Independent Media Publications.
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EDITOR
Christina Birkett Christina started working in Media twelve years ago, and enjoyed a happy and varied career, leaving work to look after her children about 18 months ago. With three daughters under the age of five, work needs to be flexible these days, and Christina is delighted to have found the right balance between work and family
- and to be covering a subject she loves – Whitstable! To Contact Christina about any aspect of the editorial, email [email protected] or write to PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH.
CONTRIBUTORS
Liz CrudgingtonLiz has spent the last eight years writing about Whitstable for one of the town’s newspapers and is excited to be involved with The Whitstable IMP. She’ll be working on news and features, in between looking after her daughter Natasha, and is looking forward to making sure the whole town knows what’s going on.
Andy CaponAndy has lived in Whitstable for several years, and is drummer and founder member of popular local band The Trouser Trumpets. He has written two as yet unpublished books, Gone But Not Forgotten and Does Humour Belong In Music?, as well as writing features for Viz and Empire magazine. He is also the author of The Trouser
Press, a ‘puerile and meaningless magazine about our band.’ Currently unemployed ‘through illness rather than choice,’ he names his interests as music, writing, and Arsenal - and is obsessed with Marmalade.
Stephanie ShantiStephanie Shanti has been practising yoga for 12 years and teaching since 2000. She trained at the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Montreal, Canada, and has taught classes to a wide variety of clients including children, families, patients in rehabilitation, the elderly, and those with special needs. She has studied many forms of
yoga, including Sivananda, Integral, Iyengar and Astanga, and is qualified in Thai Yoga and Swedish and Indian Head massage. She now lives in Italy with her partner and two sons on their yoga retreat - www.shanticentre.com.
Dominic BriceMarried with 3 boys, Dominic has lived in Whitstable most of his life. He started out working for a landscape company 17 years ago and after 5 years decided to start his own company, Tranquil Earth Natural Garden Design, which specialises in creating traditional and contemporary gardens, built with respect for the
environment and to encourage wildlife. Outside of work he is learning to sail and hopes one day to have his own sailing boat. Visit his website at www.tranquil-earth.co.uk for garden ideas.
Malissa TaylorSouth African-born Malissa is passionate about three things; Mamahood, Music and Mother Earth. She spends most of her time consumed by these and feels that her responsibility is to ensure that each is celebrated by
everything that she does. For the sake of her children, she recently moved to Whitstable from London where she hopes to submerge herself in the community, something which she believes is essential for her wellbeing and that of her family. She lives by the African adage, ‘Ubuntu’ which, roughly translated, means ‘I am because we are, and since we are, I am!’.
SALESMel Birkett FREEPHONE 0800 44 88 309
DESIGN Adam Boreham www.reactionvm.co.uk
PRINTINGHeadley Brothers www.headley.co.uk
PUBLISHERS IMP (Independent Media Publications)PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH
THE IMP TEAM
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LIFESTYLEEnergy is our theme for this month. Reduce your carbon footprint and the energy you consume
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
ENERGISE YOURSELFBreathe some new life into your January with our Aromatherapy and Yoga Features:
ENTERTAINMENTWhitstable’s Home-Grown Talent what is Ben Mills doing now?
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40
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36
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Rubbish, Rubbish, Rubbish!
Aromatherapy
X marks the spot
Open Mic Night at The Smack
Adult Learning
Find out ‘What’s on?’ Horoscopes
Letter Box
1716 26Transition TownFind out how you can help raise money for the RNLI
The latest on the Harbour with Whitstable Harbour Watch
Cook up a storm with a Healthy and Hearty Winter Veg Stir-fry
Energy-efficient lighting from Premier Electrics
Yoga Page
Buy Local & Organic
Get out into the garden!
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Aromatherapy is not one of these new-fangled therapies; it has been around for centuries. In the last
20 years it has made a big comeback as we are more aware of the products and chemicals applied to our bodies, and more and more people look for natural alternatives. Essential oils come from the most natural source – plants. These oils are all made up of natural chemicals, containing different qualities which can affect separate areas of the body.
Aromatherapy can help us in many ways. Simply add one or two drops of essential oils to your shower gel in the morning to give you a much-needed boost on these dark January mornings.
Another way to get these marvellous oils into your body is in moisturising cream. You can add essential oils to vitamin E cream or Aqueous cream - it’s cheap too (always nice to hear in January when the pennies are scarce!). Simply add a few drops of your preferred oil, apply, and it will be absorbed into the bloodstream, moving around your body and stopping at the places where it’s needed.
After a long day at work, (or an even longer day with the kids!) set the mood by heating some oils in an oil-burner. Make sure you have enough water in the dish so it doesn’t burn dry or the only aroma you will get is the horrible smell of burning!
Here are a few energy-boosting oils to try for this time of year:
Rosemary is an energising oil which is good for stimulating the brain, and a tonic for the liver.
Grapefruit is an excellent detoxing oil and very uplifting; think of the fresh zingy taste of grapefruit
and imagine it soaking into your body, and the repairing it will do.
Lavender is great and will relax the kids without them even knowing... My daughter gets out of her bath saying
it’s my fault she is so sleepy. It’s always easier to feel energetic when you’ve had a relaxing evening and a decent sleep the night before!
Whether you’re feeling poisoned by the effects of overindulgence during the festive season, or just fi nding it all a bit of a struggle at the moment, aromatherapy could help to give you the energy boost you need. Debra Maybourne is an MICHT VTCT qualifi ed aromatherapist here in Whitstable, and shares a few tips to help make January a bit easier for all of us...
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Grapefruitdetoxing oil and very uplifting; think of the fresh zingy taste of grapefruit
and imagine it soaking into your body,
Lavenderrelax the kids without them even knowing... My daughter gets out of her bath saying
it’s my fault she is so sleepy. It’s always
Rosemaryoil which is good for stimulating the brain, and a tonic for the liver.
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AROMATHERAPY CAN HELP US IN MANY WAYS. SIMPLY ADD ONE OR TWO DROPS OF ESSENTIAL OILS TO YOUR SHOWER GEL IN THE MORNING TO GIVE YOU A MUCH-NEEDED BOOST ON THESE DARK JANUARY MORNINGS
Orange is fabulous as a stress-buster, and great to mix with lavender. It’s also a very good choice for the oil-burner
if there are colds in the house, as it has anti-viral properties.
If you do try some of these top tips, please check fi rst that they are suitable for you (especially if you are pregnant, have sensitive skin or any other medical condition) and remember that you only need to use 1 or 2 drops of oil as it goes a long way - less is more with essential oils. Be very careful if using oils in the bath as it can become very slippery.
For further information, email me at [email protected] or call 07872 622 023. Happy new year to you all!
Article by Debra Maybourne
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Orange stress-buster, and great to mix with lavender. It’s also a very good choice for the oil-burner
if there are colds in the house, as it has
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FACT Mortgages/Remortgages arestill readily available
FACT Interest rates are available frombelow 4.00%(terms and conditions apply)
FACT Up to 95% still available forFirst Time Buyers
FACT Debt Consolidation still available
FACT Self Employed schemes still available
FACT Past credit problem help still available
Struggling with Loan and Credit Card Payments!!Following enquiries from existing mortgage clients,Meridian are now offering a fantastic new service.If you are getting behind with your debts there is away out. We Could:• Deal with all of your creditors on your behalf• Reduce your monthly outgoings• Reduce or freeze interest charges• Stop demands from your creditors• Write off a proportion of your debt• Help you regain control of your finances
This is a totally confidential service to help anyonewho may be struggling, whether you own a propertyor not, please talk to us: 01227 772587
Beat the Mortgage Credit Crunch Don’t believe all you hear and read!!
MORTGAGE NEWS
Talk to Meridian for an independent, unbiased, up to date quotationTel: 01227 266644 Email [email protected] overall cost for comparison is 7.1% APR, the actual rate will depend upon your personal circumstances.Ask for a personalised illustration. APR variable and based on a usual case.The above are subject to terms and conditions and correct at time of going to print. A fee may be payable depending on your circumstances, anindication is 1% (minimum £0 max £500) Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.Your home may be repossessed if you donot keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Offices at 105 Tankerton Road Whitstable Kent CT5 2AJAuthorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority No 300486Meridian Corporate are an appointed representative of Guardian Debt Management CCL 612496 Registered Company Number 6413628.Please note that Debt Management Services are not regulated by the FSA.
The IndependentMortgage Specialists
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FACT Mortgages/Remortgages arestill readily available
FACT Interest rates are available frombelow 4.00%(terms and conditions apply)
FACT Up to 95% still available forFirst Time Buyers
FACT Debt Consolidation still available
FACT Self Employed schemes still available
FACT Past credit problem help still available
Struggling with Loan and Credit Card Payments!!Following enquiries from existing mortgage clients,Meridian are now offering a fantastic new service.If you are getting behind with your debts there is away out. We Could:• Deal with all of your creditors on your behalf• Reduce your monthly outgoings• Reduce or freeze interest charges• Stop demands from your creditors• Write off a proportion of your debt• Help you regain control of your finances
This is a totally confidential service to help anyonewho may be struggling, whether you own a propertyor not, please talk to us: 01227 772587
Beat the Mortgage Credit Crunch Don’t believe all you hear and read!!
MORTGAGE NEWS
Talk to Meridian for an independent, unbiased, up to date quotationTel: 01227 266644 Email [email protected] overall cost for comparison is 7.1% APR, the actual rate will depend upon your personal circumstances.Ask for a personalised illustration. APR variable and based on a usual case.The above are subject to terms and conditions and correct at time of going to print. A fee may be payable depending on your circumstances, anindication is 1% (minimum £0 max £500) Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.Your home may be repossessed if you donot keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Offices at 105 Tankerton Road Whitstable Kent CT5 2AJAuthorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority No 300486Meridian Corporate are an appointed representative of Guardian Debt Management CCL 612496 Registered Company Number 6413628.Please note that Debt Management Services are not regulated by the FSA.
The IndependentMortgage Specialists
The IMP January 09.indd 9 19/12/08 12:37:48
Dedicated, visible and accessible - that’s the vision behind neighbourhood policing.
It’s a scheme designed to make sure everyone has access to a named offi cer and can report anti-social behaviour and other issues affecting their quality of life directly.
Another key aspect is that the community can be kept involved about what action is being taken to solve particular problems, and can help to direct police resources.
But do you know who is working in your neighbourhood - or what they are working on?
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you. Details of police surgeries and meetings can be found at www.kent.police.uk and the Inspector for Whitstable is Gordon Etheridge, with Sergeant Dave Brenchley. Both can be contacted on 01227 868028.
CHESTFIELDNeighbourhood offi cer: PC Steve Pope 01227 868028
PCSO: Mark Harriott 07772 226106
The priorities for the area are set by the Parish Council, with input from local residents, community groups and businesses. Offi cers are tackling anti-social behaviour, speeding along Chestfi eld Road, dog mess in the play park and irresponsible cycling.
GORRELLPCSO: Abi Symons 01227 868028
Residents in Gorrell ward in the town centre have asked their neighbourhood teams to focus on the Grimshill estate and problems of anti-social behaviour. Flytipping and litter at St Andrews Close is also one of the priorities.
HARBOURNeighbourhood offi cer: PC Andy Camp 07980 683530
PCSO: Aaron Pedwell 07772 226035
The town centre PACT panel have identifi ed anti-social behaviour on West Beach and the High
Street and Harbour Street as two of their priorities. Speeding motorists in the 20mph zone are another issue the neighbourhood team is tackling.
SEASALTER AND YORKLETTSPCSO: Aarron Newell 01227 868028
Litter and fl ytipping in Lucerne Drive tops the list of priorities for the community in Seasalter and Yorkletts. Speeding in Faversham Road and anti-social behaviour on the Beaconsfi eld Play Park have also been identifi ed as problems.
SWALECLIFFENeighbourhood offi cer: PC Steve Pope 01227 868028
PCSO: Graeme Downes 01227 868028
Families in Swalecliffe have identifi ed anti-social behaviour, damage and graffi ti to the beach huts and skate park, and parking and speeding in Swalecliffe Court Drive as their priorities.
TANKERTONNeighbourhood offi cer: PC Steve Pope 01227 868028
PCSO: Graeme Downes 01227 868028
Tankerton has a PACT panel - Partners and Communities Together - made up of residents, businesses and community representatives. Among the priorities for the area are damage and graffi ti to the beach huts, anti-social behaviour within the castle grounds and on Tankerton Slopes, speeding on Marine Parade, and dog mess on the slopes and beach.
By Liz Crudgington
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Dedicated, visible and accessible - that’s the vision behind neighbourhood policing.
It’s a scheme designed to make sure
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING
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NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING
www.hernebaymobility.co.uk
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Panto Photos: Creative Venom
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As an X Factor fi nalist, Ben Mills has
played in some of the country’s biggest
venues. But it’s one of the smallest, right
here in Whitstable, that will always hold a special
place in his heart.
The Neptune pub is where many people still
picture him, before he came third in the television
talent show two years ago. And despite the
success he’s achieved since then, with his debut
album entering the charts at number three and
a string of sell-out gigs, it’s The Neptune where
he believes he played some of his best music,
alongside his band Benzego.
“They were great days,” he said. “I had the
best gig of my life at The Neptune and I still
haven’t managed to top it.” He came close with
a come-back concert at the Duke of Cumberland
in December which netted more than £1,000
for Demelza House, a charity
close to his heart. “It was
really good to be playing
back in Whitstable,” he said.
“Sometimes I would have three
gigs in town in one night, but
I haven’t played there properly
since X Factor. I was sitting
exactly where I used to sit,
playing the same songs we used
He’s achieved his dream of touring the country with his music, but Whitstable’s own rocker Ben Mills tells Liz Crudgington why there’s no place like home.
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X marks the spot
to play, although we did some of the new stuff
from the album which went down really well. “I
would like to have held it at the Neptune but we
could only have got about 50 people in there and
we wanted to raise as much money as possible. I
did come last in a quiz there last week though!”
Ben’s support of the charity grew after a visit
to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital soon
after his fi rst album was released. He said: “It
saved me, in a way. I hadn’t wanted to release
my album at the same time as Ray Quinn (who
came second in X Factor that year) and have all
that battle. It was all about being number one
and I was upset to be number three. I was mad
about it all until I went there and saw just how
bad it can be for some people. Then I was really
cross with myself for being upset.”
He decided to support Demelza House
because it was close to home and didn’t
enjoy the same profi le as the London hospital,
and said he was always touched by people’s
support. “To get £1,000 out of the people of
Whitstable in a credit crunch was amazing,” he
said. “I’m going down next week
to give them the cheque and that
always reminds me why they need
all the support they can get - they
do a fantastic job there.”
Some aspects of his life are
more ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ than others -
he is passionate about cars and
drives a new Jaguar, and has
an army of dedicated fans who
congregate at the unoffi cial site
in December which netted more than £1,000 said. “I’m going down next week
to give them the cheque and that
always reminds me why they need
all the support they can get - they
do a fantastic job there.”
Some aspects of his life are
more ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ than others -
he is passionate about cars and
drives a new Jaguar, and has
an army of dedicated fans who
congregate at the unoffi cial site
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they set up, www.benmillsonline.co.uk, as well
as his offi cial MySpace site. But in other ways
he has the same worries as everyone else, and
the credit crunch is top of those. “It’s amazing to
read about everything that’s going on fi nancially
now,” he said. “And when I open a letter from
the bank which tells me the interest rate has
gone down again and so has my mortgage I give
a little cheer, like everyone else.”
Financial pressures may ease this year as he
hopes to release his long-awaited second album,
this time featuring all original tracks, including
one co-written with Take That’s Mark Owen. “It
is defi nitely in the rock genre,” he said. “I would
like to do a tour and release something. I wasn’t
so happy with the last album because there were
some songs I didn’t want on there but I had no
choice. This time I’m doing it my way and I’m
looking forward to doing what I want to do.”
Ben’s decision to do what he wants also
led him to accept the title role in Aladdin, which
didn’t prove universally popular. Some of his
die-hard fans fear the panto, which opens this
month, could destroy the credibility he has
worked so hard to build up post-X Factor. But
it’s not something that worries Ben himself. “It
is just one of those life experiences, and I get
to dress up!” he said. “I just think it’s fun, and
it’s Christmas. I’m really nervous about it, more
than I was about X Factor. I’m the one with the
least experience yet I have the biggest part and I
really don’t know what I’m doing. It is completely
new to me. But for the last two years I’ve been
touring and travelling all over the place so
knowing that in January I am going to be in one
place so close to home is very nice.”
The role has already brought him some new
experiences, like turning on Christmas lights
alongside another famous Kent face, Sir Bob
Geldof. “It was defi nitely weird doing the lights
switch on, standing on top of a bus, dressed
as Aladdin, next to someone as credible as Sir
Bob,” he said.
So if he could rub the lamp and make a wish,
what would it be? “I would like in the future to be
able to lose the X Factor stamp behind,” he said.
“The whole experience was quite hard for me
and now I would like to be known as an artist in
my own right.”
Ben is appearing as Aladdin at The Winter
Gardens in Margate from January 16 - 25. For
ticket details call the box offi ce on 01843 296111.
By Liz Crudgington
Photos: Glen Nashbenmillsonline.co.uk
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Demand for lifeboat services remains
high in Kent, despite the recent poor
summer weather.
Over the first half of 2008, launches to
powered pleasure craft – jet skis, diving boats,
small open power boats and large open power
boats measuring over five metres – has seen
the biggest increase, with 55 launches in ‘08,
compared with 39 in 2007. Overall launches to
vessels with machinery failure (42 out of 165 in
‘08) continues to account for roughly one third of
the launches.
Of the eight stations in Kent, three –
Ramsgate, Sheerness and Dover – have shown
increases and continue to be the busiest
respectively across the county. Ramsgate’s
launches are up by nearly 50 per cent from 29
for the first six months in ‘07 to 43 for the same
period in ‘08, Sheerness has increased by 17 per
cent – from 35 to 41, and Dover’s are up by 15
per cent from 19 in ‘07 to 22 in ‘08.
RNLI East Divisional Inspector Andrew Ashton
says: ‘Many of the launches were to boats with
equipment failure, which demonstrates the need
for owners to perform regular maintenance. The
high level of rescues seems to show a growing
national trend where more and more people are
using the sea for leisure purposes.
‘As we are totally dependent on donations to
help us continue providing a lifesaving service to
all, we are holding a national day of fundraising
– SOS day – on Friday 30 January 2009. There
will be a series of activities to raise funds, both at
stations and in towns across the region.
‘This will support our crews who trade
comfort and sleep to go the aid of others in
distress. I am asking everyone to get involved
and help us make this our biggest day ever.
While fundraisers around the UK and Ireland
are encouraged to use the SOS acronym to
generate creative fundraising ideas, this year, our
over-arching theme is ‘Sound Or Silence’. We’re
particularly encouraging people to come up with
fun and exciting ways that they can fundraise for
the RNLI along this theme – perhaps they would
like to take part in a sponsored silence, to host
a disco for friends and family or maybe a sea-
shanty sing-a-long!’
The RNLI is an integral part of any coastal town and Whitstable is no exception -
here’s what’s been happening along our coastline...
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IT’S an international project that has attracted the attention of David Milliband and the Government. And a year ago, Whitstable became the first Transition Town in Kent.
But if the idea conjures up images of
Geography teachers in tweed suits
lecturing on climate change, think
again. Although preparing for a future with less
dependency on oil is a key part of the Transition
Town movement, at its heart is a desire to have
fun and involve people in making a real difference
in their communities.
Groups, which are spreading rapidly around
the world, concentrate on finding ways locally to
get results in reducing their carbon footprint by
setting up projects and working together with
existing groups. Locally this involves everything
from a clothes swap to a masterclass with food
forager Fergus Drennan.
TRANSITION TOWN w
Clare Jackson, from the Transition Town
Whitstable steering group, said: “The events
we have are organised with a lot of hard work
by volunteers but the end result is always great
fun. The wardrobe event was fantastic - about
20 women took clothes along and they were
put up on rails according to size. Everyone
went home with a new wardrobe and all for
free! And the master class really was food for
free, and for those concerned about reducing
their carbon footprint, locally foraged ingredients
have clocked up barely any food miles and come
without any packaging.”
TTW will celebrate its first birthday this month
and the event is providing an opportunity for
the volunteers to see just how far they have
come. “When we started in Whitstable we had
to explain to people what peak oil and climate
change was,” said Clare. “We don’t have to any
more because people are already aware of them.
This is the solution. It is about having fun without
spending lots of money.”
And the credit crunch means even more
people are keen to get involved. “I think it has
helped us to understand that we are depending
more than we think on a lot of things that are not
sustainable, like oil and consuming things,” said
Clare. “Maybe this is the time to have this eye-
opener and create a more sustainable future.”
Among their own plans for the future are an
unwanted Christmas present exchange, book
swap and exchanges of toys, music and baby
clothes as well as more seasonal masterclasses
focussing on locally-sourced food.
The steering group hopes to set up more
projects and always welcomes anyone interested
in finding out more or getting involved.
For more information visit transitiontowns.org/
whitstable/whitstable or email whit.jack@yahoo.
co.uk. There will also be information boards
on TTW at the Make Do and Mend exhibition
at Whitstable Museum, which continues until
February 21. By Liz Crudgington
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Never has it been more important to
deal with our so-called rubbish in a
responsible way. We are the custodians
of our world until we hand it over to our children
who, in turn, will take on the same momentous
task. Malissa Taylor believes that the most
obvious and achievable way of dealing with our
rubbish is in a planned, conscientious way. She
explores four principles to help us make a start
in handling our waste problem...
REDUCE On my way home from a weekly shop recently,
I was amazed to see a whole council recycling
sack fi lled with packaging material. Much of
it was completely unnecessary. The next time
you shop for vegetables or fruit at your local
food outlet, why not try buying them loose
and taking your own bags? The attractive
packaging is not essential and can just be a
way for the shops to increase the price of the
food gratuitously.
Keep the plastic bags that you get for
you shopping and use them again, thereby
reducing the need for new ones. Better still, get
non-plastic carriers that you can reuse, thus
reducing the need for plastic bags completely.
Do you have a favourite place where you enjoy
a coffee each day? Why not take your own cup?
RE-USEThere are many ways in which you can reuse
things, rather than throwing them into our
overloaded landfi lls. There is a delightful little
shop on the High Street called, ‘Herbaceous’
which sells a well-known, environmentally-
friendly range of reasonably-priced products.
“What is the catch?” you may ask. You need to
take your own container. If you don’t have one,
you could still buy the product and reuse the
container the next time.
For those of us who have been blessed by
children, one of the most controversial issues
is that of nappy disposal. Very large parts
of our landfi lls are made up of ‘disposable’
nappies. They may be easy to throw away but
they are hardly disposable, as they take ages
to biodegrade. Though it does take careful
planning, why not try using real nappies?
They are much easier on the environment,
as they are not simply shifted into landfi ll. For
those of you who may be too busy to wash
and dry dirty nappies, there are even some
companies that will collect dirty nappies weekly.
An incredible source of information is the Real
Nappy Help Line - 0845 850 0606 or visit the
Nappy Finder at www.realnappycampaign.
com/nappyfi nder
REPAIRWhen I was a girl, I remember my grandmother
darning socks and hemming trousers. As a
young, busy mother, it has never occurred to
me to sit in front of the television while I darn my
son’s school socks. For the most part, I simply
throw them away and buy another pair. Why?
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RUBBISH, RUBBISH, RUBBISH! We live in a throwaway world. We keep very little for very long. Our planet is slowly becoming over-laden with unwanted things. It has been estimated that in excess of 26 million tonnes of rubbish is disposed of every year in the United Kingdom alone.
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Well, it is time-consuming, and socks are really
cheap. However, this excuse will not wash in light
of the greater picture, which is that our planet
is becoming increasingly unable to sustain our
waste. Instead of throwing away something as
soon as it gets a little hole, why not head down to
the local haberdashery and buy some patches?
I remember being so proud of the patches my
grandmother put on my very worn jeans. While
this may bring about a few pricked fi ngers, it
surely does help in reducing waste!
RECYCLE When I had my fi rst baby boy, I spent so much
money on toys that he looked at once and never
looked at again. His favourite thing now, however,
is to rummage through the recycling sack to fi nd
stuff “to build rocket ships with, Mama!” This
does drive me mad from time to time, but nothing
makes him prouder than when he produces his
wonky rocket ship which, he is convinced, will
launch tomorrow morning at half past eight. Of
course, it is terrifi c to receive colourful, exciting
new toys, but to make something himself
stimulates his imagination, is vastly cheaper and,
most importantly, is a start to saving our planet.
At the risk of harking on too much about
my past, I remember a delightful character
called Zibi the Ostrich, whose sole task it was
to educate all South African children about
rubbish and disposing of it. I so wish that
we had such a character here in the United
Kingdom who would educate our children
about these four principles that could help
keep our planet safe. We may not have Zibi
here in the United Kingdom, but perhaps we
each could take on Zibi’s role.
HERE ARE A FEW PLACES WHERE YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE: For help and advice on all aspects of
recycling at home, at school and in the
workplace, including recycling electrical items,
go to www.recycle-more.co.uk
WHITSTABLE COUNCIL SERVICESRecycling collections 0800 031 9091
Recycling information 01227 862 247
Recycling banks 0800 031 9091
Recycling sacks 0800 031 9091
Refuse collection (domestic) 0800 031 9091
REAL NAPPY HELP LINEReal Nappy Help Line - 0845 850 0606
Nappy Finder at www.realnappycampaign.
com/nappyfi nder
If you have any more recycling tips or
suggestions, please write in to The IMP and let
us know - either at [email protected]
or at PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH.
Article by Malissa TaylorCO
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RUBBISH, RUBBISH, RUBBISH!
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M&S Canterbury
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Perhaps you already walk rather than take the car, or you’ve reduced your thermostat by I degree to save 10% on your heating - but short of installing your own solar system, what other steps can you take to save cash without causing too much pain?
Lighting typically accounts for 20% of
household electricity consumption -
Premier Electrics take us through some of
the options for making savings here...
If a saving could be made here it would make a
real difference. However, we have all experienced
the shortcomings of energy-saving bulbs – they
were the size of jam jars, took ages to ‘heat up’
and, even when they had, they flickered a dim
honey-coloured light around the room. Buzzing
How can you reduce your energy consumption?
was an optional extra! It was only the die-hards
who were willing to save the planet while going
blind in the process!
Another innovation which came in at around the
same time was the halogen down-lighter. These
typically replaced the traditional fluorescent tube
in the kitchen, bathing the entire area in crisp,
white light. It is not unusual for a kitchen to be
equipped with 18 or more. What most people
don’t realise is that these mains-powered lights
are typically 50 watts each - so you could be
looking at 900+ watts of power just to illuminate
your kitchen (which is almost the same amount
of power used by a one bar electric fire)! Is this
the best replacement for the energy-efficient, but
now unfashionable, fluorescent tube?
THERE IS ANOTHER WAY…
For the kitchen and bathroom Aurora have
brought out a low-energy fitting to replace
the power-hungry halogen bulbs found in
mains-powered down-lighters. These energy-
efficient replacements provide a similar
amount of illumination to the 50 watt option,
while only consuming 11 watts of power – a
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saving of almost 80% - and they last, too.
The manufacturer claims 8,000 hours in not
unreasonable - that’s six years typical usage. The
best news is that you need not replace the lot in
one hit; simply stock up on the energy-savers,
and replace the halogens as and when they
naturally reach the end of their pitifully short lives.
FOR THE REST OF THE HOUSE
There is the Sylvania Mini Lynx Fast-Start and the
Compact. The most important features of Mini-
Lynx Fast-Start and Mini-Lynx Compact lamps are:
n 80% energy savings, compared to
standard incandescent light bulbs
n Very small dimensions; gone are the
unsightly protrusions from the shade
n Instant ‘flicker-free start’, with no
switch delay
n Available in a variety of colours -
Homelight, Coolwhite and Daylight -
and in a wide range of wattages
DON’T FORGET OUTSIDEYou can cut your costs by 80% on your coach-light
in the porch. Or if you use halogen security lights,
these too can be improved by a couple of energy-
saving options. There is the a 24 watt option,
which can easily be fitted in place of the traditional
500 watt halogen, without changing the lamp. Or, if
a new light is required, there is a ranger of options
available, including integrated sensor lights.
If reliability is a concern then you may take
comfort from the fact that many airports, such as
Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester,
use Sylvania lamps, as well as M&S in Canterbury
and Mc Arthur Glen Designer Outlet.
Whitstable’s own Premier Electrical Supplies has
been satisfying the needs of the community for
almost 20 years, and is offering IMP readers
exclusive discounts across the board:
n Buy any 5 from the state-of-the-art Sylvania
range and get another 5 free!
n Buy 5 of the GU10 down-lighter range and
receive an additional unit free!
n You can save money while you save money!
To see how much money you can save, log on
to www.save-the-penguin.com and click ‘Do
the test! Calculate your advantage’ and enter a
kHw/h price of 10p (0.10).
Or call one of the helpful Premier Electric Team on 01227 282 386.
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet
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Having over 16 years in the electrical wholesale
business, we pride ourselves on realising
our customer needs on an individual basis
The company provide products and a level of service previously associated with a large ‘National Chain’, providing a comprehensive supply and service, but still maintaining the ‘Personal Touch’. We also offer a free design service for the following
n Commercial Lighting n Fire Alarm n CCTV n Electric Heating n Ventilation n Control Panels n Switchgear n Data Networking
T: 01227 282386 n F: 01227 282387
Premier Electrical Supplies131/132 John Wilson Business Park, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3QY
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SEE PAGE 16 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION!
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Most weekends see many Whitstable pubs throwing open their doors to followers
of live music. On Friday through to Sunday The Old Neptune, Duke of Cumberland, The East Kent and The Coach and Horses (to name a few) will have audiences dancing to the many great bands that play there in the evenings. Many of the bands that play at these venues are home-grown talent, and venues staging live music are a vital springboard for local musicians to be heard. But one pub in Whitstable has bucked the weekend trend and now stages music on a weekday night, when many pubs are quiet due to the mid-week lull. Tucked away in Island Wall, just behind Somerfield, is The Smack, a small but appropriately intimate pub for staging Open Mic Night sessions every Wednesday. Run by Landlady Karen Turner and partner Steve Pearson, The Smack is one of Shepherd Neame’s outlets, and offers a performance opportunity to anyone who can sing, play guitar or simply wants practise their live performance to an appreciative crowd of regulars. Its 8 x 3ft stage in the corner of the back bar was also used as a platform for aspiring comedians during September’s Whitstable Winkle Comedy Festival, organised by local comic Steve Graham. The stage is barely large enough to hold three musicians and their equipment, but it doesn’t need to be any bigger than this as most participants are either solo acts or duos, and the tiny room ensures that the acts are enthusiastically received, rather than drowned out by audience noise.
you cat sit back and enjoy a pint beside the log fire as regulars such as CJ, Paul The other one, and Chad Anton take to the stage to perform their latest compositions, or simply play an old favourite to the
OPEN MIC NIGHTS AT
regulars that return every week to listen to them. The talented CJ, who also plays drums with the likes of Whitstable-based Emily and The Beast and Lee Thompson (G ‘n’ T Experiment), not only performs, but also acts as in-house sound engineer.
Singers from some of the better-known bands around Whitstable often take to the stage solo to deliver acoustic versions of well-known band songs, and are often joined by first-timers honing their performing skills. The stage wall
is plastered with tattered posters bearing testimony to the performing alumni that have played at The Smack since Open Mic Nights began over ten years ago. Patrick Redford, Nigel Hobbins and the legendary Luke Smith once entertained the regulars, and even local folk performers The Whitstable Hoodeners have entertained there! Then, as now, every performer is welcomed by an audience eager to be a part of an event that invites you to “Come along and enjoy the evening – or just chat with other musicians.” Eleven spots are available between 8.30 and 11pm for performers keen to play in this quirky pub, which seems to have successfully avoided the modernisation that has diminished the character of so many pubs around Kent. Cover versions of old songs are played alongside self-penned numbers, and it seems that the musicians taking part don’t need any additional motivation to get up on the stage. That said, a poster promises a free drink for anyone performing original material – aspiring songwriters, take note! you’re guaranteed a relaxed evening’s entertainment here, and the different styles of music ensure that the evening never becomes predictable. Radiohead, whose live sound engineer Jim Warren has musical links with Whitstable, once sang ‘Anyone can play guitar,’ and in The Smack Inn on a Wednesday night, that rule applies – anyone can get up and play. By Andy Capon
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SEE PAGE 16 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION!
OPEN MIC NIGHTS AT
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The spectre of a supermarket on the
harbour may have faded but that doesn’t
mean the port’s future is certain. In fact,
the group set up at the height of the public
outcry into the council’s proposals for the south
quay development is still as busy as ever. Liz
Crudgington talks strategy, sponsorship and
skills with Whitstable Harbour Watch.
It’s a year since People-Power won the day
in the battle of Whitstable Harbour. And it’s been
a busy one for members of Whitstable Harbour
Watch. The group did not fade away like the ink on the 18,000 signature petition it handed to the council and, although its activities now involve more meetings than marches, there is still plenty to do.
HARBOUR NEWSBY L IZ CRUDGINGTON
Members have held several discussions
with the harbour’s management board about
options for the future, along with the Whitstable
Improvement Trust and Whitstable Society, and
held their own successful forum at Whitstable
Umbrella Centre in September. So what has
been the outcome of all these discussions?
Well, no grand decisions have been made,
but those behind the successful campaign to
scrap the supermarket scheme - along with
other options for a pub and hotel - believe that is
no bad thing. Spokesman Maureen Smith said:
“What is evident from the meetings is that there
is no clear vision in either the Harbour Board or
the Council as to how to develop the harbour for
the greatest benefit of the people of the town.
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HARBOUR NEWSBY L IZ CRUDGINGTON
Discussions at our forum quickly illustrated how
deeply the harbour engages the imagination
and concerns of people. What they articlulated
was the desire for a vision for the harbour which
would encompass its many possibilities.”
Among the 60 people at the forum were
representatives from Whitstable Improvement
Trust, Whitstable Society, Whitstable Chamber of
Commerce, harbour users and Transition Town
Whitstable, as well as pupils from Swalecliffe
Primary School. They all agreed that such a
vision should include three key elements, of
which the most important was preserving the
working aspects of the port and maybe even
expanding them with more support for the fishing
industry. The forum also felt that the harbour
should be a focus for education, developing skills
in marine, renewable and creative industries,
including formal apprenticeships. And its place
as a valuable community resource was also
highlighted, particularly by the children, along
with the regular events like Harbour Day and the
Oyster Festival held there.
Maureen said: “A wide range of possibilities
was floated during the day - recreational and
social projects, supporting the growing creative
sector in the town, developing renewable energy
projects. But it was clear to all participants that
we cannot sensibly develop a strategic vision
for the harbour without having a comprehensive
plan for Whitstable.” The group’s next step is
to present their findings to the Harbour Board
and the Council, in a bid to encourage them to
come up with such a plan, tackling everything
from transport to employment issues. “We hope
it will be accepted as a contribution to thinking
strategically about the harbour, and its central
role in the life of the town, and help kick-start the
process for developing the wider vision for the
whole of Whitstable,” said Maureen.
For more information on the group or to get
involved, visit www.handsoffourharbour.co.uk
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It’s easy to reduce energy usage every time you buy your food if you make informed choices. Ripple Farm Organics show us how...
Reduce Food MilesBuying direct from a local producer cuts out
the food miles associated with supermarket
produce. Take the example of a carrot grown
5 miles from you. If you buy your carrot direct,
at your local Farmers’ Market, for example, or
through a local box scheme, the carrot travels 1
mile from field to packing shed and 5 miles from
packing shed to you. But if you bought the same
carrot from your nearest supermarket, it may well
have travelled to a packing shed, then miles to a
distribution depot before travelling back to your
local supermarket - one well travelled carrot!
But looking at ‘food miles’ on its own is a very
simplistic way of measuring the energy used
to get your food to your table. The growing
methods and packaging are just as important...
Reduce Energy - Use the ‘Local & Organic’ Way
Organic GrowingOrganic Farming uses less energy per kilo of
food produced. Organic farmers do not use
synthetic nitrogen fertilizer, which uses huge
amounts of fossil fuels to manufacture. Instead,
organic growers use ‘green manures’ for building
fertile, nutrient-rich soils. With good organic
management of soils, CO2 is removed from the
atmosphere and accumulated by increasing
levels of organic matter in the soil, a process
known as carbon sequestration.
Seasonal, as Nature IntendedThere are other choices you can make when
buying your food to reduce energy usage, such
as avoiding excess packaging and looking for
seasonal produce. If you’re buying strawberries
for your New Year detox, remember that they
must have either been grown in the Southern
Hemisphere and therefore travelled a great
distance, or that they’ve only travelled from Spain
but they have been grown in a heated greenhouse.
Ripple Farm Organics www.ripplefarmorganics.co.uk
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Canterbury Golf ClubWe have membership vacancies for5 Day Members @ £680 before MarchFirst 20 – No Joining FeeCall 01227 453532 for details Does your membership include discounted golf at Ashford, Walmer and Kingsdown, Sene Valley and new for 2009 – Tenterden? Ours does!
Limited 7 day membership vacanciesLess than 25 minutes from Whitstable town centre
Canterbury Golf ClubA Harry Colt Designed Course. Quality Since 1927
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Wondering what to do with your garden now that the days are drawing in? Garden Designer Dominic Brice shares some wintry gardening tips...
We have been rather spoilt in recent
years with mild winters - I remember
last year, some trees were still in leaf
at Christmas time. Alas, this year we are back
to a traditional English winter of rain, hard frosts
and even snow. But as always there are still
lots of jobs to be done in the garden! So don
your wellies and put on that Christmas woolly,
because work done now will pay dividends later
in the year.
Apples & pearsAt this time of year, apple and pear trees are
dormant and so it’s a good time to do a bit
of pruning and thinning out. Cut back the
new growth to one or two buds, and thin out
branches that are twisted or rubbing other
branches. Doing these jobs will increase light
and promote a good fl ow of air through the tree,
thus rewarding you with a healthier crop.
GARDENING TIPSHedge your bets January is the perfect time to plant a hedge. Bare
root or root-balled hedging is much cheaper than
pot-grown plants, so take advantage of the saving
and get bigger plants for the same price! Just
make sure that you secure the plants with stakes
while the hedge establishes itself. Most good
nurseries will be able to supply bare-root hedging
to order. Remember to keep the roots from drying
out and plant it as soon as possible into a well-
prepared trench.
What’s looking good? The Snowdrop (Galanthus Nivalis) is the
first of the flowering bulbs and brings
welcome cheer in the depths of winter; its
skinny, smooth green leaves with lanterns
of pure white always make me think of the
FOR JANUARY
Galanthus Nivalis (Snowdrop)
If you have any questions, feedback, or interesting gardening stories or tips, please share them with us – email [email protected] or write to PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH
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approaching spring. Clumps of Snowdrops
should be regularly divided after flowering in
late winter, to prevent congestion.
Dogwoods are also now standing out in the
garden, with their brilliant displays of colour,
especially Cornus alba ‘sibirica’, a Dogwood
that has bright red winter shoots and red
autumn leaves. Dogwoods should always be
pruned back hard in the spring to encourage
new growth. The bright colour comes from the
new stems that grow during the summer.
My favorite Dogwood is Cornus Sanguinea
(Winter Beauty). it has a wonderful mix of
colours that remind me of of a cozy fi re. It
really stands out on frosty mornings, creating
a focal point when everything else is lost under
an icy layer.
Quick tips for January
n Don’t forget to break the ice in your pond and remove ice from birdbaths to give birds and wildlife somewhere to drink.
n Order your summer bulbs ready for spring.
n If you need landscaping work done for the summer, start planning now; landscapers are always busy in the Spring.
n Remove all debris from borders, cut back and tidy up Perennials, and dig in your home-made compost.
n Remove heavy snow from conifers and shrubs, as well as from your
greenhouse roof.
By Dominic Brice
www.tranquil-earth.co.uk
There are many Dogwoods to choose from to add colour to your garden
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If you have any questions, feedback, or interesting gardening stories or tips, please share them with us – email [email protected] or write to PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH
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January is here, and what better way to
start the year than by blowing some fresh
energy through your system. It is more
than likely that we will all have overindulged in
some way or another during the festive holidays,
whether it be drinks, rich foods (or the company
of in-laws!) and January is the time for putting it
all behind us and starting over. Renew, rejuvenate
and refresh body, mind and soul with my three
simple steps this month, and feel the energy start
to flow back into your life...
Practice Kappalabhati Breathing – ‘Bellows Breath’What better way to refresh the system than by
clearing out the old stale energy and replacing
it; boosting oxygen supplies to the brain and
detoxing the entire system.
Kappalabhati should be practised on an
empty stomach, sitting upright, either on a chair,
sitting on the heels, or crossed-legged.
Relax the shoulders, relax the legs and keep
the back nice and straight. Breathe in deeply,
pushing the stomach out as far as you can like a
balloon, then snap the belly in suddenly, pulling in
the tummy in one quick, sharp movement. Then
breathe in again, pushing the belly out fully, then
again snap the belly in, breathing out sharply as if
someone has just punched you in the stomach.
Repeat this exercise, and when you feel
comfortable with the pattern you can speed up
a little and, eventually, you may get the the stage
where you don’t need to inhale after snapping in
the belly, by just relaxing the abdominal muscles,
air will be drawn naturally like the bellows allowing
you to exhale again and snap in the tummy.
Each day, try to do 3 rounds of about 30, and
then sit calmly and notice how you feel. It really
does give you a lift!
Do not practise during pregnancy or if you
have high blood pressure. If you feel dizzy at any
time return the breath to normal and sit calmly
until the dizziness passes.
ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO... Energise your New Year
Bellows breath
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Practice the sphinxThe sphinx yoga pose increases energy, boosts
the immune system, improves circulation,
improves posture and cleans out the stale air in
the lungs. Try to do this pose each day to get the
most benefit.
Lie on your tummy with tops of the feet flat to
the floor and legs together. Lift your upper body
and place your elbows under your shoulders, upper
arms vertical, with the arms in to the body. Don’t
sink into the shoulders, rather push into the floor
with the elbows so the shoulders are away from the
ears. Look straight ahead with the neck nice and
long and breathe deeply here 10 to 20 times, with
your awareness on the centre of your chest. Rest in
the child pose afterwards, bottom on the heels and
forehead to the floor, relaxing the spine.
Plan a relaxing breakOf course Whitstable folk are never far from
the sea, and the lovely fresh seaside air can be
very energising. Sometimes though, a change
of scene can be very refreshing and uplifting -
planning a relaxing getaway will give January
a great boost of energy, as you will feel you
have something very special to look forward to
to keep your energy flowing through the winter
months. The market these days is saturated with
spa breaks, walking holidays, art holidays and
of course yoga holidays - it depends on your
budget and where you want to be, but here are a
few websites to start you off:
www.freespirituk.com
www.yogaholidays.net
www.davidnappfineart.com
www.houses-in-italy.co.uk
And finally at www.shanticentre.com we are
offering half-price Yoga Holidays for May and
September! Maybe see you there!
Article by Stephanie Shanti
Sphinx pose
Child pose
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ADULT LEARNING
If the credit crunch is squeezing your industry, learning new skills can be a great way to protect your job or equip you for a new career. The Learndirect centre at the Community College, Whitstable, is perfectly placed to provide a range of courses for adult learners, who have been flocking there as the effects of the recession deepen. Liz Crudgington found out more...
Apensioner learning how to email
his grandchildren, a mother brushing up
on her skills before returning to work or
an employee earning more qualifications - these
are just some of the people you might bump into
during a visit to Whitstable’s Learndirect centre.
It offers more than 500 courses in
everything, from Maths and English to business
skills, including giving presentations or
communicating more effectively.
And as the credit crunch continues to bite,
staff at the centre say they are seeing more and
more people who want to give themselves the
edge in a competitive jobs market. Centre co-
ordinator Pauline Smith said: “We have been
working with the local jobcentres for some time
to help offer skills to jobseekers. However, not
only have we seen an increase in the number of
jobseekers accessing courses, but we have also
seen a large increase in local employees looking
to improve their skills and protect their careers, or
create new opportunities.”
All courses are delivered online, meaning they
can be accessed in the centre, or from home or
work. Learners visiting for the first time receive a
free information, advice and guidance session to
help determine what courses will meet their needs,
and they then develop an Individual Learning
Plan, which Pauline believes is a crucial step in
matching people to the right courses at the right
level. “We’re very proud of the effectiveness of this
service and were pleased to be awarded the Matrix
standard earlier in the year, which is a quality mark
recognising the high standard of information, advice
and guidance at the centre,” she said.
Among the most popular courses are Maths
and English, which lead to Nationally-recognised
awards in Adult Literacy and Numeracy. These
are equivalent to GCSE-standard, which is now
a requirement for many jobs, or to access Higher
and Further Education courses.
Computer courses are also very popular and
there is one for everyone, from beginners to
seasoned surfers and the Learndirect centre is
fully-accredited by the British Computer Society
to deliver the European Computer Driving
Licence, which is an Internationally-recognised
qualification covering all the major Microsoft
Office software.
To find out more about the courses on offer
or how the centre can help with business or
personal training needs, call 01227 278310,
email [email protected] or visit
www.learndirect.co.uk
By Liz Crudgington
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ADULT LEARNING Ripple Farm OrganicsLOCAL & ORGANIC
Organic Vegetable Box Scheme
Weekly delivery to 4 collection points in Whitstable
(& Other Deliveries within East Kent)
95% home-grown (approx.) Boxes cost £7, £9 & £12
01227 730898 (answer-phone) www.ripplefarmorganics.co.uk
Also at Whitstable Farmers Market, 2nd and 4th Sat. of each month
ORGANIC • SEASONALFRESH • LOCAL
Ripple Farm Organics Crundale, Canterbury CT4 7EB
Specialist home pattern service for all carpets, vinyls, laminates, woods and rugsFree underlay, grippers, door bars and fitting ON ALL CARPETS
Call us for a free estimate on: 01227 265544 or 07860 358552Family-run business Est.1971
The IMP January 09.indd 35 19/12/08 12:40:41
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INGREDIENTS• Onions and/or Leeks -
chopped
• Carrots, Swede, Celeriac - thinly sliced
• Parsnip, Squash - thinly sliced
• Winter Greens - shredded or grated
• Garlic/Herbs & Spices
• Oil for frying
If you have any favourite recipes you’d like to share, please send them in, with any relevant, good-quality photos, to: [email protected] or PO Box 290 Whitstable CT5 9AH
1Start by frying the onions and/or leeks,
and add some thin slices or sticks of carrot, swede, and celeriac.
2 When they’ve started to soften add parsnip
and squash (these take less time to cook than the carrots etc and both add sweetness to your dish). Slice them thinly or shave off slices with a peeler.
3 Then, when you’re nearly there (some
people like their veg crunchier than others!) add your shredded or grated greens, which could be any
of the following: cabbage, chard, kale, spinach, winter salad greens, such as pak-choi or mustard greens, or even slice up a few sprouts finely; and throw in.
4 Stir in some crushed garlic at the end and
any extra herbs or spices you fancy, and you’re done!
Delicious and nutritious on its own, or as a quick and easy-to-prepare vegetable side to your main meal.
January’s recipe was supplied by Ripple Farm Organics
Stir-Fried Winter Veg...It’s amazing what you can put in a stir-fry when you use your imagination...
recipe recipe recipe RECIPE recipe recipe recipe RECIPE
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INGREDIENTS• Onions and/or Leeks -
chopped
• Carrots, Swede, Celeriac - thinly sliced
• Parsnip, Squash - thinly sliced
• Winter Greens - shredded or grated
• Garlic/Herbs & Spices
• Oil for frying
If you have any favourite recipes you’d like to share, please send them in, with any relevant, good-quality photos, to: [email protected] or PO Box 290 Whitstable CT5 9AH
1Start by frying the onions and/or leeks,
and add some thin slices or sticks of carrot, swede, and celeriac.
2 When they’ve started to soften add parsnip
and squash (these take less time to cook than the carrots etc and both add sweetness to your dish). Slice them thinly or shave off slices with a peeler.
3 Then, when you’re nearly there (some
people like their veg crunchier than others!) add your shredded or grated greens, which could be any
of the following: cabbage, chard, kale, spinach, winter salad greens, such as pak-choi or mustard greens, or even slice up a few sprouts fi nely; and throw in.
4 Stir in some crushed garlic at the end and
any extra herbs or spices you fancy, and you’re done!
Delicious and nutritious on its own, or as a quick and easy-to-prepare vegetable side to your main meal.
January’s recipe was supplied by Ripple Farm Organics
Stir-FriedWinter Veg...It’s amazing what you can put in a stir-fry when you use your imagination...
recipe recipe recipe RECIPE recipe recipe recipe RECIPE
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Dear IMP,
Has anyone working for the council ever tried to cycle
with children along any of the roads? They keep saying
there is no money, but it is just getting spent on what
they think is important. Surely with carbon footprint
such an issue they should make the roads smoother
for our bike riders? It is very uncomfortable and quite
dangerous, especially for our children!
Debra Maybourne, Whitstable
Dear IMP,
We just wanted to say WOW! And thanks for giving us a mag dedicated to Whitstable. I really enjoyed reading it and so did my children. The size, layout and glossy feel make it different to anything else out there - can’t wait for the next issue!
Lucy, Micah and Saphia, Whitstable
Debra Maybourne, Whitstable
Dear IMP,
First of all congratulations on the launch of The IMP,
how lovely that we have a magazine that is solely for
and about our lovely town.
Given the news of the last fortnight that we may
be faced with losing our Woolworths, I have been
wondering how the town will cope without this handy
store and if we could start a little campaign to have a
Marks and Spencer in town. I know that on the whole
we don’t like chain stores in Whitstable and I do love all
of our arts & crafts and gift boutiques, which help keep
the Olde Worlde character of Whitstable, and which are
one of the reasons so many people move here and love
the town so much. However, I think that we will miss
Woolworths and do need the odd chain store in town,
and feel that Marks and Spencer will fi ll the gap nicely,
rather than an Iceland, who are proposing to buy out
some of the stores.
Do any other readers have
an opinion on this?
Heather Conroy, Whitstable
Dear IMP,
When I moved to Britain ten years ago I promised myself three things; never to complain about the weather (I love rain!), never to complain about public transport (there is not such a thing in South Africa) and never to complain about the NHS (again, such a system does not exist in South Africa). Having made these resolutions, I thought that I had absolutely nothing to complain about and that I indeed lived in a great country... Then, about three months ago, I moved to this magical town and, while I was perfectly happy in London, I realised that life could get even better. Whitstable is truly the loveliest place I have ever lived in. The people are kind and friendly. The school I send my son to is lovely and being so close to the ocean has renewed my zest for life. Now more than ever I have absolutely NOTHING to complain about.
Malissa Taylor, Whitstable
The IMP January 09.indd 38 19/12/08 12:40:52
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Dear IMP,
We just wanted to say WOW! And thanks for giving us a mag dedicated to Whitstable. I really enjoyed reading it and so did my children. The size, layout and glossy feel make it different to anything else out there - can’t wait for the next issue!
Lucy, Micah and Saphia, Whitstable
Dear IMP,
I love living in Whitstable, but the one thing that ruins it is dog poo! Why can’t the guilty dog owners be more responsible and carry a ‘poop-scoop’ or a plastic bag whenever they walk their dogs? It gets everywhere - on the wheels of prams and the kids’ shoes (and is then no doubt traipsed around the schools). So come on, please have a thought for the poor children and their poor parents left with the unenviable task of scraping off this smelly, unhygienic, needless fi lth!
Kristin, Whitstable Kristin, Whitstable
Dear IMP,
When I moved to Britain ten years ago I promised myself three things; never to complain about the weather (I love rain!), never to complain about public transport (there is not such a thing in South Africa) and never to complain about the NHS (again, such a system does not exist in South Africa). Having made these resolutions, I thought that I had absolutely nothing to complain about and that I indeed lived in a great country... Then, about three months ago, I moved to this magical town and, while I was perfectly happy in London, I realised that life could get even better. Whitstable is truly the loveliest place I have ever lived in. The people are kind and friendly. The school I send my son to is lovely and being so close to the ocean has renewed my zest for life. Now more than ever I have absolutely NOTHING to complain about.
Malissa Taylor, Whitstable
dogs? It gets everywhere - on the wheels of prams and
Write in with your points of view, questions or feedback, email [email protected] or write to: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable CT5 9AH
The IMP January 09.indd 39 19/12/08 12:40:58
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JANUARy HOROSCOPESCAPRICORNDecember 22 to January 21
January is a time for healing yourself
and rifts that may have come between you
and people around you. To help heal these
situations try to see the other people’s points of
view with compassion. Try to renew your spirit,
as you are being called to confront heroic tasks.
Old patterns can be burnt away this month,
leaving new horizons visible, but you must
be able to bear the heat. It is a good time to
visualise clearly what you want from the year. 10
is your special number this month.
AQUARIUSJanuary 21 to February 19
You are the creator this month,
you can make whatever you want to happen,
happen. However, don’t jump in too quickly;
in some situations caution is warranted. Look
deeper before proceeding. You can appear to
be the hanged man, the notions of sacrifi ce
and suspension may seem to be holding you
down, but you will slowly see that when you
turn your attention to your inner unconscious
patterns you can be released from these and
become the creator of your own destiny. The
number 12 is signifi cant this month.
PISCESFebruary 19 to March 21
You need to tune into a bit of silence.
Your life has been loud and hectic. Find the
silence within and you will again be able to
charge ahead, not taking no for an answer.
Expect miraculous solutions to appear this
month. You may be about to leave familial ground
and encounter life outside your safety zone, in
which you may unwittingly replay familial patterns.
Take care to practise acceptance to the feelings
that love may ignite. Your special number is 3.
ARIESMarch 21 to April 20
Now is the time to learn, study and
gather information. Be patient and enjoy being
a student because in the future you will be
called to turn your knowledge into action. So sit
tight this month and meditate on the concept
that you are the world and it is you. Clarity and
discrimination are needed and new strategies
will slowly emerge to birth a progressive way of
understanding the current situation. 1 is your
number of the month.
TAURUSApril 20 to May 21
You have been locked into your mind
of late and it is time now to break free and become
a lighter being, shining your rays onto the earth
and its inhabitants. You are being called to imagine
new ways of being. Uncertainty, confusion and
ambiguity may be present, as you are swimming
in unknown waters. But guidance will come from a
lighter mindset. You should feel lighter by the 18th.
GEMINIMay 21 to June 22
The festive season has brought you
to a place of exhaustion. This in turn has led you
to question many things. But this month you
should feel that all is well once again, you will
once again start to feel that loved ones you have
lost are at peace and you can begin to let go of
your worry. The wheel of fortune is turning in your
life now, and the fates are choosing new fortunes
for you, so release your worries and enjoy the
ride. Your number of the month is 10.
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CANCERJune 22 to July 23
This month, you are called to let go
of all that you are suppressing. Take some time
out to pamper yourself. When you look after
yourself, everybody benefi ts. This month you
will benefi t greatly from indulging yourself in
massage, or other treatments, they will help you
to release what you are suppressing. This month
augurs recognition and rewards for a job well
done. Through concentration, hard work and
focus you will manifest something of great value
and worth. Your number this month is 3.
LEOJuly 23 to August 22
January calls you to seek
compromise in every part of your life. When this
has been achieved, abundance will reign. You
will receive the money that you need, have faith.
You will benefi t from becoming more worldly and
accomplished in your chosen fi eld of endeavour,
and you can become responsible and successful
this month. Your lucky number is 12.
VIRGOAugust 22 to September 22
Have faith and hope because there
is something positive on the horizon that you
cannot see yet, but should be with you by the
fourth week of January. The key is to fi nd your
receptivity, to be open to new and exciting
opportunities as they present themselves to
you. This month you are given the permission
to have dominion over current situations and
the empowerment to be in control, but you may
need to be more assertive to truly feel alive this
month. Your number of the month is 4.
LIBRASeptember 22 to October 23
This month you need to let go of
miserly feelings and associates. Feel free and
rich with whatever you have and January will run
smoothly for you. A happy change or addition
is coming to your family. You must exorcize
the past and accept responsibility for what has
happened so that you can truly move on. This
will unleash a wealth of self-empowerment,
leaving you free and lifted to enjoy the rest of
the year. Confront your demons head-on and
richness will come to you. The numbers 4 and
20 are signifi cant.
SCORPIOOctober 23 to November 22
This year gives you the opportunity to
be the master of your own destiny. Starting mid-
January you will feel the power of mind enabling
you to create your dreams and make them reality.
You have a gift this month for working with young
people. Through nurturing and focussing talents,
you can gain security and stability. Reliability and
precision are called for though, so don’t skimp on
detail. Your number of the month is 12.
SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 to December 22
This month you have a unique
opportunity to become the master of your
own destiny. A happy move to a new place of
employment or home is on the cards, which
will usher in positive new energy. You will feel
optimism and courage this month, helping you
move forward, taking a new course of action
and instigating new plans in the world of travel,
career, creativity or study. 3 is your special
number this month.
Article by Stephanie Shanti
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ART AND ENTERTAINMENT
Lindley Players Pantomime, Dick Wittington Performances are from Tuesday, January 20. Call 01227 272042. CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Many of these activities may be term-time only, and some have waiting lists or need to be booked. Contact details are included for each listing, so please check before you arrive!
Babies
Enjoy Your Baby – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Tuesdays – New mums should receive an invite through their Health Visitor. Call Carol Fellowes on 01227 594417 for more info.
Baby bounce and rhyme – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street, first Tuesday of each month, 11-11.20am. Call 01227 273309.
Breastfeeding Clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Tuesdays, monthly, by appointment only, through midwife Ursula. Call 01227 263998.
Drop-in baby clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Thursday mornings, 9.30-11, no appointment necessary, just call in to see the health visitor for a chat and have your child weighed. Call 01227 263998.
Baby Massage – Whitstable Health Centre – 5-week courses, Friday mornings. 50p per session, massage oil provided. Call Carol Fellowes on 01227 594417 for more info.
Baby Massage – Joy Lane Children’s Centre. Friday mornings, drop-in from 10-11.30. Call Jo on 01227 594419.
Parent and Toddler
Button Tots – Lucerne Neighbourhood Centre, Faversham Road, Seasalter. Monday mornings 10-12, call Jane 01227 282732. 3 Years Plus Family Group – Westmeads Infant School, Cromwell Road, Monday afternoons 1.45-2.45. Children can play while parents chat and the sessions provide a gentle link to school. Call 01227 272995.
Little Alfies – Seasalter Christian Centre, Faversham Road, fortnightly on Monday afternoons at 1.45, call 01227 276795.
Story time – Swalecliffe Library, Herne Bay Road, Swalecliffe, Monday afternoon 2-2.30, call 01227 792645.
Messy Play Sessions – Monday afternoon 12.45- 2.45. Old clothes a requirement! Term time only. Free of charge. Joy Lane Children’s Centre – 01227 263998.
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Playmates – Christian Fellowship Hall, Harbour St – Tuesday mornings 9.15-10.30 or 10.30-11.45. 50p per family. Currently full but spaces expected in New Year – call Diane Wilkin 01227 263393.
Tots @ TEC – Tankerton Evangelical Church Hall, Northwood Road, Tankerton, Tuesday mornings 10-11.30, £1 per family, open to children from 0-5, call 01227 794328. Seasalter Christian Centre parent and toddler group – Faversham Road, Seasalter, Tuesday afternoons, 1.30-3, £1 per family, call Jane Myhill 01227 770257
All Saints Parent and Toddler Group – Shirley Hall, Church Street – Wednesday afternoons, 1.15-2.45. 50p per family. Term-time only – Call Sue Smith 01227 471325.
Little Lights – St Alphege Church, High Street, second Wednesday of each month, 1.45pm, call 01227 272798. Little Oysters story time – Whitstable Museum and Gallery, last Wednesday of each month, 1.30-2.30pm, £2 per child, adults free, stories and crafts for under fives, materials and refreshments provided. Call 01227 276998.
Parent and Toddler Group – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Thursday mornings, 9-11.30 in the large crèche room. All welcome. Free of charge – 01227 263998.
Chatterbox Baby and Toddler Group – St John’s Church Centre, St John’s Road, Swalecliffe. Friday mornings, 10-12, 50p per person including drink and biscuits, open to all with babies or pre-schoolers, call Sharon Braddy 01227 792835.
Story time – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street. Friday afternoon, 2-2.30, call 01227 273309.
Friday Fun Group – Middle Wall United Reformed Church – 9.30-11.30am. £1 per family. Waiting list, spaces from Spring/Summer ’09 – Contact Pat 01227 771766 or Rita 01227 263959.
FITNESS
Irish Dancing for Adults – Women’s Institute Hall, Joy Lane. Come along, get fitter and help shed those Christmas pounds! Mainly adults, Mondays 8-9pm. Call Janice on 07895 457020.
MARKETS/MEETINGS
Whitstable Farmers’ Market , Second and fourth Saturdays of each month. St Mary’s Hall, Oxford Street, 9.30 - 2, selling meat, fruit, vegetables, drink, cakes, crafts and with a Fair Trade cafe on site. Becky Richards 01227 770836.
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COMMUNITY GUIDE
Health
Blood Donation – 08457 711 711
Out of Hours Dispensing Pharmacies 0845 46 47
Drs’ Surgeries
Whitstable Health Centre – 0844 477 2566
Chestfield Medical Centre – 0844 477 3037
Out of Hours service – 0844 800 1234
Local Policing
Details of police surgeries and meetings: www.kent.police.uk Inspector for Whitstable is Gordon Etheridge, with Sergeant Dave Brenchley on 01227 868028.
ChestfieldPC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Mark Harriott 07772 226106
GorrellPCSO: Abi Symons 01227 868028
HarbourPC: Andy Camp 07980 683530; PCSO: Aaron Pedwell 07772 226035
Seasalter and YorklettsPCSO: Aarron Newell 01227 868028
SwalecliffePC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Graeme Downes 01227 868028
TankertonPC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Graeme Downes 01227 868028
LOCAL SERVICES
Alternative Therapies
Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Ear Candles, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage. In the comfort of your own home or in Debra’s therapy room. Call Debra Maybourne, Holistic Therapist, 01227 276 881 or 07872 622 023.
Hypnotherapy at Q Hypnotherapy, based in Whitstable. Details at www.Qhypnotherapy.co.uk. Call Lisa Barnett on 0800 612 8153.
Financial
Meridian Consutants, Independent Mortgage Specialists - Beat the Mortgage Credit Crunch. Don’t believe all you hear and read. Mortgages/Remortgages readily available. Call for an independent, unbiased, up-to-date quotation on 01227 266644.
Landscaping
Tranquil Earth Natural Garden Design Specializing in creating traditional and contemporary gardens, built with respect for the environment and to encourage wildlife. Visit www.tranquil-earth.co.uk for garden ideas.
Retailers
Allbits Plubing Supplies Ltd - visit our showroom or call now for great bathroom offers: 01227 281 648.
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Crackin’ Glass - FREE ESTIMATES on replacement single pane glass of all types. To book a free quotation, call 01227 711151.
Herne Bay Mobility - Fantastic January Offers. Visit the showroom or call for a free catalogue or to arrange a free demonstration on 01227 710055.
Home Choice Carpets - Specialist home pattern service for all carpets, vinyls, laminates, woods and rugs. Free underlay, grippers, door bars and fitting on ALL CARPETS. Call for a free estimate on 01227 265544 or 07860 358552.
Invicta Gas Ltd - Save up to 40% on your gas bill with a new boiler. Call today for a FREE home quotation: 01227 770 510.
The Kitchen Door Company - Why buy a new kitchen when you can change your doors? Over 30 designs in 45 different colours. Doors made to measure. Call 01227 791 850 or 07872 610 326.
Premier Electrical Supplies - Comprehensive supply and service with a personal touch. Call 01227 282 386.
Ripple Farm Organics - Local and organic vegetable box scheme - weekly delivery to 4 collection points in Whitstable (& other deliveries in East Kent). Visit www.ripplefarmorganics.co.uk or call 01227 730 898 and leave a message.
FURTHER AFIELD
Relaxing breaks
Yoga Holidays at shanticentre.com - half-price holidays available in the beautiful Italian mountains for May and September 2009. Go to www.shanticentre.com for further information or to book your place.
www.freespirituk.com
www.yogaholidays.net
www.davidnappfineart.com
www.houses-in-italy.co.uk
Non-profit listings are free of charge. Business listings work out at £5 per month or less. If you were not included this month, please mail us your listings – [email protected]
For display advertising please contact [email protected] or call freephone 0800 44 88 309. In all cases, if you would rather write, our address is: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH.
ALL LISTINGS AND ADVERTISERS in the magazine will also appear on our website directory at: www.the-imp.co.uk free of charge.
The IMP January 09.indd 45 19/12/08 12:41:04
QUICK COMPETITION
QUESTION: WHAT WAS... THE CHEESE BOX?The Cheese Box in Whitstable is a relatively new phenomenon - but what used to be there? If you think you know, write in with your answers to be included in our prize draw. The fi rst person with the correct answer to be
pulled from the draw will receive a Philips MP3 Player!
WIN A PHILIPS MP3 PLAYER
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To enter, email: [email protected] or write to PO Box 290, Whitstable CT5 9AH with your answer. The lucky winner will be announced in the February issue. Good luck!
QUESTION: WHAT WAS... THE CHEESE BOX?QUESTION: WHAT WAS... THE CHEESE BOX?
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The IMP January 09.indd 47 19/12/08 12:41:13
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